conferral

Everyday

1. (formal) The act of giving someone an honour, a title, a degree or a right in an official way. tree →
2. (formal, rare) The act of talking things over with others; this sense is usually said as «conferring» or «conference». tree →

In the lessons

A stiff, official word met in exam texts, school prize-giving reports and news about universities and awards. It tells the reader that something was given by someone with authority, not just handed over. Phrases: «the conferral of a degree», «conferral of citizenship», «conferral of an award». In everyday speech people say «giving» or «being given» instead.

Examples

• The conferral of degrees takes place in the great hall. tree →
• Her conferral of the gold medal was the proudest moment of the evening. tree →
• The conferral of citizenship came after a long wait and a short ceremony. tree →
• After the conferral of the title, the knight stood up and bowed. tree →
• The school board approved the conferral of a special award on the lollipop lady. tree →
• Grandad keeps a photo of the conferral of his apprenticeship certificate. tree →
• The conferral of honorary membership surprised the old coach. tree →

Note

Comes from the verb «confer» (to give officially; also to discuss). Countable but mostly used in the singular with «of»: «the conferral of …». Formal; in a story for children «giving» or «awarding» sounds more natural. Do not confuse with «conference» (a meeting) or «referral» (sending someone on to another doctor or service).