C1verbformalworkacademic
US/kənˈfɜːr/
UK/kənˈfɜː/
to discuss something with other people before making a decision, or to give someone an official title or award
In context
The judges conferred for an hour before announcing the winner.
I need to confer with my lawyer before I sign anything.
The university conferred an honorary degree on the famous writer.
Words that go with confer
verb + preposition
- confer with colleaguesShe conferred with her colleagues about the plan.
- confer onThe law confers certain rights on tenants.
verb + adverb
- confer privatelyThe two lawyers conferred privately before answering.
verb + noun
- confer a degreeThe college confers degrees every June.
- confer a titleThe king conferred a title on his advisor.
- confer an honorThey conferred an honor on the old teacher.
- confer benefitsMembership confers many benefits.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
They conferred him a medal.Correct: They conferred a medal on him.