underwrite
To write below or underTo write below or under; subscribe.
» The organization is underwritten by grants from philanthropists.
Meaning
8 senses(transitive)To write below or under; subscribe.
(transitive)To sign; to put one's name to.
(transitive)To agree to pay by signing one's name; subscribe.
(transitive)Specifically, to assume financial responsibility for something, and guarantee it against failure.
unterschreiben
guarantee financial support of
(intransitive)To act as an underwriter.
(transitive)To support, lend support to, guarantee the basis of.
(intransitive, obsolete, transitive)To subscribe (a document, policy etc.) with one's name.
(obsolete, transitive)To submit to; put up with.
Examples
4 sentencesThe organization is underwritten by grants from philanthropists.
The investor class underwrites a lot of unprofitable startups.
Not every company can afford to underwrite such an expensive event.
Mary’s donation underwrote the development of a new program at the university.
Translations
3 languagesBy meaning 1
Origin
From Middle English underwriten, from Old English underwrītan (“to write at the foot of, wFrom Middle English underwriten, from Old English underwrītan (“to write at the foot of, write under, subscribe”). Compare Dutch onderschrijven (“to endorse”), German unterschreiben (“to sign; endorse”), Danish underskrive (“to sign; endorse”). By surface analysis, under- + write.
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Forms
underwrites, underwriting, underwrote, underwritten| Base form | underwrite · to underwrite |
|---|---|
| 3rd person singular | underwrites |
| Present participle | underwriting |
| Past simple | underwrote |
| Past participle | underwritten |
irregular · Lesson
Synonyms
4 synonyms- guarantee financial support of:subventionsubvent
- protect by insurance:coverinsure
Word family
2 related wordsLessons for this word
3 lessons- A1Present simple — Because it is a verb
- A1Past simple, irregular verbs — Because of its past form
- A2Present perfect: introduction — Because of its past participle