conferred: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Official
Quick answer
What does “conferred” mean?
To grant or bestow something (a title, honour, right, or authority) formally or officially.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To grant or bestow something (a title, honour, right, or authority) formally or officially.
To have a discussion, exchange opinions; to consult.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British official contexts (e.g., 'conferring a degree'), but the difference is marginal.
Frequency
Used with comparable frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “conferred” in a Sentence
confer something on/upon somebodyconfer with somebody (about/on something)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “conferred” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The monarch conferred a knighthood upon him.
- The committee conferred briefly before announcing the winner.
American English
- The President conferred the Medal of Honor on the veteran.
- We need to confer with our lawyers before proceeding.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The conferred benefits are substantial.
- N/A
American English
- The conferred authority was clearly defined.
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The board conferred new responsibilities upon the CEO.
Academic
The university conferred an honorary doctorate upon the scientist.
Everyday
They conferred for hours before making a decision.
Technical
The treaty conferred specific fishing rights on coastal states.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “conferred”
- Incorrect: *They conferred him a prize. Correct: They conferred a prize on him.
- Incorrect spelling: *confered (needs double 'r').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in its 'grant' sense, it requires a direct object (what is granted) and usually an indirect object (on/upon whom). In its 'discuss' sense, it is intransitive (confer with someone).
'Conferred' is more formal and often implies official authority. 'Awarded' is common for prizes and recognitions. 'Bestowed' is more literary and can imply a gift given graciously.
Primarily yes (honours, rights, benefits), but it can be neutral (authority, responsibility). It is rarely used for negative things.
Remember the verb 'confer' focuses on the ACTION of granting or discussing, while the noun 'conference' is the EVENT or MEETING itself.
To grant or bestow something (a title, honour, right, or authority) formally or officially.
Conferred is usually formal, academic, official in register.
Conferred: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈfɜːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈfɝːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Conferred by right”
- “Powers conferred by statute”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CON-FERRED: Think of a CONFERENCE where honours are given, or where people discuss and then decide to GRANT something.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS AN OBJECT THAT CAN BE GIVEN (conferring power). KNOWLEDGE IS A SUBSTANCE THAT CAN BE SHARED (conferring with someone).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'conferred' correctly in its 'discuss' sense?