underwrite Meaning & Definition
What Does Underwrite Mean?
As a verb, underwrite means To write below or under; subscribe. It can also mean To subscribe (a document, policy etc.) with one's name.
Underwrite at a Glance
| Part of speech | verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //ˈʌndəɹaɪt// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | cover and insure |
| Verb forms | underwrites, underwriting, underwrote, underwritten |
Underwrite Definition (Verb)
- To write below or under; subscribe.
- To subscribe (a document, policy etc.) with one's name.
- To sign; to put one's name to.
- To agree to pay by signing one's name; subscribe.
- Specifically, to assume financial responsibility for something, and guarantee it against failure.
- To act as an underwriter.
- To support, lend support to, guarantee the basis of.
- To submit to; put up with.
Synonyms of Underwrite
Underwrite synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Underwrite
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Underwrite in a Sentence
No example sentences are available for this entry.
Word Forms & Grammar
underwrite (third-person singular simple present underwrites, present participle underwriting, simple past underwrote or (archaic) underwrit, past participle underwritten or (archaic) underwrit)
Words That Rhyme With Underwrite
Origin of Underwrite
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.
How Do You Say Underwrite?
You say underwrite as //ˈʌndəɹaɪt//. It has 1 syllable.
Quick Answers About Underwrite
What part of speech is underwrite?
Underwrite is a verb.
What is another word for underwrite?
Close synonyms of underwrite are cover and insure. See the full list of underwrite synonyms and antonyms.
What is the past tense of underwrite?
The past tense of underwrite is underwrote and the past participle is underwritten. The present participle is underwriting.