English Reference
adjective

endowed

adj.
US /ɛnˈdaʊd/ UK /ɛndˈaʊd/ en·dowed

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Formal

    born with a special talent, quality, or physical feature.

    naturally provided with a particular quality, talent, or physical attribute; often used with the preposition 'with'.

    Simple

    She was endowed with a beautiful singing voice that filled the whole hall.

    In context

    The young researcher was highly endowed with the analytical skills necessary to solve the complex mathematical proof.

    Usage

    Usually follows the verb 'to be' and takes the preposition 'with'.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    describing an organization, like a university, that has a permanent supply of money from gifts.

    provided with a permanent fund or source of income, typically through a large financial gift or legacy.

    Simple

    The university has several endowed chairs for famous professors.

    In context

    The museum's future is secure thanks to an endowed fund established by a local philanthropist in the 1920s.

    Usage

    Often used as an attributive adjective before a noun like 'chair', 'position', or 'institution'.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency InformalHumorous

    having large breasts or a large penis.

    possessing large or impressive sexual organs; almost exclusively used in the compound 'well-endowed'.

    Simple

    The actor was known for being well-endowed, which he often joked about.

    In context

    The statue depicted a well-endowed deity, symbolising fertility and abundance in the ancient culture.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is almost always used with the prefix 'well-'. Be careful using it in professional settings as it refers to physical anatomy.

    well built

They endowed the foundation initially with 486 acres (2 square kilometers) of land .

The Conversation· 16 Jul 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated