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Endorsement

in-DORS-munt /ɪnˈdɔːs.mənt/

nounB2GRESATTOEFLIELTS

formalpoliticalcommercial

An act of giving one's public approval or support to someone or something.

Implies an explicit, formal declaration of support from a prominent figure, union, or publication.

The story behind the word. From Medieval Latin 'indorsare', literally meaning 'to write on the back of a document'. Financial checks and legal documents were signed on the back ('dorsum') to confirm approval, which expanded to mean public support.

Word relationships

backing: Backing can mean financial support, whereas endorsement specifically means public political backing.
sanction: Sanction often implies official legal permission rather than political endorsement.

condemnation: Public criticism or formal disapproval.
rejection: Refusal to support a candidate or proposal.

Commonly confused with

sponsorship: Sponsorship involves funding in exchange for advertising, while endorsement is political or moral backing.

Word family

endorse (verb): To publicly declare support for.
endorser (noun): A person or organization that endorses.

Collocations

seek an endorsement
official endorsement
celebrity endorsement
editorial endorsement

Idioms & expressions

seal of approval
back a horse

Example sentences

"The labor union's endorsement gave the gubernatorial candidate a major boost in the polls." Electoral endorsements
"The newspaper published a glowing endorsement of the local school board reform candidate." Media editorial

Memory hook

ENDORSEment: signing your approval on the BACK (dorsum) of a document. Public seal of approval signed on the back.

When not to use

Do not use for private, casual agreement that is never declared publicly.

Fun facts

The anatomical word 'dorsal' (like a shark's dorsal fin) comes from the exact same Latin root 'dorsum' (back).