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.

Example Sentences

A trio of judges threw the appeal out in very short order, without even leaving the courtroom to confer.

From BBC

He gave them the weekend to confer with their clients.

From Los Angeles Times

Carter said he was prepared to put that plan into an injunction Friday but postponed the ruling until Monday to give the veterans attorneys time to confer with their clients.

From Los Angeles Times

The Supreme Court has found that a “generalized grievance” that applies equally to every voter can’t confer the necessary legal standing.

From Los Angeles Times

She was up at 5 a.m. to wash and feed her mother and confer with Maurice about who would pick up their younger brother from school and shop for food.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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