décerner

award, confer

verb deh-sehr-NEH Rare

Origin: from Latin decernere 'to decide, decree'

Usage Note

Décerner is used specifically for formally awarding honours, prizes, or titles: décerner un prix, décerner une médaille. It is rarely used outside this ceremonial context — for casual giving, donner or remettre are more natural. The construction is always décerner quelque chose à quelqu'un.

Examples

"On lui a décerné le prix du meilleur acteur."

Natural Translation

He was awarded the prize for best actor.

Literal Translation

One awarded him the prize for best actor.

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