donative

donative

A generous patron makes a large donative to the local library.

Definition

  1. Noun:

    • A gift or donation: "donative" refers to something given as a present, especially money or goods contributed to a charitable cause.
    • A gratuity or bonus: In historical or legal contexts, a "donative" can mean a monetary reward or bonus given voluntarily.

  2. Adjective:

    • Relating to a gift: "donative" describes something that is given as a gift or intended for donation, such as a "donative fund" or "donative act."
Usage Examples

  • Noun:

    • The charity received a substantial donative from an anonymous benefactor. (A large gift or donation was given.)
    • In medieval times, a donative was often given to soldiers as a reward for service. (A bonus or gratuity.)

  • Adjective:

    • The donative campaign raised enough money to build a new library. (The campaign related to collecting gifts or donations.)
    • She made a donative contribution to the local food bank. (A contribution meant as a gift.)
Advanced Usage

  • "donative intent": The intention behind giving a gift, often used in legal contexts to distinguish a true gift from a transaction.

    • The court examined the donor's donative intent to determine if the transfer was a gift. (The donor's purpose to give freely without expectation of return.)

  • "donative trust": A trust created to benefit a specific person or charity through gifts.

    • The will established a donative trust for his grandchildren's education. (A trust funded by donations.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Donate (verb): to give something, especially money or goods, to a person or organization.

    • Many people donate to disaster relief funds. (They give voluntarily.)

  • Donation (noun): the act of giving or the thing given.

    • Her donation of clothes helped the homeless shelter. (The gift itself.)

  • Donor (noun): a person who gives something.

    • The donor requested anonymity. (The giver.)
Synonyms
  • Gift: something given voluntarily without payment.
  • Contribution: something given to a common fund or cause.
  • Offering: something presented as a gift, often in a religious context.
Related Idioms
  • "The gift that keeps on giving": A phrase used to describe a donation or gift that has lasting benefits.
    • The scholarship fund is the gift that keeps on giving to future students. (The donation continues to help over time.)