stipend
STY-pend
/ˈstaɪpɛnd/
A fixed regular sum paid as a salary or allowance, often to a student or an intern.
In sports, it is often a small amount given to 'amateurs' to cover living expenses without making them 'professionals'.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'stipendium', which combined 'stips' (a small contribution of money) and 'pendere' (to weigh out). It originally referred to the pay given to Roman soldiers.
Word relationships
- allowance: Usually implies money given by a parent or for a very specific small cost.
- grant: Usually a one-time sum for a specific project.
Commonly confused with
- salary: A salary is for professional work; a stipend is an allowance for someone who might not be a full employee.
Word family
- stipendiary (adjective): Receiving a stipend.
Collocations
- monthly stipend
- modest stipend
- living stipend
Example sentences
- "The university provides a monthly stipend to cover the cost of healthy groceries for its players." College athlete support.
- "The internship is unpaid, but they offer a small stipend for travel expenses." Internships.
Memory hook
You 'SPEND' your 'STIPEND'. A small weighed-out pay.
When not to use
Don't use for a high executive salary; it implies a modest or specific-purpose allowance.
Fun facts
- The word 'stipulation' (a requirement in a contract) comes from the same root 'stips', as ancient contracts were often sealed by exchanging a straw (stipula).
Related words
Explore more words
scholarship, Endowment, compensate, Cost of living, subsidize, Stipulate
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