charites: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

B1
UK/ˈtʃær.ɪ.tiz/US/ˈtʃer.ə.tiz/

Neutral to formal, widely used in all contexts.

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Quick answer

What does “charites” mean?

organizations that help people in need and rely on donations.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

organizations that help people in need and rely on donations

Organizations set up to provide help and raise money for those in need, often focusing on specific causes like health, poverty, education, or the environment. Can also refer to acts of kindness and goodwill towards others.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Very little difference in core meaning or usage. The administrative structures (e.g., 'charitable trust') might have different legal definitions.

Connotations

Consistently positive in both varieties.

Frequency

Equally common in both BrE and AmE.

Grammar

How to Use “charites” in a Sentence

donate/give money to charitieswork for/with charitiescharities that focus on [cause]

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
support charitiesdonate to charitieslocal charitiesinternational charitiesregistered charities
medium
run a charitygive to charitycharity workcharity eventcharity shop (BrE) / thrift store (AmE)
weak
major charitiesworthy charitieschildren's charitiescharity begins at home (idiom)

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Corporate social responsibility often involves partnerships with charities.

Academic

Studied in sociology, economics, and public policy for their role in civil society.

Everyday

Discussing donations, volunteer work, or fundraising events.

Technical

Legal and financial distinctions (e.g., 501(c)(3) in US, charitable status in UK).

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “charites”

Strong

philanthropies

Neutral

non-profitsnon-profit organizationsvoluntary organizationsgood causes

Weak

foundationstrusts

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “charites”

for-profit corporationsbusinesses

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “charites”

  • Using a singular verb with the plural 'charities' (e.g., 'Charities needs help' is incorrect; correct is 'Charities need help').

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

All charities are non-profits, but not all non-profits are charities. 'Charity' often implies a specific social or humanitarian mission and, in many countries, comes with a particular tax status.

Primarily yes, as a countable noun. The uncountable noun 'charity' refers to the general act of giving (e.g., 'do it out of charity').

Both are correct. 'Give to charity' is a general statement about the act. 'Give to charities' is more specific, implying you are supporting specific organizations.

This is a British term for a shop (often run by a charity like Oxfam) that sells second-hand donated goods to raise funds. The American equivalent is typically a 'thrift store'.

organizations that help people in need and rely on donations.

Charites is usually neutral to formal, widely used in all contexts. in register.

Charites: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃær.ɪ.tiz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃer.ə.tiz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • Charity begins at home.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of 'SHARE-it-ease' – charities make it easier to share with those in need.

Conceptual Metaphor

CHARITY IS A CONTAINER FOR GOODWILL / CHARITY IS A LIFELINE.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
It's important to research before you decide where to donate.
Multiple Choice

What is a key feature of most charities?