confer

[ kuhn-fur ]

verb (used without object)

, con·ferred, con·fer·ring.

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

verb (used with object)

, con·ferred, con·fer·ring.

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

Derived Forms

• conˈferment, noun
• conˈferrer, noun
• conˈferrable, adjective

Other Words From

• con·fer·ment noun
• con·fer·ra·ble adjective
• con·fer·rer noun
• non·con·fer·ra·ble adjective
• pre·con·fer verb (used without object) preconferred preconferring
• re·con·fer verb reconferred reconferring

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.

Related Words

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