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confer

/kənˈfɜː/verb

To formally give someone an honor, right, or gift.

Example sentences

  • “The university conferred a doctorate on the retired judge.”
  • “The award ceremony will confer medals on all three finalists.”

Two patterns: confer an honor 'on' someone, but confer 'with' colleagues, meaning to consult them.

Synonyms for confer

  • bestow
  • award
  • grant
  • present
  • give

Antonyms

  • revoke

On the Academic Word List. Find it in: Academic vocabulary, Advanced English words.

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