endowment

/in'daumənt/

Thân thiện

A university uses its endowment to fund new scholarships.

Definition

1. 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.

Học thuật

Noun

1. the act of endowing with a permanent source of income
   • his generous endowment of the laboratory came just in the nick of time
2. the capital that provides income for an institution
3. natural abilities or qualities

Từ đồng nghĩa

• endowment fund
• gift
• talent
• natural endowment