Bestow
What it means
To formally give an honor, gift, title, or valued quality to someone.
Reach for it when describing a ceremonial or elevated act of giving
The academy will bestow its service medal on two volunteer nurses.
Words to choose between 6
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal |
|
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playful
shower with
Fits when generous abundance creates the effect
Not when restrained official language is needed
-
everyday
Fits when the transfer needs no ceremony
Not when the occasion is deliberately elevated
-
warm
Fits when a gift is handed over ceremonially
Not when an abstract title is assigned
-
professional
Fits when merit earns an official prize
Not when the gift is freely offered
-
professional
Fits when permission or requested support is supplied
Not when public recognition is central
-
formal
confer
Fits when authority grants a status or honor
Not when a physical present is handed over
Opposites 3
- withhold
- revoke
- deny
Common phrases 3
-
bestow an honor
The guild gathered to bestow an honor on its retiring archivist.
-
bestow upon
The vote can bestow upon one member a three-year mandate.
-
bestow a gift
The family chose to bestow a gift anonymously.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated