underwrite

[uhn-der-rahyt, uhn-der-rahyt]

verb (used with object)

underwrote, underwritten, underwriting. 

1. to write under or at the foot of, especially under other written matter.

2. to sign one's name, as to a document.

3. to show agreement with or to support by or as if by signing one's name to, as a statement or decision.

4. to bind oneself to contribute a sum of money to (an undertaking).

   Wealthy music lovers underwrote the experimental concerts.

5. to guarantee the sale of (a security issue to be offered to the public for subscription).

6. Insurance.

   1. to write one's name at the end of (a policy), thereby becoming liable in case of certain losses specified in the policy.

   2. to insure.

   3. to assume liability to the extent of (a specified sum) by way of insurance.

   4. to select or rate (risks) for insurance.

verb (used without object)

underwrote, underwritten, underwriting. 

1. to underwrite something.

2. to carry on the business of an underwriter.

underwrite

/ ˌʌndəˈraɪt, ˈʊndəˌraɪt /

verb

1. finance to undertake to purchase at an agreed price any unsold portion of (a public issue of shares, etc)

2. to accept financial responsibility for (a commercial project or enterprise)

3. insurance

   1. to sign and issue (an insurance policy) thus accepting liability if specified losses occur

   2. to insure (a property or risk)

   3. to accept liability up to (a specified amount) in an insurance policy

4. to write (words, a signature, etc) beneath (other written matter); subscribe

5. to support or concur with (a decision, statement, etc) by or as if by signature

Word History and Origins

Origin of underwrite¹

First recorded before 1400–50; late Middle English, translation of Latin subscrībere “to write underneath, sign, subscribe”; subscribe

Example Sentences

Those factors “will probably give investors more confidence to underwrite a ‘stronger for longer’ outlook for AI demand,” Rasgon said in a Thursday note.

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Both ventures were decried as money grabs, though LIV endured sharper criticism because it was underwritten by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

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It underwrites a swath of specialized risks, including for natural disasters, shipping, aviation and cyberattacks.

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Furthermore, the company’s announcement of a two-year, $6.5 billion agreement with Elliott Investment Management to support U.S. fair financing growth was a “positive endorsement of Klarna’s underwriting capabilities,” the firm wrote.

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With that in mind, your actual cost depends a lot on your health, smoking status, and other underwriting factors.

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Related Words

• approve 
• bankroll 
• finance 
• guarantee 
• provide 
• secure 
• sponsor 
• subsidize