Underwrite Meaning
/ˈʌndəɹaɪt/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbTo write below or under; subscribe.
verbTo subscribe (a document, policy etc.) with one's name.
Sentence Examples
Not every company can afford to underwrite such an expensive event.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The bank agreed to ____ the entire project by providing the necessary funds.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Several major banks have agreed to ____ the new project and provide the necessary financial backing today.
Word Origin & History
From 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.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Dr. Beeching's obvious intent is that if Scottish—and similarly unprofitable English and Welsh—railways are to be maintained, it must be done by an unconcealed subsidy; he is determined that the railways shall no longer be preoccupied with—and derided for—immense deficits which include the burden of social services the State must openly underwrite, if it wants them."
— 1962 October, “Talking of Trains: Passed to you, Mr. Macmillan”, in Modern Railways, page 220:
"The broker who procures the insurance […]ought not, by underwriting the policy, to deprive the parties of his unbiased testimony."
— 1810, Samuel Marshall, Of marine insurance:
"Diſguiſe the holy ſtrength of their command: / And vnder write in an obſeruing kinde"
— c. 1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Troylus and Cressida”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act II, scene iii]:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The bank agreed to ____ the entire project by providing the necessary funds.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Several major banks have agreed to ____ the new project and provide the necessary financial backing today.