Indorse vs. Endorse: Which is the Correct Spelling?

• "Indorse" is an incorrect spelling of the word "endorse."
• Endorse means to express support or approval for someone or something, often officially or publicly.

What does "endorse" mean?

"Endorse" carries two primary meanings, both conveying a sense of public support or official sanction:

1. To Publicly Approve or Support:

• Dictionary Definition: To state publicly that one approves of, supports, or recommends something.
• A politician might endorse their opponent's plan for healthcare reform, signaling a shift in their stance.
• A newspaper editorial could endorse a particular candidate for public office.
• A celebrity might endorse a brand of clothing, lending their public image to promote the product.

2. To Sign a Document as Evidence of Approval or Legality (Less Common):

• Dictionary Definition: To write one's name on a document, especially on the back of a check or bill of exchange, as a sign of approval or to transfer ownership.
• In some legal or financial contexts, an individual might be required to endorse a document with their signature, signifying their agreement or acknowledgment of its contents.

Key Characteristics:

• Public Expression: "Endorse" emphasizes a public declaration of support or approval. It signifies going beyond personal opinion and making a statement that can be perceived by others.
• Formal Sanction: In some contexts, "endorse" can imply a formal act of approval that carries legal or financial implications. (This is particularly true in the less common definition related to document signing.)

The use of "indorse" and "endorse" over time

The Ngram graph below shows how often "indorse" and "endorse" have been used from the 1800s to the 2000s. "Endorse" has fluctuated in use but peaked in the 1980s, and while "indorse" saw some use until the 1900s, suggesting that it was used earlier in history, it has seen nearly zero use since the 1980s.

How to pronounce "endorse"

In British English, "endorse" is pronounced like "uhn·daws".

In American English, "endorse" is pronounced like "uhn·dors".

Why would we misspell "endorse" as "indorse"?

1. Homophonic confusion: The sound of "endorse" is similar to "indorse," leading to a potential spelling mistake based on pronunciation.
2. Influence from similar words: Some might associate "indorse" with words like "inside" or "indoor," leading to confusion about the correct spelling.
3. Mnemonic interference: If someone learns the word through association with "in" as a prefix indicating negation, they might mistakenly use "indorse" instead of "endorse."

Other common misspellings of "endorse"

1. indorse
2. endors
3. endorce
4. indorss
5. endores

Example sentences of the misspelling of "endorse" as "indorse"

1. "Indorse" is a common misspelling of "endorse."
2. Remember, it's "endorse," not "indorse," when expressing your support.
3. If you want to convey approval, make sure you use "endorse" instead of the incorrect "indorse."
4. There is no "i" in the correct spelling of "endorse"; avoid the mistake of writing "indorse."
5. Double-check your spelling— it's "endorse" with an "e," not "indorse."

Example sentences of "endorse"

1. Many prominent figures came forward to endorse the new educational initiative.
2. The company decided to endorse the use of eco-friendly practices in its manufacturing processes.
3. The senator was quick to endorse the bill, praising its potential impact on healthcare reform.
4. Celebrities often endorse products to leverage their influence and boost sales.
5. The committee chose to endorse the research findings, recognizing their significance in the field.
6. It's a common practice for authors to have well-known colleagues endorse their books.
7. The organization's president took the opportunity to endorse the charity event during the press conference.
8. The mayor was reluctant to endorse the controversial policy without further evaluation.
9. The renowned chef agreed to endorse the kitchen appliance, citing its efficiency in culinary tasks.
10. The international community came together to endorse the peace treaty, signaling a significant diplomatic achievement.

Synonyms for "endorse"

1. Support
2. Approve
3. Recommend
4. Advocate
5. Back

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References:

Definition of ENDORSE

to write on the back of; especially : to sign one’s name as payee on the back of (a check) in order to obtain the cash or credit represented on the face; to inscribe (one’s signature) on a check, bill, or note… See the full definition

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