enure: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal / Legal
Quick answer
What does “enure” mean?
To come into operation or effect.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To come into operation or effect; to serve to the benefit of a person.
Primarily a legal term meaning to take effect or to become operative, particularly in the context of rights or benefits being transferred or applied. Also used as a variant of 'inure' meaning to accustom or harden.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English retains 'enure' slightly more often in formal legal documents. American English heavily favors 'inure' for all senses.
Connotations
In British English, 'enure' may be seen as a more formal, precise legal term. In all contexts, it carries a strong connotation of legalistic formality.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general usage in both dialects. 'Inure' is the dominant form.
Grammar
How to Use “enure” in a Sentence
[Something] enures to [someone's benefit/advantage].[Something] enures for [a period/purpose].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “enure” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The covenant shall enure for the benefit of the successor in title.
- All rights under this clause enure to the licensor.
American English
- The easement shall enure to the grantee and his heirs.
- It was held that the promise did not enure to the plaintiff's benefit.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial use)
American English
- (No standard adverbial use)
adjective
British English
- (No standard adjectival use)
American English
- (No standard adjectival use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, only in formal contracts or trust documents.
Academic
Extremely rare outside of legal history or textual analysis.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Exclusively in legal drafting and statutory interpretation.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “enure”
- Misspelling as 'inure' (which is actually the standard modern spelling).
- Using it in non-legal contexts sounds archaic or erroneous.
- Confusing it with 'endure' (терпеть).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Inure' is the standard modern spelling with two main meanings: 1) to accustom someone to something unpleasant, and 2) (law) to take effect. 'Enure' is an archaic/variant spelling, now primarily used in specific legal phrasing, especially in some Commonwealth jurisdictions, for the 'take effect' meaning.
No, it is very rare. Outside of specific legal documents, you are highly unlikely to encounter it. 'Inure' is more common, but still not an everyday word.
No. This is a common confusion due to the similarity in sound. 'Ensure' means to make certain. 'Enure' is a legal term for a right or effect coming into operation.
It is pronounced identically to 'inure': /ɪˈnjʊə(r)/ in British English and /ɪˈnʊr/ or /ɪˈnjʊr/ in American English.
To come into operation or effect.
Enure is usually formal / legal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Enure to the benefit of”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ENsure a Right is Usable and Realized Effectively.
Conceptual Metaphor
LEGAL EFFECT IS A FLOW (benefits enure *to* a party).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'enure' most appropriately used?