conferral: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Official
Quick answer
What does “conferral” mean?
The act of formally granting or bestowing something (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of formally granting or bestowing something (e.g., a title, degree, honour).
The formal process or ceremony by which an authority gives an award, status, or right. It can also refer to the act of discussing or consulting together, though this meaning is primarily associated with the verb 'confer'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally formal and institutional in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to its common use in academic contexts (degree conferral), but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “conferral” in a Sentence
[conferral of + NOUN (award)][conferral on/upon + RECIPIENT]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “conferral” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The committee will confer the honour next week.
- They met to confer about the urgent matter.
American English
- The university will confer degrees at the spring commencement.
- I need to confer with my attorney before proceeding.
adjective
British English
- The conferral ceremony is scheduled for 3 PM.
- We await the conferral date.
American English
- The conferral authority lies with the board of trustees.
- Please complete the conferral paperwork.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in formal contexts like 'conferral of executive powers' or 'conferral of share options'.
Academic
Common. Central to graduation ceremonies: 'the conferral of degrees took place in June'.
Everyday
Very rare. Would sound overly formal.
Technical
Used in legal or diplomatic contexts regarding rights, privileges, or statuses.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “conferral”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “conferral”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “conferral”
- Using 'conferral' to mean the award itself (e.g., 'He received a conferral' is awkward). Correct: 'He received an award at its conferral'.
- Confusing 'conferral' (noun) with 'confer' (verb).
- Using it in informal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Conferral' is the act of granting an award or title. 'Conference' is a formal meeting for discussion.
It would sound very formal and is best reserved for official, academic, or ceremonial contexts. Use 'awarding' or 'giving' in everyday speech.
The verb is 'confer'. It has two main meanings: 1) to grant or bestow (an award), and 2) to have discussions.
It is typically followed by 'of' (the thing being granted) and/or 'on/upon' (the recipient). E.g., 'the conferral of an award upon the winner'.
The act of formally granting or bestowing something (e.
Conferral is usually formal, official in register.
Conferral: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈfɜːrəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈfɜːrəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a university CONFERence where they CONFER degrees – the act is the CONFERRAL.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS A GIVER (an institution 'gives' a status as a tangible object).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'conferral' MOST appropriately used?