bestowed: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “bestowed” mean?
To give or present something as an honour, gift, or responsibility.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To give or present something as an honour, gift, or responsibility.
To grant or confer something (often abstract, like an honour, title, right, or attribute) upon someone or something, typically in a formal or ceremonial manner. It implies the giver has the authority or right to give.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Slightly more common in formal British contexts (e.g., honours lists, royal decrees), but equally formal in American English.
Frequency
Comparably low frequency in both varieties, reserved for formal registers.
Grammar
How to Use “bestowed” in a Sentence
[Subject] bestowed [Object] on/upon [Recipient][Subject] bestowed [Recipient] with [Object] (less common)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bestowed” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The Queen bestowed a knighthood upon the distinguished scientist.
- Great responsibility was bestowed on the newly appointed minister.
American English
- The foundation bestowed its highest award on the researcher.
- The constitution bestows certain inalienable rights.
adverb
British English
- The power was bestowed conditionally.
- The land was bestowed hereditarily.
American English
- The award was bestowed posthumously.
- The privilege is bestowed automatically.
adjective
British English
- The bestowed honour carried great weight.
- She felt a sense of bestowed duty.
American English
- He accepted the bestowed title with humility.
- The bestowed authority was carefully defined.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'The board bestowed full executive powers upon the new CEO.'
Academic
Common in history/literature. 'The king bestowed lands and titles on his loyal supporters.'
Everyday
Very rare. Typically replaced by 'gave' or 'awarded'.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bestowed”
- Using it for informal giving. Incorrect: 'She bestowed me a coffee.'
- Confusing preposition: 'bestowed to' is incorrect; use 'bestowed on/upon'.
- Using it in active voice where the recipient is the subject is awkward: 'I was bestowed an award' is less common than 'An award was bestowed upon me.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a formal word used primarily in written English, official contexts, literature, and historical accounts. In everyday speech, 'gave', 'awarded', or 'granted' are far more common.
The standard prepositions are 'on' or 'upon' (e.g., bestowed on/upon the recipient). The construction 'bestowed [Recipient] with [Object]' (e.g., bestowed him with power) is sometimes used but is considered less standard by many style guides.
Typically, no. It carries a positive or neutral connotation of granting something desirable (an honour, right, gift). For negative impositions, words like 'inflicted', 'imposed', or 'burdened with' are more appropriate.
'Bestowed' is the most formal and often implies a ceremonial act from a higher authority. 'Awarded' is common for prizes and recognitions following judgement. 'Granted' is more transactional and legal, often used for requests, permissions, or rights.
To give or present something as an honour, gift, or responsibility.
Bestowed is usually formal, literary in register.
Bestowed: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈstəʊd/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪˈstoʊd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bestow one's favour upon”
- “God-given/bestowed talent”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a STOW (to place/store). To be-STOW-ed is to have an honour or gift 'placed upon' you.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS A POSSESSOR OF GIFTS (The authority figure possesses valuable abstractions which they can place upon others).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'bestowed' CORRECTLY?