stipend
C1Formal, Academic, Institutional
Definition
Meaning
A fixed regular sum paid as a salary, allowance, or grant, typically to a trainee, scholar, clergy member, or someone in a non-permanent position.
A regular payment made to support a person's living or educational expenses, often associated with academic, religious, or vocational roles where a full salary is not applicable. It implies a maintenance allowance rather than payment for services rendered.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A stipend is distinguished from a wage or salary by its connotation of support for learning, research, or specific training. It often carries an expectation of non-commercial work (e.g., academic study, religious duties). It is typically a fixed amount, not hourly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical, though slightly more common in UK contexts related to clergy and university scholarships. In the US, strongly associated with internships, research fellowships, and judicial clerkships.
Connotations
UK: Strong historical ties to church livings and university scholarships. US: Often linked to graduate students, interns, and early-career professional programs.
Frequency
Medium-low frequency in both dialects, confined to specific formal/administrative contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The university offers a stipend to its doctoral candidates.She is paid a stipend for her internship.His stipend covers basic living expenses.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. May appear in formal HR contexts for intern or trainee compensation packages.
Academic
Very common. Refers to payments to graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and fellows.
Everyday
Uncommon. Would be understood but not typically used in casual conversation.
Technical
Common in legal, religious, and academic administrative documents.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The vicar's stipend is provided by the parish.
- Her PhD stipend is just enough to cover rent and food.
- The college awarded him a generous stipend for his research on medieval texts.
American English
- The summer internship comes with a modest stipend.
- Judicial law clerks receive a government stipend.
- The foundation's stipend enabled her to complete her field work.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The students get a small stipend every month.
- His stipend helps him pay for his room.
- The research fellowship includes a stipend sufficient for living costs in the city.
- While the stipend isn't large, the professional experience is invaluable.
- The postdoctoral stipend is subject to income tax but not to national insurance contributions in this scheme.
- Critics argue that the meagre stipend offered to interns perpetuates socio-economic inequality in the profession.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'STI-pend' as 'STIcking to your studies' + 'PEND' (as in pending, awaiting a full position). It's the support you get while in a preparatory role.
Conceptual Metaphor
A STIPEND IS SUSTENANCE FOR LEARNING/SERVICE. It is conceptualized as fuel (for an academic journey) or manna (divine/ institutional provision) rather than earned income.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "стипендия" (stipendiya) which is a broader term for any state student grant/scholarship. English 'stipend' is narrower, often for specific roles like interns, clergy, researchers. A Russian 'стипендия' is often translated as 'scholarship' or 'grant'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'stipend' to refer to a regular employee's salary (incorrect).
- Pronouncing it as /stɪˈpɛnd/ (stress is on the first syllable).
- Using it in informal contexts where 'allowance' or 'pay' would be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'stipend' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A salary is compensation for employment services. A stipend is a fixed sum for support, often for training, education, or a role not considered formal employment (e.g., intern, researcher, clergy).
It depends on jurisdiction and purpose. In many countries, stipends for degree-seeking students may have tax exemptions, while stipends for non-degree training or work may be taxable income. Always consult local tax law.
This varies greatly. Some stipends are designed only to supplement living costs, while others (e.g., for certain postdoctoral fellows) can provide a comfortable living. They are often modest.
A scholarship is primarily for covering tuition and academic fees. A stipend is primarily for covering living expenses. Often, a funding package may include both: a scholarship for fees and a stipend for maintenance.