WordValeendowment
donated funds invested to support an institution
In more detail
1. (noun) a large sum of money or property given to an institution to provide money for its work
2. (noun) a natural quality or ability that someone has
Examples
- 1. The university received a generous endowment from a wealthy donor. 2. She has a natural endowment for music and languages.
How to use endowment
Endowment most commonly refers to a permanent financial gift to an institution (especially universities or charities) whose investment income supports ongoing operations. Less frequently, it describes an innate talent or natural ability someone possesses. The first sense is formal and institutional; the second is more literary or elevated.
Common phrases
- university endowment
- endowment fund
- charitable endowment
- endowment income
- natural endowment
Synonyms
bequest · donation · gift · grant · fund
Word family
endow (verb) · endowed (adjective)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse endowment with endurance or use it as a verb when they mean the related verb 'endow'.
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