bestow Definition
- 1to give something as an honor or present
- 2to apply or devote time, skill, or effort to something
Using bestow: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "bestow" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The university will bestow an honorary degree on the author.
Example
She bestowed her full attention on the lecture.
Example
He bestowed a great deal of time and effort on the project.
Example
The king bestowed many gifts on his loyal subjects.
bestow Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using bestow
Example
He bestowed a great favor on me by lending me the money I needed.
Example
She had bestowed herself on her work, neglecting her family and friends.
Example
The Archbishop of Canterbury bestowed the crown on the new king.
Phrases with bestow
Example
The company bestowed a special award on its top salesperson.
Example
The queen bestowed a knighthood upon the actor for his services to drama.
bestow one's affections on
to give one's love or attention to someone
Example
She had bestowed her affections on him, but he did not return them.
Origins of bestow
from Old English 'be-' meaning 'thoroughly' + 'stōwian' meaning 'to place'
Summary: bestow in Brief
'Bestow' [bɪˈstəʊ] means to give something as an honor or present, or to apply time, skill, or effort to something. It is often used in formal contexts, such as 'The university will bestow an honorary degree on the author.' 'Bestow' can also be used in phrases like 'bestow on,' 'bestow upon,' and 'bestow one's affections on,' as well as idioms like 'bestow a favor on' and 'bestow oneself on.'