Hey guys! Ever stumbled upon the word "confer" and wondered what exactly it means? Well, you're not alone! It's a word that pops up in various contexts, from formal business settings to everyday conversations, and understanding its nuances can really boost your vocabulary. In this article, we'll dive deep into the meaning of "confer," exploring its different uses, origins, and how to use it correctly in your own writing and speech. We'll also take a look at how the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) defines and contextualizes this word. Let's get started!

Confer generally carries a sense of bestowing something, whether it be a title, an honor, or even just some information or ideas. But it can also mean to meet or consult.

The core meaning of "confer" involves the act of granting or bestowing something. This could be a degree, an award, a title, or even certain rights or privileges. When used this way, "confer" highlights the act of formally giving something to someone. For example, a university might "confer" a degree upon a graduate, signifying that they have successfully completed their studies and are now recognized with a specific qualification. Similarly, a government might "confer" a medal upon a soldier for their bravery, acknowledging their courage and sacrifice. In such instances, "confer" implies a significant act of recognition and bestowing.

Origins and Etymology of 'Confer'

Understanding a word often becomes more accessible when we understand its origin. The word “confer” comes from the Latin word "conferre," which means "to bring together” or “to bring to.” It’s from "com-," meaning "with, together," and "ferre," meaning "to carry or bring." This Latin root hints at the various meanings of the word as it evolved in English. Think about it – when you confer something on someone, you are essentially bringing it to them, or giving it to them. The evolution of the word highlights the connection between the act of giving and the idea of bringing together. This connection explains how "confer" can also mean to consult or discuss, where people bring together their thoughts and ideas.

Different Ways to Use the Word 'Confer'

Now, let's look at the different ways you can use “confer”. You might find yourself using it in a range of scenarios. Whether you're penning a formal letter, participating in a meeting, or simply having a casual chat, knowing the various shades of meaning will help you use the word with precision and clarity. The most common usages are:

• To grant or bestow: This usage is all about giving something, often a formal award or title. For example, "The university will confer honorary degrees on several distinguished alumni." Or, "The Queen conferred the title of Sir upon him." This emphasizes the act of bestowing something significant.
• To have a discussion or consult: This is when you discuss something or consult with another person or a group of people. "The lawyers conferred before the trial." In this sense, it means to exchange ideas and opinions. Think about a group of colleagues "conferring" about a project or a manager "conferring" with their team. The context of each word is super important to know how to use it.

Decoding 'Confer' in the Oxford English Dictionary

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is considered the most comprehensive and authoritative dictionary of the English language. It provides an in-depth understanding of the word "confer." The OED details the word's history, etymology, various meanings, and includes numerous examples of its usage throughout history. The OED will often include definitions, example sentences, and notes on how the word has been used over time.

The OED's Definition and Examples

In the OED, "confer" is typically defined with multiple meanings and nuances. The primary meanings include:

• To grant or bestow (a title, degree, benefit, or right): "The university conferred a degree in medicine on him." The dictionary will give example sentences. Example sentences provide clear illustrations of how the word is correctly used in context. By reviewing these examples, one can learn how to use "confer" in different sentences, ensuring accuracy and fluency in writing and speaking.
• To have a discussion; exchange opinions: "The committee conferred with the experts." This usage is often found in academic or professional settings where consultation is necessary.

The OED's examples show how "confer" is used over time and how it may be shaped by the era, literature, and different contexts. These specific examples from the dictionary are valuable tools for enhancing your understanding of the term.

Advantages of Consulting the OED

Consulting the OED can be incredibly helpful for understanding complex words like “confer.” Here are a few benefits:

• Comprehensive definitions: The OED provides in-depth explanations of all the word's different meanings and nuances.
• Historical context: You can learn how the meaning of "confer" has evolved over time.
• Usage examples: The OED includes numerous examples of how the word has been used in various contexts.
• Etymology: The OED provides a detailed breakdown of the word's origin and how it developed.

How to Use 'Confer' Correctly in Your Sentences

Using "confer" correctly is all about understanding its various meanings and knowing when and how to use it. Here are some key points to remember:

Understanding the Context

First, consider the context in which you're using the word. Are you talking about awarding a degree or title, or are you talking about having a discussion? The meaning of "confer" changes based on the situation, so make sure to select the appropriate definition.

Grammatical Considerations

Make sure to use the correct grammatical form of the word. "Confer" can be used as a verb in different tenses (confer, conferred, conferring) and forms. The word is often followed by a preposition, such as “on” or “with”.

• Confer on: Used when bestowing something. For example, "The company conferred a bonus on the employee."*
• Confer with: Used when discussing or consulting. For example, "The team conferred with their supervisor."*

Avoiding Common Mistakes

• Don't confuse "confer" with other words, such as "infer" (to conclude from evidence) or "refer" (to mention or direct attention to). Knowing these words can help prevent you from mixing up their definitions.
• Use the correct prepositions. As mentioned, "confer" is often followed by "on" when granting something and "with" when discussing.

'Confer' in Action: Examples and Practice

Let’s solidify our understanding with some practical examples and exercises. These exercises will help you become comfortable using "confer" in various settings. Practice is key to mastering any new word.

Example Sentences

• The President will confer the Medal of Freedom on the retiring astronaut. (Bestowing an honor)
• The committee conferred with the stakeholders before making a decision. (Having a discussion)
• The university will confer bachelor’s degrees on the graduating class. (Awarding a degree)

Practice Exercises

Try filling in the blanks in the following sentences with the correct form of "confer":

1. The board of directors ___________ regarding the company's future strategy. (confer)
2. The Queen __________ knighthood __________ him. (confer)
3. The professor ___________ a doctorate _________ her for her groundbreaking research. (confer)

(Answers: 1. conferred, 2. conferred, on, 3. conferred, on)

Common Phrases and Idioms with 'Confer'

While "confer" is not a common word in idioms, it often appears in phrases, particularly in formal or professional contexts. Understanding these phrases can add depth to your understanding of "confer" and help you use it effectively. Here are a few notable phrases:

• To confer a degree: This is a very common phrase, meaning to officially award a degree to someone who has completed their studies.
• To confer an honor: This refers to the act of bestowing an award or title on someone to acknowledge their achievements or contributions.
• To confer with someone: This phrase simply means to consult or discuss something with another person or a group of people.

Expanding Your Vocabulary

Understanding "confer" can significantly enhance your vocabulary and make your writing and speech more precise and sophisticated. This also opens up the world of related words and synonyms, which can add depth to your vocabulary.

Synonyms for 'Confer'

Here are some synonyms for "confer," depending on the context:

• For bestowing: Award, grant, bestow, present, allocate.
• For discussing: Consult, deliberate, discuss, talk, consult, meet.

Related Words

• Conference: A formal meeting for discussion.
• Conferral: The act of granting something.
• Conferred: The past tense of confer, indicating an action that has already happened.

Conclusion: Mastering the Use of 'Confer'

There you have it, guys! We've covered the meaning, usage, and various contexts of the word "confer." From its Latin roots to its modern-day applications, understanding "confer" can significantly improve your communication skills. By knowing its definition, grammatical structure, and related words, you're now well-equipped to use "confer" accurately and confidently in your writing and speech.

Keep practicing, and don’t be afraid to experiment with the word in different sentences. Happy learning!