conferring: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal
Quick answer
What does “conferring” mean?
The act of giving (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of giving (e.g., a title, honour, or right) or having a discussion to exchange ideas.
Formally engaging in consultation or deliberation with others; the process of bestowing something, often as an official act.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Slight preference for 'confer with' over 'confer about' in UK English, but both are standard.
Connotations
Consistently formal in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in academic/legal contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “conferring” in a Sentence
confer something on/upon somebodyconfer with somebody (on/about something)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “conferring” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The committee is conferring honours on the veterans.
- I need to confer with my solicitor before signing.
American English
- The university will be conferring degrees in May.
- The managers conferred about the budget cuts.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb form derived directly from 'conferring')
American English
- (No standard adverb form derived directly from 'conferring')
adjective
British English
- (No standard adjective form derived directly from 'conferring')
American English
- (No standard adjective form derived directly from 'conferring')
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Formal meetings to decide strategy: 'The board is conferring on the merger.'
Academic
Awarding qualifications: 'The ceremony of conferring degrees.'
Everyday
Rare in casual speech; might be used humorously: 'I'll need to confer with my partner before we book the holiday.'
Technical
Granting legal rights or privileges: 'The treaty is aimed at conferring mutual trading benefits.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “conferring”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “conferring”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “conferring”
- Using it for informal chat ('We were just conferring about the football match').
- Incorrect preposition: 'conferring to someone' (use 'with' for discussion, 'on/upon' for granting).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is the present participle/gerund form of the verb 'confer'. It functions as a verb in continuous tenses (e.g., 'We are conferring') or as a noun (gerund) (e.g., 'Conferring with experts is essential').
'Conferring' is more formal and implies a consultation aimed at reaching a decision or bestowing something officially. 'Discussing' is broader and more neutral, covering any conversation on a topic.
Yes, 'conferring about' or 'conferring on' a topic is standard, especially in American English. 'Conferring with' someone is used for the person you are consulting.
Yes, it's a polysemous word. The context clarifies which meaning is intended: 'conferring an award' (granting) vs. 'conferring with a colleague' (discussing).
The act of giving (e.
Conferring is usually formal in register.
Conferring: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈfɜːrɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈfɝːɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(none directly associated with the gerund form)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CONFERring is like a formal CON-FERENCE where you give (CONFER) honours or have serious talks.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/HONOUR IS AN OBJECT THAT CAN BE GIVEN.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'conferring' LEAST appropriate?