charitable Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective relating to or characterized by charity
    • a charitable foundation
  2. adjective full of love and generosity
    • charitable to the poor
    • a charitable trust
  3. adjective satellite showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity
    sympathetic; kindly; benevolent; large-hearted; good-hearted; openhearted.
    • was charitable in his opinions of others
    • kindly criticism
    • a kindly act
    • sympathetic words
    • a large-hearted mentor

WordNet

Char"i*ta*ble adjective
Etymology
F. See Charity.
Definitions
  1. Full of love and good will; benevolent; kind.
    Be thy intents wicked or charitable, . . . . . . I will speak to thee. Shak.
  2. Liberal in judging of others; disposed to look on the best side, and to avoid harsh judgment.
  3. Liberal in benefactions to the poor; giving freely; generous; beneficent.
    What charitable men afford to beggars. Shak.
  4. Of or pertaining to charity; springing from, or intended for, charity; relating to almsgiving; elemosynary; as, a charitable institution.
  5. Dictated by kindness; favorable; lenient.
    By a charitable construction it may be a sermon. L. Andrews.
    Syn. -- Kind; beneficent; benevolent; generous; lenient; forgiving; helpful; liberal; favorable; indulgent.

Webster 1913