confer

Everyday

1. (formal) To talk together and share ideas before deciding something: the judges conferred. tree →
2. (formal) To give someone an honour, title, right or prize: the university conferred a degree on her. tree →

In the lessons

A formal word in meetings, sport and ceremonies; in quizzes teams "confer" before answering. In everyday talk people say "talk it over" or "discuss". Phrases: confer with, confer on, no conferring (in quizzes).

Examples

• The referees conferred before giving the penalty. tree →
• The team conferred and chose their answer. tree →
• (formal) The headteacher conferred with the parents. tree →
• The Queen conferred a knighthood on the scientist. tree →
• In the quiz, no conferring is allowed in round one! tree →
• (formal) The award confers the right to free entry. tree →
• He reigned for a long time, conferring several benefits upon his brother. tree →

Note

Double r in the past: conferred, conferring. Noun: conference (a big meeting). Stress on the second syllable: con-FER. Formal; usually "discuss" or "give" is simpler.

In Jewish tradition

To consult together; in Daniel it can also mean to give a title or honor. In the primary lessons: A formal word in meetings, sport and ceremonies; in quizzes teams "confer" before answering. In everyday talk people say "talk it over" or "discuss". Phrases: confer with, confer on, no conferring (in quizzes).

Examples

• And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest; and they following Adonijah helped him. (Prophets 1KI.1.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• And in his place shall stand up a contemptible person, upon whom had not been conferred the majesty of the kingdom; but he shall come in time of security, and shall obtain the kingdom by blandishments. (Writings DAN.11.21, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Double r in the past: conferred, conferring. Noun: conference (a big meeting). Stress on the second syllable: con-FER. Formal; usually "discuss" or "give" is simpler.