Pronunciation: [ɪndˈa͡ʊmənt] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word is "endowment." The prefix "en-" indicates "into," while the root word "dow" comes from the Old English "dugu," meaning "ability" or "worth." The suffix "-ment" indicates a state of being or process. The phonetic transcription of the word is /ɪnˈdaʊmənt/, with the stress on the second syllable. The incorrect spelling "indowment" likely results from confusion with the word "Indian."
Indowment, as a noun, is defined as the act of endowing or the state of being endowed. It refers to the act of providing a gift or permanent source of funds to an institution, organization, or individual in order to support its activities or sustenance. It typically involves the allocation of financial or material resources with the intention of ensuring long-term financial stability or creating a lasting impact.
When referring to an institution or organization, an endowment often refers to a substantial sum of money or assets that are invested for the purpose of generating income. The income generated from these investments is then used to support the ongoing operations of the institution or organization. This may include funding scholarships, research programs, infrastructure development, or other key initiatives.
On an individual level, an endowment can represent a natural or inherent quality, talent, or ability possessed by a person. It refers to the special characteristics, skills, or traits that make someone unique or exceptional in a particular field or area. This can be seen as a valuable personal asset that contributes to their success, achievements, or contributions in their chosen profession or calling.
In summary, indowment refers to the act or state of being endowed, whether it is in the form of a financial gift to an institution or organization, or the intrinsic abilities or traits possessed by an individual.
The word "endowment" has its roots in the Latin word "indōnum" or "indōnāre", which means "to equip" or "to bestow". From there, it evolved into the Old French word "endouement" and later became "endowment" in English. The term "indōnum" itself is derived from "dōnum", meaning "gift" or "present" in Latin. Therefore, the etymology of "endowment" suggests the idea of providing a gift or granting something to someone or something.
