Etymology Map
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Charity

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means help given to those in need; an organization that gives it

Where does the word "charity" come from? It comes from Latin caritas, passing through Old French before entering English (1100s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
caritas
Latin · ancient
"dearness, love"
from 'carus', dear, the root of 'caress'
2
Stage 2 of 3
charité
Old French · medieval
"Christian love"
the church used it for love of God and neighbour
3
Stage 3 of 3
charity
English · 1100s
"Christian love"
narrowed to giving to the poor by the 1200s
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Read the full story

Charity’s story begins in Latin: caritas meant “dearness, love.” From 'carus', dear, the root of 'caress'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as charité. The church used it for love of God and neighbour. It reached English by 1100s as charity. Narrowed to giving to the poor by the 1200s. Today, charity means help given to those in need; an organization that gives it.