‘Donor’ vs. ‘Donator’: What is the Difference? 

Is it a 'donor' or a 'donator'? Is there a way to know? There is! 

In a nutshell: 

• Not every dictionary recognizes the word 'donator.' 
• 'Donator' can be a synonym for 'Donor,' but it is not commonly used. 
• 'Donor' is the proper term for someone who donates. 

Even if these words are synonyms, it is correct to use 'donor.' The rest of the article will explore appropriate uses and why one is used but not the other. Additionally, this guide will demonstrate synonyms, pronunciation, and examples. Continue reading this article to learn more about 'donor' and 'donator'!  

What is the Difference Between 'Donor' and 'Donator'? 

'Donor' and 'Donator' are both nouns that mean someone who gives money or goods. Typically, if used, 'donator' is used in legal writing rarely, whereas 'donor' is used everywhere else for someone who donates.  

The word history for both is the same: 

• Both words come from Middle English donoure, Anglo-French doneur, Latin donator, from donare. 

It is evident that these words mean the same thing, but the word 'donor' is more widely accepted. In rare circumstances, one would only use 'donator' in situations about the law or legal documents, but even that is no longer customary. Generally, avoid the term' donator' and use 'donor.'

When to Use 'Donor' 

'Donor' is a noun, but how does one use it in a sentence?  

• 'Donor' may refer to someone who has donated their blood at a blood drive.  

As an example, someone may say: 

She is a blood 'donor' because she donates whenever possible at the bus blood drives. 

• 'Donor' can also be used for other types of donations, such as monetary donations: 

At an event, you may hear them announce the following: 

The top 'donor' for this event has made tonight possible by donating all the funds for food, drinks, and entertainment.  

• 'Use 'donor' to describe someone who is a benefactor to your corporation.  

When thanking someone, you may say: 

I am thankful for the 'donor' because I would never have been able to start my business without them. They believed in me when no one else did, and I needed a leg up.  

• Use 'donors,' the plural version, when multiple people donate. 

As an example, I might say: 

Several 'donors' have impacted my life, for without them, I would not have been able to survive this year due to the financial and health hardships I have had.  

Definition of 'Donor': What Does 'Donor' Mean?

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 'donor' is: 

• One that gives, donates, or presents something. 
• One used as a source of biological material (such as blood or an organ) 

It is also used as: 

• A compound capable of giving up a part (such as an atom, chemical group, or subatomic particle) in combination with an acceptor. 
• An impurity is added to a semiconductor to increase the number of mobile electrons. 

Definition of 'Donator': What Does 'Donator' Mean?

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 'donator' is: 

• Donor 
• One who donates. 

Synonyms of 'Donor' and 'Donator'

• Angel 
• Benefactor 
• Donator 
• Fairy Godmother 
• Maecenas 
• Patron 
• Sugar Daddy 
• Contributor 
• Supporter 
• Giver 
• Helper 
• Bestower 
• Philanthropist
• Backer 

Pronunciation: How to Pronounce 'Donor' or 'Donator' 

To further explain the words, we will cover pronunciation. This will allow you to transfer the word from both writing and speaking seamlessly and comfortably. Being informed on pronouncing the words will prepare you for business functions, for giving thank you speeches, or if you or your family members ever need a 'donor' or to become a 'donor.' 

• The phonetic spelling of 'donor' is: 

           dow nuh 

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'donator': 

          dow na tor 

Sample Sentences Using 'Donor' or 'Donator' 

Learning how to use a word correctly is best done by seeing it in use. Here are some sample sentences of 'donor' to review and see the word in action.  

Donor 

• It takes a lot of people to start a new business, including donors, founders, directors, innovators, problem-solvers, developers, and managers. 
• I am forever grateful for my kidney donor; without them, I could not live the life I have looked forward to every day.  
• They knew they needed to bring in big donors instead of many small donations. This can change the course of the campaign that they can run.  
• The list of places one can become a blood donor is extensive. They can even pay for each donation visit if one meets the qualifications.  
• People can see who is leading the company when the donor list is published. For the list to not be analyzed is why some companies choose not to go public.  
• All the donors for the hospital have been allowed to come in for a private tour to see their impact and the lives they are changing.  
• To become a donor, one must donate something of immense value. Organs, blood, and money are considered of tremendous value. 
• The organization needed to assemble a group of donors to ensure they would meet their financial goals for the quarter. To unite the possible people, they hosted a reading of one of the books that had been put together.  
• Typically, when becoming a donor for a group, it tells others you give them your endorsement. This is why it is essential to research what your donation will be going to.  
• The donors for the new school were recognized at the school board meeting and presented a thank you by teachers, students, administration, and school board members.

Finishing off the Difference of 'Donor' vs. 'Donator' 

Learning about the differences between 'donor' and donator,' in summary:  

• 'Donor' is the term used as a noun to describe someone who donates. 
• To be considered a 'donor,' one must give something of value. 
• 'Donator' is not considered the correct term, so it should not be used. 

The consensus is if someone donates that, they are a 'donor.' If people continue to donate, I am sure people will be thankful. Let us further our understanding and appreciation for the person donating by calling them the correct term, 'donor.'  We have many articles that help explain writing on this site. We update frequently, so there is always more to learn! You can find more tips on English words in the confusing words section.