What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bestow
Example
The queen will bestow a knighthood upon him for his services to the kingdom. [bestow: verb]
Example
She decided to bestow her fortune to charity after her passing. [bestow: verb]
endow
Example
He was endowed with great intelligence and creativity. [endowed: past tense]
Example
The philanthropist decided to endow a scholarship fund for underprivileged students. [endow: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Endow is more commonly used than bestow in everyday language. Endow has a broader range of applications and can be used in various contexts, including personal attributes, financial support, and institutional grants. Bestow is less common and is typically used in more formal or ceremonial situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bestow and endow?
While bestow is associated with a more formal tone and is often used in ceremonial or official contexts, endow is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal settings.
