Donate

Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/ˈdoʊ.neɪt/ or /dəʊˈneɪt/

Definitions

1. To give money, goods, or time voluntarily to a person or organization in need.
2. To contribute something as a gift, especially to a charitable cause.

Usage Examples

• She decided to donate a portion of her salary to the local shelter.
• They donated books to the school library.

Etymology

From Latin "donare," meaning "to give as a gift," derived from "donum," meaning "gift."

Synonyms

• Contribute
• Gift
• Bestow
• Grant

Antonyms

• Withhold
• Keep
• Take

Translations

(More translations in over 20 global and 30 Indian languages available upon request.)

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /dəʊˈneɪt/
• American English: /ˈdoʊ.neɪt/

Historical Usage

The term "donate" began appearing in the English language in the late 18th century, often referring to charitable giving in religious and social contexts.

Cultural Nuances

Donation practices vary widely across cultures, with some traditions placing a strong emphasis on giving as a religious or social duty, such as "Zakat" in Islam or "Tithing" in Christianity.

More Information

Donating plays a crucial role in philanthropy and social welfare. It fosters community support, aids in disaster relief, and helps address social inequalities. Modern donation methods include crowdfunding platforms, direct debit, and in-kind contributions.