Charter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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charter
[ˈtʃɑːtər ]
Definitions
legal document
A charter is a legal document that establishes a corporate entity, such as a city or university, and outlines its rights, privileges, and responsibilities.
Synonyms
articles of incorporation, constitution.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| charter |
Often used to refer to a formal agreement or document that outlines the rights, duties, or privileges of an organization, institution, or company. It's commonly used in the context of schools, organizations, or public entities.
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| constitution |
Refers to the system of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state, organization, or other entity is governed. It's most often associated with countries or large organizations that require a comprehensive document outlining their key principles.
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| articles of incorporation |
Primarily used in a business or corporate setting to describe a legal document that establishes a corporation and provides details about its structure and purpose. This term is especially relevant when discussing the formation of companies.
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Examples of usage
- The city council approved the charter for the new university.
- The charter of the company was carefully reviewed by the legal team.
flight
A charter is also a flight rented by an individual or group for exclusive use, typically for travel to a specific destination.
Synonyms
private flight, rented flight.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| charter |
Typically used when referring to the hiring of an entire aircraft for a specific journey, often by a group or an organization. It can also be used for other types of hired transportation like buses or boats. Chartering usually implies an exclusive, pre-arranged service with a specific destination.
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| rented flight |
This phrase is less commonly used but generally refers to the act of renting an aircraft for a journey. It is functionally similar to 'charter' but may suggest a more casual or temporary arrangement.
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| private flight |
Used when referring to a flight that is not part of a commercial airline schedule and is typically arranged for personal or business use. It emphasizes privacy and convenience, often with enhanced services.
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Examples of usage
- The sports team chartered a flight to the championship game.
- We decided to charter a private plane for our vacation.
rent
To charter means to hire or lease a vehicle, especially a boat or plane, for exclusive use.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| charter |
Use when talking about renting or leasing a vehicle (usually a boat, bus, or aircraft) for a special purpose or a specific period of time, typically for a group or an organization.
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| hire |
Commonly used in British English for renting a temporary service or goods. It can also mean employing someone for a job. It’s less formal and generally applied to shorter durations.
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| lease |
Typically refers to a long-term rental agreement, often concerning property, land, or vehicles. It's more formal and legally binding compared to 'hire'.
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Examples of usage
- We decided to charter a yacht for the weekend.
- The company chartered a helicopter for the executive team.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word comes from the Latin 'charta', meaning 'paper' or 'map', which reflects its role in outlining specific agreements.
- In the Middle Ages, charters were often royal documents granting privileges to towns, universities, or organizations.
- Charters played a vital role during the development of trade and governance in medieval Europe, allowing cities to self-govern.
Political Impact
- Many countries have foundational charters that outline the rights and responsibilities of citizens, like the Magna Carta in England, established in 1215.
- The charter of the United Nations, created after World War II, aims to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations.
- Charters can provide a framework for new political entities, helping define relations and structures for emerging nations.
Educational Context
- Charter schools operate under a charter that allows them more flexibility in operations, curriculum, and teaching styles than traditional public schools.
- The charter movement began in the 1990s in the United States, promoting educational reform and innovation.
- Research shows varying success levels in charter schools compared to traditional public schools, sparking debates about educational efficacy.
Business and Economy
- In business, a charter can outline the purpose and governance structure of an organization, detailing how it will operate.
- Chartered companies, like the British East India Company, were granted monopolistic rights to trade and explore new territories.
- Many professions, such as accountants and engineers, require chartered status, reflecting recognized skills and adherence to ethical standards.
Origin of 'charter'
The word 'charter' originated from the Old French 'chartre', which in turn came from the Latin 'chartula', meaning 'little paper'. The concept of a charter as a legal document granting rights or privileges dates back to medieval times when monarchs used charters to grant land or establish towns. Over time, the term evolved to encompass various legal and transportation contexts.