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View synonyms for bestow

bestow

[ bih-stoh ]

verb (used with object)

  1. to present as a gift; give; confer (usually followed by on or upon ):

    The trophy was bestowed upon the winner.

    Synonyms: accord, award, vouchsafe, grant

  2. Archaic. to put to some use; apply:

    He was continually working the mines, expending money and bestowing his time, toil, and skill upon them.

  3. Archaic.
    1. to provide quarters for; house; lodge.
    2. to put; stow; deposit; store.


bestow

/ bɪˈstəʊ /

verb

  1. to present (a gift) or confer (an award or honour)
  2. archaic.
    to apply (energy, resources, etc)
  3. archaic.
    to house (a person) or store (goods)
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Derived Forms

  • beˈstower, noun
  • beˈstowal, noun
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Other Words From

  • be·stow·al be·stow·ment noun
  • mis·be·stow verb (used with object)
  • pre·be·stow verb (used with object)
  • pre·be·stow·al noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of bestow1

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English bestowen; be-, stow ( def )
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Example Sentences

Some typed, some handwritten, these letters are adorned with whimsical sketches and amusing ephemera, such as the coupon entitling Jane to 1,728 “loving kisses to be bestowed, one each, on every square inch of her beautiful body.”

It bestows outsized rewards for performance on test day, and little for checking in on past subjects.

Meantime, the regional Association of Village Council Presidents and the statewide Alaska Federation of Natives each bestowed Anderson-Agimuk with awards for youth leadership.

In all cases, they bestow credits on manufacturers that exceed the standards.

From Fortune

In these heady times, foregoing almost $5 billion may seem a small price to pay for notching an IPO that both succeeded in raising billions and brought a rousing vote of confidence by bestowing one of the richest valuations in tech history.

From Fortune

Foreign countries bestow ornate gifts on American officials as a sign of courtesy during diplomatic trips.

American weapons, troops, and largesse could never bestow legitimacy on a corrupt and incompetent Saigon regime.

The question is: why were they about to bestow the award in the first place?

Do you think I have charity to bestow, or a morsel of bread to spare?'

Emma was played by Vivien Leigh in the 1941 movie, "That Hamilton Woman" - and really what higher accolade can history bestow?

Not a word, or even a glance, will a well-bred hostess bestow upon the servants, nor will she speak to the guests of the dishes.

With the exception of the Mahomedans and Jews, none of these different people bestow much care upon their dress.

Should you bestow upon my letter a fair and impartial perusal, it will neither be useless to you nor to my country.

A word on the contradictory education which we bestow upon our daughters.

Here in this desert of men's huts he had gained what all the towering mountains had not been able to bestow.

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