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almsgiver

almsgiver

9.3
A person who offers money, food, or other help to people in need
  • noun
  • /ˈɑlmzˌɡɪvər/
translation icon : limosnero
  • As an almsgiver, she often contributed to soup kitchens and shelters in her community.

Examples

  • God favors the almsgiver.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • If Pontius did not invent the basic facts about Cyprian's generosity as an almsgiver, what can we say about his reporting of Cyprian's motives?

    Academic text (2004)
  • How effective was Cyprian's appeal to the wealthy lapsi to be generous almsgivers?

    Academic text (2004)
  • The local charity appreciated the support of the almsgiver who donated food to the homeless.

  • During the winter, many almsgivers come together to provide warm clothing for those in need.

Synonyms

donor
vsalmsgiver
230 3.0

A person who gives money or things to help a charity

gives specifically to needy people rather than to institutions
giver
vsalmsgiver
56 1.0

A person who offers money or help to others without asking for anything back

specifies giving to needy people as a charitable act rather than general giving
benefactor
vsalmsgiver
46 4.6

A person who gives money or help to others

focuses on giving directly to needy individuals as charity rather than ongoing support
philanthropist
vsalmsgiver
30 7.0

A person who gives money to help people or charities

gives directly to needy people rather than organizing large donations
Good Samaritan
vsalmsgiver
15 4.3

A person who helps strangers without expecting anything in return

gives to needy people as planned charity rather than spontaneous aid
altruist
vsalmsgiver
3 6.7

A person who cares about others and helps them without expecting anything back

gives directly to needy people as a charitable act
succorer
vsalmsgiver
9.8

A person who helps others in trouble

gives to needy people generally not only during emergencies

How Generous

benefactor
46 4.6
almsgiver
9.3
donor
230 3.0
giver
56 1.0

Surface Forms

almsgiver singular
almsgivers plural

Morphology

almsgiver = alms + giver (transparent) = alms + giver

The meaning is a straightforward combination of 'alms' (charitable donations) and 'giver' (one who gives), so learners familiar with those parts can readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

The word almsgiver is made from alms, meaning 'charitable gifts', and giver, meaning 'one who gives'. The word alms comes from an old word meaning 'mercy', so an almsgiver is someone who gives to people in need out of mercy.