Eleemosynary: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Eleemosynary adjective. Relating to or supported by charity.
How to say it
el-ih-ee-MOS-ih-nuh-ree/ˌɛlɪiːˈmɒsɪn(ə)ri/
7 syllables, stressed on the fourth (MOS).
Eleemosynary in a sentence
The old hospital was an eleemosynary foundation, treating the poor for nothing.
There’s something eleemosynary about the way he tips, as if handing out alms.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- charitable
- philanthropic
- benevolent
Where eleemosynary comes from
From Greek eleēmosynē, pity or alms, the same word that gave English alms.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
There’s something _____ about the way he tips, as if handing out alms.
- cheese-paring
- fiscal
- eleemosynary
Show the answer
eleemosynary: There’s something eleemosynary about the way he tips, as if handing out alms.