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stipend

STY-pend /ˈstaɪ.pend/

nounB2SATGRETOEFL

formalacademic

A fixed regular sum paid as a salary or allowance, often to students, apprentices, or clergy.

Unlike a full wage, a stipend is often intended to cover basic living expenses while someone performs research, training, or public service.

The story behind the word. In ancient Rome, 'stipendium' was the official pay given to soldiers, combining 'stips' (small contribution) and 'pendere' (to weigh out). Because coins were weighed rather than counted, paying troops meant weighing out gifts of metal. The word evolved into medieval English to describe payments for clergy and scholars.

Word relationships

allowance: An allowance can be informal or personal (like pocket money for children), whereas a stipend is an official sum paid for a role.
honorarium: An honorarium is a one-time payment for a guest service (like a speech), while a stipend is regular ongoing funding.

fee: A fee is a charge paid by a client for service, whereas a stipend is paid to an individual to cover expenses.

Commonly confused with

salary: A salary pays for full professional market labor value, whereas a stipend supports basic living expenses during training or service.

Collocations

monthly stipend
living stipend
research stipend
receive a stipend

Example sentences

"Graduate teaching assistants receive a monthly stipend and tuition waivers in exchange for grading undergraduate exams." Academia
"Volunteers in the international aid corps received a modest housing stipend while living abroad." Nonprofit Sector

Memory hook

STIP-end = STIPulated payment at the END of each month. Weighed out payment.

When not to use

Do not use for hourly corporate wages or performance bonuses.

Fun facts

Clergy in the Church of England still officially receive a 'stipend' rather than a 'salary'.