Sponsorship
/ˈspɒn.sə.ʃɪp/noun
The position or role of a sponsor, or the act of supporting something financially or officially.
Did you know?Sponsorship ultimately comes from the same ancient root as *spouse* and *responsible* — a root tied to making solemn vows, not just paying for ads.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*spend-
“to make a ritual offering or solemn pledge”
Latin
Latin
spondēre
“to promise solemnly, to pledge oneself”
Latin
Latin
sponsor
“one who makes a formal pledge or guarantee for another”
Old French / Medieval Latin
OF/ML
sponsor
“a guarantor, advocate, or sponsor”
Modern English
English
sponsorship
“the act or role of sponsoring; financial or official support”
Explore more surprising origins