Confer
/kənˈfɜːr/
To confer means to either grant something formally, such as a title or degree, or to discuss something with others, especially to exchange opinions.
Examples
- The board has yet to confer final approval.
- She was deeply honored when the president conferred the medal upon her.
- Confer these powers only after careful consideration.
- The generals conferred for hours before making a decision.
- The university will confer honorary degrees at the ceremony.
Meanings
Derived from Latin conferre, a combination of com- (together) and ferre (to carry). The sense of 'discuss' came first, but in English, the meaning shifted to include 'granting' an honor or degree, likely from the academic practice of discussing and then awarding degrees.
Examples
- The university will confer honorary degrees at the ceremony.
- She was deeply honored when the president conferred the medal upon her.
- They conferred the title of emeritus professor last spring.
- Confer these powers only after careful consideration.
- The board has yet to confer final approval.
The original Latin root conferre meant 'to bring together', leading to the idea of bringing minds together, hence 'to discuss'. This sense predates the 'granting' meaning in English and remains in use, especially in phrases like 'confer with counsel'.
Examples
- The lawyers confer before responding to the judge.
- She conferred with her advisor about the research proposal.
- The generals conferred for hours before making a decision.
- Let me confer with my team and get back to you.
- They confer regularly on matters of policy.