Conferred

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /kənˈfɝd/

Definitions

1. Formally granted or bestowed, such as a degree or honor, given to someone ; engaged in discussion or consultation with others to share opinions or make decisions
2. Officially presented or awarded, often as recognition or privilege ; participated in talks or deliberations to exchange ideas or reach agreement
3. Bestowed through an official act or ceremony ; held a conversation or meeting to confer or deliberate on a matter

Etymology: "Collate" is a close relative. Both descend from the Latin verb "conferre," meaning to bring together or compare, from "con-" ("together") and "ferre" ("to bear, carry"). The shared root also sits behind "infer," "refer," "defer," and "prefer." English took the verb from French, where "conférer" carried the same Latin sense of gathering things side by side. That sense of comparing and consulting survived in English, while the meaning of bestowing something formally on someone grew from the idea of bringing honours or powers together onto a person. That is why a degree or title is conferred rather than simply given.

Synonyms: granted, bestowed, awarded, given, allocated

Antonyms: withheld, taken