endowment
/in'daumənt/
Definition
- Noun:
- A large gift of money or property given to an institution, typically to provide a permanent source of income: An "endowment" is a financial asset, often a sum of money or investments, donated to a non-profit organization like a university, museum, or charity. The principal amount is usually kept intact, while the investment income is used to fund operations or specific purposes.
- The act of providing such a gift: "Endowment" can also refer to the act of giving this large, sustaining gift.
- A natural quality or ability that someone is born with: In a more abstract sense, an "endowment" is a natural talent, gift, or characteristic possessed by a person.
Usage Examples
- Referring to a financial gift to an institution:
- The university used the endowment to fund scholarships for underprivileged students.
- A generous endowment from an alumnus allowed the museum to renovate its galleries.
- Referring to the act of giving:
- The endowment of the new research center was celebrated at a formal ceremony.
- Referring to a natural ability or quality:
- She has a natural endowment for languages and speaks five fluently.
- Intelligence is just one of his many endowments.
Advanced Usage
- "Endowment fund": A fund established by a donation where the principal is invested and only the earnings are spent.
- The library's endowment fund ensures it can purchase new books every year.
- "Endowment policy/insurance": A type of life insurance policy that pays a lump sum after a specific term or upon death.
- He took out an endowment policy to save for his retirement.
Variants and Related Words
- Endow (verb): To provide with a quality, ability, or asset; to give money to an institution.
- Nature endowed her with a beautiful voice.
- The philanthropist endowed the hospital with a new wing.
- Endowed (adjective): Provided with a quality or source of income.
- A well-endowed university.
- She is richly endowed with artistic talent.
Synonyms
- Grant: A sum of money given by an organization for a particular purpose.
- Bequest: A legacy, a gift left in a will.
- Donation: Something given to a charity, especially a sum of money.
- Talent: A natural aptitude or skill.
- Aptitude: A natural ability to do something.
Related Phrases
- "To be endowed with": To naturally possess a particular quality or ability.
- He is endowed with great patience and wisdom.
- "Financial endowment": The total capital or assets owned by an institution from donations.
- The college's financial endowment exceeds one billion dollars.
Noun
-
the act of endowing with a permanent source of income
-
his generous endowment of the laboratory came just in the nick of time
-
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the capital that provides income for an institution
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natural abilities or qualities
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