Charter

Definition

Charter refers to a formal document issued by a government or authority, granting rights, powers, or privileges to an individual, organization, or institution. It can also refer to the act of hiring or leasing a vehicle, aircraft, or boat for private use.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtʃɑːrtər/
• Respelling: CHAR-ter

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtʃɑːtə/
• Respelling: CHAHT-uh

The primary difference in pronunciation between American and British English lies in the treatment of the final "r," which is pronounced in American English but typically silent in British English.

Etymology

The word "charter" comes from the Old French term "charte," which means a document or paper, and is derived from the Latin "charta," meaning paper or a card. The word has been used since the Middle Ages to refer to official documents that grant rights or privileges.

Derivatives

• Chartered (adjective)
• Charterer (noun)
• Charter-party (noun)
• Charterhouse (noun)
• Chartering (verb)

Synonyms

• License
• Contract
• Accord

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The word "charter" is commonly used in both legal and commercial contexts. For example, "The city was granted a royal charter in the 12th century," or "They decided to charter a private jet for their vacation." It is also used in the context of establishing institutions, such as "The university was founded by a charter granted by the state."

Related Terms

• Constitution: A set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is governed.
• Decree: An official order issued by a legal authority.
• Lease: A contract by which one party conveys land, property, services, etc., to another for a specified time, usually in return for a periodic payment.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A formal document granting rights or privileges: Refers to an official paper issued by a government or authority to authorize or establish something.
  • Example: "The company operates under a charter granted by the state."
• The hiring of a vehicle, boat, or aircraft for private use: Refers to the act of renting or leasing a mode of transportation for personal or exclusive use.
  • Example: "They organized a charter for the yacht to sail the Caribbean."

Verb

• To grant a charter to: Refers to the act of providing an official document that bestows rights or privileges.
  • Example: "The government decided to charter a new university."
• To hire or lease a vehicle, boat, or aircraft: Refers to the act of renting a mode of transportation for a specific period or purpose.
  • Example: "They decided to charter a plane for their business trip."