confer

[kuhn-fur]

verb (used without object)

conferred, conferring 

1. to consult together; compare opinions; carry on a discussion or deliberation.

verb (used with object)

conferred, conferring 

1. to bestow upon as a gift, favor, honor, etc..

   to confer a degree on a graduate.

2. Obsolete.,  to compare.

confer

/ kənˈfɜː /

verb

1. (tr; foll by on or upon) to grant or bestow (an honour, gift, etc)

2. (intr) to hold or take part in a conference or consult together

3. (tr) an obsolete word for compare

Other Word Forms

• conferment noun
• conferrable adjective
• conferrer noun
• nonconferrable adjective
• preconfer verb (used without object)
• reconfer verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of confer¹

First recorded in 1400–50 for earlier sense “to summon”; 1520–30 for current senses; late Middle English conferen, from Latin conferre “to bring together, compare, consult with,” equivalent to con- “with, together, completely” ( con- ) + ferre “to carry, bear” ( bear ¹ )

Word History and Origins

Origin of confer¹

C16: from Latin conferre to gather together, compare, from com- together + ferre to bring

Synonym Study

See consult. See give.

Example Sentences

But Shakespeare as a brand remains unparalleled in our culture: Mere invocation of his work can confer a warm, orangey glow of importance upon an otherwise pedestrian reflection on it.

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As the authors note, "The combination of advanced imaging techniques and machine learning confers methodological robustness and contributes significantly to the ongoing scientific discourse on post-viral syndromes."

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The FDA this week moved to remove the warning, arguing HRT confers health benefits.

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He simply handed the matter to his superiors, who conferred with their equivalents at Deutsche Bank, and finally agreed to wire over $600 million.

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If AI surpasses human intelligence and acquires the ability to improve itself, it could confer unshakable scientific, economic and military superiority on the country that controls it.

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Related Words

• advise 
• argue 
• brainstorm 
• consult 
• huddle 
• negotiate 
• speak