Definition

Relating to a financial gift or donation, often used in the context of institutions that receive funds to support specific purposes or positions.

Example

The university has several endowed chairs that attract top professors.

Conversation

Did you hear about the new professor who's endowed with a special research fund?

Yeah, I read about that! It sounds like a great opportunity for the university.

I wonder how many endowed positions they have in total.

I think it really helps attract top talent to the school.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To provide someone or something with a quality, ability, or asset, often in a generous way.

Example

She was endowed with great talent for music.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about the scholarship that was endowed to the art department?

Yeah, I read about it! That’s such a generous donation.

I think it really endowed the students with more opportunities to showcase their work.

Root Explanation

Endowed → It is formed from "en-" (meaning to cause to be) and "dower" (from Old French *douer*, meaning to provide or endow). The word "endowed" means to be provided with a quality, ability, or asset, often as a gift or natural talent.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'caused to have' something ('en-') as a gift or provision ('dower') — that's why endowed means being provided with special qualities or abilities.

Visually Confused Words