B1verb1K

Donate

UK /["/dəʊˈneɪt/","/dəʊˈneɪts/","/dəʊˈneɪtɪd/","/dəʊˈneɪtɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈdəʊneɪt/","/ˈdəʊneɪts/","/ˈdəʊneɪtɪd/","/ˈdəʊneɪtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to give money, food, clothes, etc. to somebody/something, especially a charity

In simple words: To give money or goods to help someone or a cause.

Examples

  • He **donated** thousands of pounds **to charity**.
  • People wishing to donate to the appeal can buy a poppy from today until November 11.
  • The organization suggests ways to help besides **donating money**.
  • an auction of pieces donated by the artists themselves
  • I would like to thank our sponsors, The Woodworks, for donating the prizes for this competition.
  • I've been **donating blood** regularly for a few years now.
  • to donate organs/sperm/eggs
  • All donated blood is tested for HIV and other infections.
  • He donated a kidney to his mother.

Usage notes

Use 'donate' when giving to charities or causes. It is neutral and suitable for formal or informal contexts. Avoid using it in everyday situations where 'give' might be more appropriate.

Grammar pattern

donate + object

Memory hint

Think of 'donate' like 'donuts'—giving something sweet to others.

Collocations

  • donate money
  • donate clothes
  • donate to charity
  • donate food
  • donate supplies

Synonyms

  • contribute
  • give
  • present
  • bestow
  • offer

Antonyms

  • withhold
  • take
  • keep

Common mistakes

  • 'Donated' is sometimes wrongly used instead of 'donate' in future tense.
  • Confusion between 'donate' and 'dedicate'.
  • 'Donator' is often mistakenly used instead of 'donor'.