underwrite — to accept financial responsibility for insurance policies or investments
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to accept financial responsibility for insurance policies or investments
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈʌndərraɪt/
Example Sentences
- My rich uncle offered to underwrite my college tuition, but only if I major in accounting like him.
- The investment bank will underwrite the company's IPO next month.
- She was surprised when her pet insurance company refused to underwrite her dragon's policy.
underwrite
VERB[/ˈʌndərraɪt/]
to accept financial responsibility for insurance policies or investments
The bank agreed to underwrite the young couple's first mortgage loan.
UNDER(below) + WRITE(sign) — by choosing to WRITE(sign) his name UNDER(below) the contract, the banker agreed to underwrite the entire cost.
By being extremely polite, the humble young artist convinced the king to underwrite his expensive painting.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English and Old English roots, where 'under' means beneath or below, and 'write' comes from Old English 'writan' meaning to mark or inscribe. The term originally referred to signing one's name under a document, later developing the financial meaning of accepting liability by signing an insurance or investment agreement.
Breakdown
under- (beneath, below) + write (to mark, inscribe, sign) = underwrite (to sign below a document, accept financial responsibility)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My rich uncle offered to underwrite my college tuition, but only if I major in accounting like him.”
“The investment bank will underwrite the company's IPO next month.”
“She was surprised when her pet insurance company refused to underwrite her dragon's policy.”
📚Related Words
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