conferring

[ kuhn-fur-ing ]

noun

1. the presentation of a degree, honor, gift, etc.:

   The ceremony included the conferring of 330 undergraduate and 46 graduate degrees.

2. the act of consulting with someone or carrying on a discussion or deliberation:

   Conferring is a critical step in reflecting on our writing and ultimately improving it.

adjective

1. relating to the presentation of a degree, honor, gift, etc.:

   Provide the title of the diploma or degree received, the name of the conferring institution, and its city and state.

2. involved in or relating to a discussion or consultation:

   He looked over at the conferring soldiers, deep in conversation and seemingly oblivious to their surroundings.

Word History and Origins

Origin of conferring¹

First recorded in 1555–65; confer ( def ) + -ing ¹( def ) for the noun senses; confer ( def ) + -ing ²( def ) for the adjective senses

Example Sentences

One evening, they found Sanjay and his friends “conferring” with two women in a hotel room near the slum.

From The Daily Beast

Various countries are conferring about how to solve that problem.

From The Daily Beast

Pinault, gray-flannelled and black-shoed, was conferring at the next-door table with an adviser, Philippe Segalot.

From The Daily Beast

The first commencement of Union College for conferring degrees in the arts and sciences.

From Project Gutenberg

But they went slowly, with much half-whispered, sullen conferring and many a backward glance at Marius and those with him.

From Project Gutenberg

In 1855 Congress passed an act conferring citizenship on alien women who should marry American citizens.

From Project Gutenberg

That could not be entered into without conferring that obligation on all the parties represented at its formation.

From Project Gutenberg

She could not but love one upon whom she was conferring such rich blessings.

From Project Gutenberg