What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bestow
Example
The queen will bestow knighthood upon the brave soldier. [bestow: verb]
Example
The scholarship will be bestowed upon the most deserving student. [bestowed: past participle]
confer
Example
The university will confer a doctorate degree upon the graduating student. [confer: verb]
Example
Let's confer with our team members before making a decision. [confer: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bestow is less commonly used compared to confer. Bestow is more specific in its usage and is often associated with gifts or honors, while confer has a broader range of applications and is commonly used in formal or official contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bestow and confer?
Confer is generally considered more formal than bestow. While bestow can be used in both formal and informal contexts, confer is primarily used in formal or official settings.
