bestowed

American  

[bih-stohd] / bɪˈstoʊd /

adjective

1. presented as a gift or privilege; given or conferred.

   As the official addressed them, some members of the audience shouted with joy over their newly bestowed citizenship.

2. Archaic. applied; put to some use.

   If I regarded the present discussion concerning baptism as only about mere mode or form, I should think my time and labor poorly bestowed.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of bestow.

Other Word Forms

• unbestowed adjective
• well-bestowed adjective

Etymology

Origin of bestowed

bestow ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

The WGA bestowed the Walter Bernstein Award on Colbert, meant to honor artists with a “willingness to confront social injustice in the face of adversity.”

From Salon • Mar. 9, 2026

The Kemalists initially bestowed upon Abdulmejid the largely symbolic title of caliph after they dispossessed his cousin of ruling power in 1922.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

"I am sorry that I was not able to repay the faith you bestowed in me with the outcome you all deserved," he added.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

Tapalpa enjoys the official government designation of a “Pueblo Mágico” — a magical place — bestowed on the country’s tourist destinations.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2026

Sometimes riches are bestowed upon me whether I want them or not.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland