2 syllables: En, dowed. Stress on dowed.
en-DOWD
/ɛˈndaʊd/
Endowed is pronounced en-DOWD (/ɛˈndaʊd/). It has two syllables (En-dowed), with the stress on "dowed". Endowed is an adjective meaning provided or supplied with a particular quality, ability, or asset—often by gift or inherent capacity. It describes someone or something that possesses a notable attribute, sometimes by natural inheritance or charitable endowment. The term can apply to people, institutions, or objects that are endowed with beneficial or distinguished features.
adjectiveEndowed is an adjective meaning provided or supplied with a particular quality, ability, or asset—often by gift or inherent capacity. It describes someone or something that possesses a notable attribute, sometimes by natural inheritance or charitable endowment. The term can apply to people, institutions, or objects that are endowed with beneficial or distinguished features.
"The hospital is endowed with a generous donation that funds research."
"She is endowed with a keen intellect and unflinching resolve."
"An endowed chair at the university supports ongoing academic excellence."
Endowed is pronounced en-ˈdaʊd (US) or en-ˈðaʊd (UK). The first syllable is unstressed with a short 'e' as in 'end,' then the stressed second syllable rhymes with 'nowd' (rhymes with 'owed'), where the 'ow' sound is the diphthong /aʊ/. The final 'ed' forms a borderline -d sound following the /aʊ/ vowel, so the word sounds like 'en-DAWD.' In careful speech, the 'd' is clear rather than silent.
Common mistakes include: (a) misplacing the stress to produce en-DAWED or en-DAWD with a mis-timed 'd' onset; (b) flattening the /aʊ/ to a simple /a/ or /ɔ/; (c) pronouncing the final 'ed' as /ɪd/ or /ɛd/. Correction: keep the diphthong /aʊ/ as in 'how' or 'now,' place primary stress on the second syllable, and end with a clear /d/. Practice en-ˈdaʊd with a gliding /aʊ/ and a crisp final /d/ to avoid a 'ed' suffixed sound.
In US and UK English, the nucleus is /aʊ/ in the second syllable, but rhotics affect connected speech: US tends to produce a rhotic 'r' in nearby vowels and clearer 'd' articulation; UK tends to less rhotic influence after non-rhotic positions, and vowel length can vary. Australian English generally preserves /aʊ/ with slight vowel quality shifts and a more relaxed final /d/. The primary vowel remains /aʊ/ in all, with subtle color differences and tempo in each accent.
The difficulty lies in the sharp diphthong /aʊ/ and the final crisp /d/ after a relatively fast syllable boundary, especially in connected speech. English learners often merge /aʊ/ toward /a/ or /ɔ/ and weaken the final /d/ into a light alveolar stop. Focus on sustaining the /aʊ/ glide before the consonant and ending with a clear, brief /d/ without an extra vowel after it.
Endowed uniquely combines unstressed first syllable with a stressed -dowed, making the contrast between /ən/ and /ˈdaʊd/ essential. The 'ed' behaves like a simple /d/ in this word, not the /ɪd/ or /əd/ suffix you might see in other words. Focus on the two-part stress pattern and the tight, non-syllabic 'o' quality preceding the final /d/ sound.
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US: rhotics influence can color surrounding vowels; UK: non-rhotic tendencies may reduce linking with following consonants; AU: relaxed vowels with clear /aʊ/ but broader intonation. • Vowel: maintain /aʊ/ as a real diphthong; avoid simplifying to /a/ or /ɔ/. • Consonant: ensure the /d/ is fully released; no nasalization or voicing drift. • Rhythm: stress falls on the second syllable; keep a short, unstressed first syllable. • IPA references: /ənˈdaʊd/ (US), /ɛnˈðaʊd/ (UK), /ɛnˈðaʊd/ (AU).
Endowed comes from the verb endow, which originally signified a grant or gift of property, especially land or funds, enabling support or maintenance—often for religious or charitable purposes. The word traces to Old French endouer, later influenced by the Latin in and dos, meaning ‘to give or provide with a gift’ in contexts of trusts or institutions. In English, endow emerged in the late Middle Ages to describe legal or financial gifts that established a lasting benefit, such as an endowed estate funding a monastery or university. By the 16th–18th centuries, endow broadened to include innate or natural abilities attributed to a person or thing, not merely financial gifts. In modern usage, endowed frequently modifies nouns to emphasize deliberate provision of quality, wealth, or capacity, whether inherent or bestowed, often with a sense of permanence and obligation. The concept persists across contexts—from endowed chairs and scholarships to endowed with talents or features—carrying an implication of sustained support or inherent merit that enhances value over time.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Endowed" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Endowed" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Endowed"
-wed sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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