What does tithe mean?
A tithe is a payment or offering amounting to one tenth of something, especially income, crops, or another form of produce. Historically, tithes were commonly paid to churches, monasteries, or religious institutions, and the word also refers to taxes or compulsory contributions levied as a tenth. In contemporary religious usage, a tithe may be a voluntary gift given in response to religious teaching or obligation, often involving money. The verb “tithe” means to give or pay such a portion. The word has a formal and historical character because tithes were central to medieval Christian practice and appear in discussions of old taxation systems. It can also be used figuratively for a modest contribution or contribution of time, though that usage is less formal. Derived from Old English and connected with “ten” and “tenth,” a tithe literally represents one part in ten.
A tax, customary payment, or religious offering consisting of a tenth part of income, produce, or another resource.
"The landlord demanded a tithe of the tenants’ harvest."
The word is now chiefly historical, religious, or figurative; plural “tithes” is common.
To give or pay a tithe, especially one tenth of one’s income or produce.
"The congregation tithed part of its earnings to support the church’s work."
The verb is relatively uncommon and is most often encountered in historical, religious, or literary contexts.
The regular plural is used for individual payments or for the practice or system of paying tithes.
"The records list annual tithes paid in grain, livestock, and money."
The word “tithe” preserves an ancient idea: give one part in ten, whether as a religious offering, a customary payment, or a tax.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tithe come from?
The word comes from Old English ġīþ, meaning “a tenth part” or “tithe,” and is related to the Germanic and ultimately Indo-European words for “ten.” The Old English term was used for both religious payments and legally established dues. Its modern cognates include German Zehnt, Dutch tiende, and the English related word “tenth.”
Related word forms
How tithe is actually used
In modern English, “tithe” is most often historical, religious, or figurative. The noun commonly carries a formal or archaic tone, while the verb is chiefly literary or historical and describes paying a religious tenth.
Easily confused with tithe
A tithe is a payment or religious offering, whereas a tide is the periodic rise and fall of the sea or a flow of water.