confer

confer — verb

1. When two or more people confer, they talk together in a serious and focused way,

1.verbintransitiveB2
Definition

When two or more people confer, they talk together in a serious and focused way, sharing ideas and opinions so that they can reach a decision or decide what to do next.

Example

The two lawyers conferred quietly before presenting their case to the judge.

confer with [somebody] before [event]

Sahil conferred with his team about the best way to launch the new product.

Common collocations
  • confer with somebody
  • confer about something
  • confer on a matter
  • confer privately/quietly
  • confer for hours
Synonyms
  • consult

    Like 'confer' but suggests one person seeking expert advice from another, rather than equal exchange.

  • discuss

    The most general term; less formal and does not necessarily imply reaching a decision.

  • deliberate

    More formal than 'confer'; emphasises slow, careful consideration, often in legal or political settings.

Grammar Patterns

confer with [somebody] about [something]

confer with [somebody] on [something]

confer [for time] before [decision]

Usage Note

Frequently found in professional, legal, and academic contexts. More formal than 'talk with' or 'discuss', and often implies a focused, decision-oriented exchange rather than casual conversation.

Common Mistakes

I need to confer with my mom before I buy these shoes.
I need to talk to my mom before I buy these shoes.
'Confer' is too formal for everyday family decisions; use 'talk with' or 'check with' instead.

2. When an official body such as a university or government confers a degree, award

2.verbtransitiveC1
Definition

When an official body such as a university or government confers a degree, award, or title on someone, it formally and publicly gives that person the honour, often during a ceremony.

Example

The university conferred an honorary degree on the Nobel Prize winner.

confer [degree] on [somebody]

A knighthood was conferred upon Karim for his years of work in education.

Common collocations
  • confer a degree on somebody
  • confer an honour upon somebody
  • confer a title on somebody
  • confer authority on somebody
  • confer a right on somebody
  • confer a benefit on somebody
Synonyms
  • award

    More general; can be used for prizes and judgments in both formal and semi-formal contexts.

  • grant

    Focuses on giving permission or a benefit; less ceremonial than 'confer'.

  • bestow

    Slightly more literary than 'confer'; often implies a generous or gracious giving.

Antonyms
  • withhold

    To deliberately refuse to give an honour or right.

  • revoke

    To take back an honour or title that was previously given.

Grammar Patterns

confer [honour/degree/title] on/upon [somebody]

[honour/degree/title] be conferred on/upon [somebody]

Usage Note

Common in passive constructions ('be conferred on/upon'). The subject is typically an institution (a university, government body, committee) rather than an individual acting alone.

Common Mistakes

The teacher conferred a gold star on the student.
The principal conferred a certificate of achievement on the student.
'Confer' is for official titles, degrees, or formal awards, not everyday classroom rewards.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

All four involve talking with others, but they differ in formality and purpose. 'Confer' (formal) implies an exchange among equals trying to reach a decision. 'Consult' suggests one party seeks expert advice from another — you consult a doctor or a lawyer, which is not necessarily an equal exchange. 'Discuss' is the most general and neutral, covering any exchange of opinions regardless of seriousness. 'Deliberate' (also formal) emphasises slow, careful weighing of options, often in a legal or political setting. For example: the partners conferred before the merger; she consulted a financial advisor; they discussed weekend plans; the jury deliberated for two days.

consult ↗discuss ↗deliberate ↗

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

From Latin 'conferre' — 'com-' (together) + 'ferre' (to bring, carry). Originally meant 'to bring together', which developed in two directions: bringing people together to talk (sense 1) and bringing benefits or honours to someone (sense 2). Entered English through Old French 'conférer' in the 1500s.