confer
[ kuhn-fur ]
/ kənˈfɜr /
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verb (used without object), con·ferred, con·fer·ring.
to consult together; compare opinions; carry on a discussion or deliberation.
verb (used with object), con·ferred, con·fer·ring.
to bestow upon as a gift, favor, honor, etc.: to confer a degree on a graduate.
Obsolete. to compare.
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON PARENTHESES AND BRACKETS APLENTY!
Set some time apart to test your bracket symbol knowledge, and see if you can keep your parentheses, squares, curlies, and angles all straight!
Question 1 of 7
Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
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Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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British Dictionary definitions for confer
confer
/ (kənˈfɜː) /
verb -fers, -ferring or -ferred
(tr; foll by on or upon) to grant or bestow (an honour, gift, etc)
(intr) to hold or take part in a conference or consult together
(tr) an obsolete word for compare
Derived forms of confer
conferment or conferral, nounconferrable, adjectiveconferrer, nounWord Origin for confer
C16: from Latin conferre to gather together, compare, from com- together + ferre to bring
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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