Charter
/ˈtʃɑːrtər/
Definitions
2 meaningsA document that formally establishes an organization, institution, or group, granting it certain rights and privileges.
/ˈtʃɑːrtər/
A written document granting rights or privileges.
The city received a charter granting it self-governance.
💡 Simply: Imagine a special permission slip – that's a charter! Like a club gets a charter to officially exist and do things.
👶 For kids: It's like a special paper that says you can do something!
More Examples
The university operates under its own charter.
How It's Used
"The company obtained a charter to operate in the country."
"The Magna Carta is a historic charter of rights."
To rent or hire, especially a vehicle, particularly an aircraft or a boat, for a specific purpose or period of time.
/ˈtʃɑːrtər/
To hire or rent (a vehicle, especially an aircraft).
They chartered a yacht for their honeymoon.
💡 Simply: It's like borrowing a car or a plane, but for a special occasion. You 'charter' a bus for a school trip.
👶 For kids: To rent something big, like a boat or a plane.
More Examples
The company chartered a bus to transport its employees.
How It's Used
"We chartered a plane for the trip."
Idioms & expressions
to charter a course
To set a course of action or direction.
"The company chartered a new course toward sustainability."
From Old French chartre "written document, deed," from Latin charta "paper, papyrus sheet."
Historically, 'charter' referred primarily to legal documents granting privileges. Its use to describe renting vehicles emerged later.
Memory tip
Think 'chart' – a charter lays out the course or rights.
Word Origin
"paper, papyrus sheet"