confer

Confer is a verb with two main uses in English, both formal in tone. The primary sense is to grant or bestow something, such as an award, degree, title, or right, typically by an authority or institution. The secondary sense is to have a discussion or exchange views with someone in order to deliberate or decide, often before reaching a conclusion.

Etymology and development: Confer derives from Latin conferre, meaning “to bring together,” from con- “together” and ferre “to bear.” The word entered English via Old French and has retained its formal connotations in modern usage.

Uses in granting or bestowing: In this sense, confer takes objects such as degree, honor, title, or rights. Common constructions include confer something on or upon someone (e.g., the university conferred an honorary degree on the donor) or confer a title on someone (e.g., the monarch conferred knighthood on the veteran). The process is typically described as a formal act performed by an institution or authority.

Uses in consulting or deliberating: In the sense of consulting, confer with someone means to discuss matters in order to reach agreement or to inform a decision. This is often used in professional, legal, diplomatic, or committee contexts (e.g., the committee conferred with stakeholders before deciding). It is usually followed by with and, in some cases, by about or on the topic.

Related terms: The noun forms conferment or conference reflect related but distinct concepts. Confer is most at home in formal writing and speech, where precision about granting versus consulting is important. See also conference for a different sense related to meetings.