donation - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
donation Word Meanings
- a gift or contribution to a charity
- the act of giving something voluntarily
- a payment made for a specific purpose.
donation Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
donation Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/dəʊˈneɪʃən/
US
/doʊˈneɪʃən/
donation Word Etymology
decomposition: donare (Latin) = give; historical origin: Latin → Old French → English; memory image: imagine someone giving a wrapped gift as a symbol of goodwill and support to those in need.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I move my hand to my wallet, feeling the weight of possibility as I pull out a few bills. I adjust the amount on the screen and keep my finger steady while I confirm the gift. A quiet decision settles in my chest, and I place the donation in the right spot. Later, the act of giving keeps echoing in my daily life, especially when I see messages from a charity and think back to this small moment.
Real Context
Donations are gifts or contributions made to a charity or cause to support its work. The word emphasizes voluntary giving, often in response to campaigns, fundraisers, or disasters. A donation can be money, goods, or time volunteered, and it can be tax-deductible in many countries. People speak of making a donation to a nonprofit, asking for donations, or donating in someone's memory. In everyday use one might say, 'Thank you for your donation' and discuss how donations help fund programs and services. The tone is neutral and generous, focusing on support rather than payment for a service.
Usage Reminders
- make a donation
- donate money to a charity
- donation is a countable noun
- use to/for to indicate recipients
- tax-deductible donation is common in fundraising
- practice with real charity websites
Common Misconceptions
- A donation is always money
- Donations are always one-time
- Donation and gift mean exactly the same thing
- All donations are tax-deductible
- A donation is payment for a service
Thinking Differences
English treats donation as a countable act or event and bundles common collocations like make a donation, charitable donation, and donate money; learners often confuse donation with a gift and mix up to/for with the recipient.
Learning Tips
- Learn common collocations: make a donation, donate money, charitable donation
- Note that donation is a countable noun
- Use to after donation when indicating the recipient: donation to a charity
- Differentiate donation from gift: donation implies charitable purpose
- Watch plural form: donations
- Practice with real charity sites and donation forms
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'donation'?
A.Gift of money or goods for a charitable cause
B.Device used to cut vegetables
C.Colorful decoration for a party
D.Place where books are kept
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'donation' correctly?
A.The donation of birds could be heard early in the morning.
B.He donated his old shoes to the trash bin.
C.She received a donation of a new bicycle as a birthday gift.
D.Their garden was filled with beautiful donations of flowers.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'donation'?
A.Decision
B.Benefit
C.Chapter
D.Sequence
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'donation'?
A.Reception
B.Refusal
C.Adoption
D.Acknowledgment
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario involving giving something to charity?
A.Helping a friend with homework
B.Volunteering at a local shelter
C.Attending a birthday party
D.Going for a walk in the park
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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