endowment
en-DOW-ment
/ɪnˈdaʊ.mənt/
An income or form of property given to an institution, or the financial fund maintained by donations that generates interest for ongoing operation.
Implies permanent financial capital designed to yield continuous interest or revenue rather than a one-time spending fund.
The story behind the word. Traces back through Old French 'endouer' to Latin 'dotare' (to endow or provide a dowry). Originally referring to property brought by a bride into marriage, it evolved in English to denote permanent gifts given to public institutions to secure their future financial stability.
Word relationships
- grant: A grant is usually a specific sum given for a single project, whereas an endowment is a permanent invested fund.
- debt: Financial liability owed to others rather than invested capital yielding earnings.
Commonly confused with
- endow: 'Endow' is the verb meaning to provide a gift or quality; 'endowment' is the resulting fund or gift itself.
Word family
- endow (verb): To provide with a permanent fund or special quality.
Collocations
- university endowment
- endowment fund
- sizable endowment
- endowment campaign
Example sentences
- "The university's multi-billion-dollar endowment funds research grants and financial aid for needy students." Finance
Memory hook
ENDOWMENT allows a school to DOW (do) great things ENDLESSLY. Permanent funds that keep paying interest.
When not to use
Do not confuse with a basic budget or short-term operating cash.
Fun facts
- Harvard University maintains the world's largest academic endowment, valued at over $50 billion.
Related words
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