endow
UK[ɪnˈdaʊ]US[ɪnˈdaʊ]
v
to provide a person or institution with a large amount of money or income
v
to give someone a particular quality, ability, or feature
Morpheme Breakdown
en
dow
en
in, into, to put into a state
dow
dowry, gift
Etymology
the word 'endow' entered english in the late 14th century from the old french 'endouer', which itself derived from the latin verb 'dotare', meaning 'to endow or provide with a dowry'. the latin root is 'dos' (genitive 'dotis'), signifying a dowry, gift, or endowment. the prefix 'en-' serves to intensify the action, embedding the sense of 'providing into' someone's possession. thus, the literal concept of bestowing a marriage dowry broadened over centuries to encompass the modern abstract meanings of furnishing with funds, qualities, or inherent abilities.
Analysis
Structure: en + dow
en- (from latin, a prefix meaning 'in, into, to put into a state'); dow (from old french 'douer', from latin 'dotare' meaning 'to endow', from 'dos' meaning 'dowry, gift')
Examples
the philanthropist endowed the university with a new library.
she is endowed with great intelligence and patience.
the foundation was endowed by a generous bequest from its founder.