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conférer

to confer, to bestow

verb kohn-feh-REH Rare
Communication Speech

Origin: Latin conferre (to bring together)

Also means

to confer (discuss)

Usage Note

Conférer has two distinct uses: to bestow or grant something (a title, an honour) — conférer un grade — and to hold a discussion or consultation, though this second sense is now formal and somewhat archaic. The related noun conférence (lecture, conference) is far more common in everyday speech.

Examples

"On lui a conféré le titre de docteur honoris causa."

Natural Translation

He was conferred the title of honorary doctor.

Literal Translation

One conferred on him the title of honorary doctor.

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