endowment

American  

[en-dou-muhnt] / ɛnˈdaʊ mənt /

noun

1. the act of endowing.

2. the property, funds, etc., with which an institution or person is endowed.

   Synonyms:

   bequest, grant, gift

3. Usually endowments. an attribute of mind or body; a gift of nature.

   Synonyms:

   ability, talent, capacity, capability

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endowment British  

/ ɪnˈdaʊmənt /

noun

1. 1. the source of income with which an institution, etc, is endowed

   2. the income itself

2. the act or process of endowing

3. (usually plural) natural talents or qualities

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonendowment
  noun
• reendowment
  noun

Etymology

Origin of endowment

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Anglo-French endowement; equivalent to endow + -ment

Explanation

An endowment is a gift. It might be money given to an institution like a college. Or, an endowment might be a natural gift, say of a physical attribute or a talent. If you lack the endowment of musical talent, you could play the tambourine. To endow means "to give or bequeath," and the background of the word endowment goes back to the 15th Century, where it was used to refer to money or property that is given to an institution. An example can be found in the National Endowment for the Arts, an organization dedicated to providing grants to fund artistic endeavors. Your natural endowments — speed, agility, endurance — make you an excellent soccer player. If only you could wake up in time for practice.

Related Words

• bequest
• donation
• fund
• funding
• grant
• income
• inheritance
• largess
• nest egg
• pension
• revenue
• stipend
• subsidy
• trust