Endow
/ɪnˈdaʊ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo give or bequeath an income or property to a person or institution. To provide with a quality, ability, or asset.
/ɪnˈdaʊ/
To provide with a quality, ability, or asset.
The philanthropist endowed the hospital with a large donation.
💡 Simply: Think of 'endow' like giving a gift. If you *endow* a charity, you give it money. If someone is *endowed* with intelligence, they're naturally smart, like having a superpower!
👶 For kids: To give someone something special, like a talent or money.
More Examples
She was endowed with a keen sense of intuition.
The wealthy family decided to endow a scholarship fund for underprivileged students.
The company endowed their employees with generous benefits.
How It's Used
"The university was endowed with a large sum of money to fund research."
"She was endowed with great beauty and charm."
To furnish with a quality or attribute.
/ɪnˈdaʊ/
To provide with a quality or characteristic, typically one that is innate or natural.
Humans are endowed with the capacity for critical thinking.
💡 Simply: It's like being born with a special talent or quality. If someone is *endowed* with a talent for music, it means they are naturally good at it.
👶 For kids: To be born with something special, like a skill or a good quality.
More Examples
She was endowed with an extraordinary talent for singing.
The new policy will endow the community with a new sense of pride.
He believed that all people were endowed with basic human rights.
How It's Used
"Humans are endowed with the capacity for reason."
"The species is endowed with a unique adaptation for survival."
Idioms & expressions
endowed chair
A permanent professorship funded by an endowment.
"The university announced the establishment of a new endowed chair in the department of biology."
From Middle English *endowen*, from Old French *endouer* ("to provide with a dowry, furnish, supply"), from *en-* ("in, into") + *dower* (dowry).
Historically, 'endow' often referred to providing a dowry to a bride or bestowing privileges. Its usage has expanded to include bestowing qualities or financial support.
Memory tip
Imagine you are giving someone a valuable gift or skill. That's endowing!