Words / C1

in-DOWM-uh-nt/ɪnˈdaʊmənt/

An endowment is money or property given to an institution to produce income; also a natural quality: a university endowment, a natural endowment. A donation (already in the dictionary) can be one-off; a grant is often competitive; a gift that funds a wing does not move a fire certificate.

Meaning

A gift of money or property to an institution; also a natural quality someone has.

Examples

• “An endowment that funds the wing does not waive the fire certificate.”
• “Donation is already in this course. Bequest is in a will. Talent is the personal sense. Capital is finance. Occupancy is the building you open. File the certificate; thank the donor in the foyer.”

Good to know

A gift to an institution (or a natural quality). Close: donation (already in the dictionary) / bequest. Capital ≠ a fire certificate.

Near in meaning

bequest

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