Okay, let's tackle this word "confer". Honestly, I used to mix it up with "consult" all the time back in college during group projects. Someone would say, "We need to confer on this," and I'd just nod, pretending I totally grasped the nuance. It wasn't until I flubbed using it in a formal email that I decided to really dig in and figure out what does confer mean once and for all. Let's break it down properly so you don't end up slightly embarrassed like I did.
The Core Meaning of Confer
At its heart, what does confer mean boils down to two main ideas:
1. Discussing to Make a Decision: This is when people talk together to reach an agreement, share opinions, or make a plan. Think of it as a focused discussion with a goal.
Example: The managers will confer about the budget cuts tomorrow morning. (They need to discuss and decide).
2. Granting or Bestowing Something: This is more formal. It means to give an honor, title, right, or advantage to someone or something.
Example: The dean will confer the degrees at graduation. (The dean is formally granting the degrees).
So, when you're trying to understand "what does confer mean", ask yourself: Is it about talking together or about giving something formally? That's usually the fork in the road.
Breaking Down the First Meaning: Conferring = Discussion
This is the meaning you're more likely to encounter day-to-day. It implies a deliberate, often somewhat formal or serious, exchange of views aimed at reaching a conclusion. It's not just chit-chat. There's weight to it.
Key Point: "Confer" here almost always involves two or more people (or groups) talking with each other. You confer *with* someone.
Example: Before finalizing the patient's diagnosis, the lead doctor decided to confer with a specialist. (Discussion with a purpose).
How is this different from just "talking" or "discussing"?
- Confer implies deliberation: There's an intention to weigh options or solve something.
- It often has stakes: Decisions made after conferring usually matter more than casual talk.
- It can be formal: Especially in professional or official contexts.
I remember sitting on a scholarship committee years ago. We didn't just "talk" about applicants; we officially "conferred" to select the winners. Little bit of pressure in that word!
Confer vs. Similar Words (Let's Clear the Confusion)
This is where people get tripped up. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Word | Core Meaning | Key Difference from "Confer" | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Confer | Discuss formally to decide; Grant formally | Focus on joint deliberation or formal granting | "The judges will confer before announcing the winner." |
| Consult | Seek information or advice from an expert | Often implies hierarchy (expert & advice-seeker) | "You should consult a lawyer." (You seek their advice) |
| Discuss | Talk about something openly | Broader, less formal, less emphasis on final decision | "Let's discuss our holiday plans." (Casual talk) |
| Deliberate | Consider carefully and slowly | Focuses on slow consideration, often by a group | "The jury deliberated for two days." (Careful weighing) |
| Bestow | Grant or give (honor, gift) | Synonym only for confer's second meaning (granting) | "The king bestowed knighthood upon him." |
See the difference? Using "confer" instead of "consult" in that email I mentioned made me sound like I needed a mutual decision, not just expert advice. Oops. Lesson learned.
The Second Meaning: Conferring = Granting or Bestowing
This usage is more formal, often found in official, academic, or ceremonial contexts. It carries a sense of authority and tradition.
Example: The university will confer honorary doctorates at the ceremony next week. (Formally granting the degrees).
Example: Membership confers certain exclusive benefits. (Membership grants/entitles you to benefits).
What kind of things get "conferred"?
- Titles: Knighthoods, honorary degrees (Doctor of Letters), job titles (though less common now).
- Honors & Awards: Medals, prizes, distinctions.
- Rights & Privileges: Voting rights, access privileges, legal statuses.
- Authority: Power or responsibility given formally.
- Benefits: Advantages gained from a situation or status.
It feels weighty, right? There's a permanence implied. You don't casually "confer" a coffee break; you grant it or allow it. Conferring suggests something more substantial.
Where You'll Hear "Confer" Used This Way
This meaning pops up in specific settings:
- Academic Graduations: This is the big one. Degrees are "conferred" upon graduates. It’s the official act of granting the degree. (You might hear the term "Conferral Date").
- Legal Documents: Contracts might state that Party A "confers the rights to Party B."
- Official Ceremonies: Bestowing honors, awards, or titles (like knighthoods).
- Formal Writing & Diplomacy: Treaties might confer specific obligations or privileges on signatories.
Personally, I find this usage a bit... stuffy sometimes. Like "bestow," it can sound overly formal in everyday conversation. But in its proper place (like a graduation program), it absolutely fits.
Confer in Action: Real-Life Sentence Examples
Understanding definitions is one thing. Seeing how "confer" works in real sentences is another. Let's look at examples covering both meanings.
Meaning 1: Discussion
| Context | Sentence Example | Why "Confer" Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Medical | The surgeons needed to confer urgently before proceeding with the complex operation. | Urgent, high-stakes discussion among peers to decide on a plan. |
| Business | Before signing the major contract, the CEO insisted on conferring with the board of directors. | Formal consultation and joint decision-making within a governance structure. |
| Legal/Jury | After hearing all the evidence, the jury retired to confer and reach a verdict. | Classic example of a group privately discussing to make a binding decision. |
| Personal | "Hang on, I need to confer with my spouse before we commit to that vacation package." | Demonstrates mutual decision-making in a personal context (less formal but purposeful). |
Meaning 2: Granting/Bestowing
| Context | Sentence Example | Why "Confer" Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Academic | The university will officially confer degrees at the spring commencement ceremony on May 15th. | The formal act of granting the academic degree. |
| Legal/Political | The new constitution confers equal rights on all citizens regardless of gender or religion. | A formal document granting fundamental rights. |
| Benefits/Status | Owning shares in the company confers voting rights at the annual general meeting. | Possession (shares) grants a specific privilege (voting). |
| Honorary | The Queen conferred a knighthood on the renowned scientist for his services to medicine. | Formal bestowal of a prestigious title by authority. |
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Even after figuring out what does confer mean, it's easy to slip up. Here’s what usually trips people up:
- Confusing "confer" with "consult": This is the biggie. Remember: You consult an expert (you seek their advice). You confer with colleagues (you discuss mutually). Don't say: "I need to confer my accountant." Do say: "I need to consult my accountant." OR "I need to confer with my business partner."
- Misusing Prepositions: You confer *with* people (discussion meaning). Something *confers* a benefit/title/right *on* or *upon* someone/something (granting meaning). Don't say: "The title confers her prestige." Do say: "The title confers prestige on her." Or "The title confers prestige upon her."
- Overusing the Formal Granting Meaning Casually: Saying something like "I conferred a coffee break on myself" sounds ridiculous. Stick to "granted," "allowed," or "took." Save "confer" for genuinely formal grants or honors.
- Forgetting the "Mutual" Aspect (Discussion Meaning): "Confer" implies an exchange. Saying "I conferred the news to him" is awkward and incorrect. Use "told," "informed," or "related." Conferring requires back-and-forth.
I definitely stumbled over the confer/consult thing more than once. It feels subtle until you get it wrong.
Pro Tip: If you're unsure which meaning fits, try replacing "confer" in your sentence. If "discuss together" or "have a meeting" makes sense, you're likely using the first meaning. If "grant," "bestow," or "give formally" fits, you're using the second meaning.
Beyond the Definition: Nuances & Interesting Uses
Okay, we've covered the core of what does confer mean. But language is messy and interesting! Here are some extra layers:
"Confer" in Specific Fields
- Law: Used constantly. Rights are conferred by contracts or constitutions. Judges might confer briefly during a trial.
- Science & Academia: Degrees are conferred. A particular genetic mutation might confer resistance to a disease. Scientists often confer with peers.
- Business: Job titles might be formally conferred upon promotion. Boards confer.
- Government/Diplomacy: Treaties confer obligations or privileges. Ambassadors confer.
The Noun Forms: Conference & Conferment/Conferral
- Conference: This comes directly from the "discussion" meaning of confer. A conference is a formal meeting for discussion. Easy link!
- Conferment / Conferral: These nouns refer specifically to the *act* of granting or bestowing something formally.
- "The conferment of the award took place yesterday."
- "The conferral date for your degree is listed on your transcript."
Does "Confer" Imply Equality?
This is an interesting point about the discussion meaning. While "confer" suggests mutual discussion aimed at a decision, it doesn't *strictly* require perfect equality. A manager can confer with their team, even though they have the final say. However, the word leans towards a collaborative spirit rather than a purely top-down instruction. "Consult" often implies a clearer hierarchy (advice flows from expert to decision-maker). "Confer" feels more like peers exchanging views, even if one has more authority.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let's address the common questions people have after learning what does confer mean.
Is "confer" a formal word?
Generally, yes, especially the "granting/bestowing" meaning. The "discussion" meaning can be used in less formal contexts ("Let me confer with my partner"), but it still carries a weightier feel than "talk" or "chat." You wouldn't use it about deciding what movie to watch casually.
What's the difference between "confer" and "consult"?
This is the #1 question! Think direction:
- Consult: Usually one-way. You consult *an expert* (doctor, lawyer, consultant) *for* their advice. They have knowledge you need. ("Consult the manual.")
- Confer (discussion meaning): Two-way (or more). You confer *with* peers, colleagues, or teammates *to* discuss and reach a mutual decision or share viewpoints. It's collaborative. ("Confer with your co-author.")
What's the difference between "confer" and "bestow"?
They are synonyms *only* when talking about the "granting formally" meaning. "Bestow" often has a slightly more personal or ceremonial feel (bestowing an honor, a blessing, a gift). "Confer" can sound more neutral or institutional (conferring a right, a degree, a status). You can often use either in formal contexts for granting honors/titles: "The award was conferred/bestowed upon her."
Can an object "confer" something?
Yes, but only for the "granting" meaning. An object or situation can't discuss things! However, an object or status can grant a property, benefit, or right.
- "The mutation confers immunity." (The mutation grants immunity).
- "Owning land confers certain tax advantages." (Owning land grants advantages).
- "This software license confers unlimited access." (The license grants access).
What's the past tense of "confer"?
The past tense is conferred. The past participle is also conferred (used with has/have/had).
- "We conferred yesterday." (Past Simple)
- "They have conferred and reached a decision." (Present Perfect)
- "The degree was conferred last spring." (Passive, Past Simple)
Is "confer" commonly used?
It's not as common as "talk" or "discuss," but it's far from rare. You'll encounter it frequently in:
- Academic writing and ceremonies
- Legal documents and contexts
- Formal business communication (reports, board meetings)
- News reporting, especially about official actions or diplomatic talks
Putting It All Together: Using "Confer" Correctly
So, after all this, how do you actually use "confer" without sounding awkward?
- For Discussion: Use it when you mean a purposeful discussion among peers (or near-peers) aimed at a decision or exchange of views.
Structure: Subject + confer with + Person/Group (+ on/about + Topic).
Example: "The design team needs to confer with marketing about the new packaging." - For Granting: Use it when something (a person, institution, document, or status) formally gives a title, honor, right, benefit, or property.
Structure: Subject + confer + Thing Granted + on/upon + Recipient.
Example: "The treaty confers fishing rights upon coastal communities."
Don't force it. If "discuss" or "grant" feels more natural in a casual setting, use those. "Confer" shines in slightly more formal or precise contexts.
Figuring out what does confer mean properly took some effort for me, but it was worth it. That slightly formal email where I misused it? I cringe a little remembering it, but hey, we learn by making mistakes. Now when I hear "confer," I instantly know whether people are huddling up for a serious talk or someone's about to get handed a fancy diploma. Hope this deep dive helps you nail it too!
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