What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
endow
Example
The wealthy donor decided to endow the university with a new research center. [endow: verb]
Example
She was endowed with a beautiful singing voice from a young age. [endowed: past participle]
Example
The constitution endows citizens with certain inalienable rights. [endows: present tense]
bestow
Example
The queen bestowed a knighthood upon the brave soldier. [bestowed: past tense]
Example
The prestigious award was bestowed upon the talented writer. [bestowed: past participle]
Example
The company decided to bestow a generous bonus on its employees this year. [bestow: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bestow is more commonly used than endow in everyday language. Bestow is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while endow is less common and refers to a more specific act of providing a gift or donation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between endow and bestow?
Bestow is generally considered more formal than endow. While endow can be used in both formal and informal contexts, bestow is more commonly used in formal contexts, such as ceremonies, awards, or official documents.
