What is charter? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of charter

charternoun

Điều lệ

/ˈtʃɑːtə(r)//ˈtʃɑːrtər/

Where does the word charter come from?

The word "charter" has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. It originates from the Latin word "charta," meaning "paper" or "sheet of papyrus." In the medieval period, a charter was a written document, often on parchment or vellum, that granted rights, privileges, or powers to an individual or institution. This could include royal charters, which were granted by monarchs to establish cities, towns, or guilds, or ecclesiastical charters, which were granted by the Church to establish monasteries or dioceses. Over time, the meaning of the word "charter" expanded to include not just the physical document but also the rights and privileges contained within it. Today, the term is commonly used in a variety of contexts, including business, education, and politics, to refer to a written agreement or contract that outlines the terms and conditions of an arrangement.

Vocabulary summary charter

typenoun

meaningcharter

exampleInternational Educators' Charter

examplethe Great Charter: Magna Carta of England (15 June 1215)

meaningprivilege

exampleto charter a ship

exampleto charter a bus

meaningcharter; charter party

typetransitive verb

meaningprivilege

exampleInternational Educators' Charter

examplethe Great Charter: Magna Carta of England (15 June 1215)

meaninghire (of a ship); (colloquial) vehicle

exampleto charter a ship

exampleto charter a bus

Example of vocabulary charternamespace

meaning

a written statement describing the rights that a particular group of people should have

  • the European Social Charter of workers’ rights
  • a rail passenger’s charter
  • a charter of rights for people with disabilities
meaning

a written statement of the principles and aims of an organization

  • the United Nations Charter
meaning

an official document stating that a government or political leader allows a new organization, town or university to be established and gives it particular rights

  • The Royal College received its charter as a university in 1967.
  • Certain towns were allowed to hold weekly markets, by royal charter.
meaning

a law or policy that seems likely to help people do something bad

  • The new law will be a charter for unscrupulous financial advisers.
  • a blackmailer’s charter
meaning

the hiring of a plane, boat, etc.

  • a yacht available for charter

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