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Alms Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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alms

[ษ‘หmz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

charity

Donations of money, food, or other items given to the poor or needy as an act of kindness.

Synonyms

charity, donation, gift.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
alms

This word is often used in religious or historical contexts to describe money or food given to the poor.

  • 'The monk gave alms to the beggars
  • ' 'He lived by begging for alms from the passersby
  • '
charity

This term is used more broadly to refer to any voluntary giving to those in need or organizations that help people. It can also mean the practice of helping others.

  • 'She spends a lot of time doing charity work
  • ' 'They donated a large sum to the children's charity
  • '
donation

This is a more formal term that refers to the act of giving money, goods, or time to a person or organization, typically without expecting anything in return.

  • 'He made a generous donation to the hospital
  • ' 'The library relies on donations to maintain its collection
  • '
gift

This word is used to describe something that is given willingly to someone without payment, typically for special occasions or as a token of appreciation.

  • 'She received a beautiful gift for her birthday
  • ' 'He gave her a gift as a token of his love
  • '

Examples of usage

  • She gave alms to the homeless man on the street.
  • The church collects alms for the less fortunate.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Religious Context

  • In many religions, giving alms is seen as a virtuous act. In Islam, it's one of the Five Pillars, emphasizing the importance of charity.
  • Christian teachings often highlight how giving to the needy not only assists them but enriches the giver's spirit.

Cultural Practices

  • In medieval Europe, almsgiving was a common practice, where wealthy individuals donated to the poor during festivals.
  • In some cultures, alms are officially distributed during certain religious holidays, reinforcing the social bond within communities.

Modern Usage

  • Today, the concept of alms has evolved, with many people donating through charities or direct aid organizations to support those in need.
  • The rise of technology has made it easier to give alms online, allowing for quick and efficient donations to various causes.

Philosophical Insights

  • Many philosophers discuss the moral responsibility of the wealthy to contribute to society and assist those in poverty.
  • The idea of almsgiving also raises questions about the ethics of givingโ€”how to give effectively without fostering dependency.

Origin of 'alms'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Old English term 'รฆlmesse', which comes from the Greek 'eleemosynฤ“', meaning charity.
  • Related words across languages show a common theme of giving; for example, 'almohad' in Spanish is linked to providing help.

The word 'alms' originated from the Old English word 'รฆlmesse', which in turn came from the Greek 'eleฤ“mosunฤ“'. The concept of giving alms has been present in various cultures and religions throughout history as a way to help those in need.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,812, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.