A2 verb Formal #597 most common

confer

/kənˈfɜːr/

To discuss something with other people in order to reach a decision or exchange ideas. It can also mean to officially give an honor, title, or degree to someone.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I need to confer with my family before I decide to take the job.

I need to talk to my family before I decide to take the job.

2

The President will confer a medal of honor upon the brave soldier.

The President will give a medal of honor to the brave soldier.

3

Let me confer with my friends to see what they want to eat.

Let me check with my friends to see what they want to eat.

Word Family

Noun
conference
Verb
confer
Adjective
conferred
Related
conferment
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Memory Tip

Think of a 'Conference.' A conference is a big meeting where many people 'confer' or talk to each other.

Quick Quiz

The manager needs to ___ with the team before signing the contract.

Correct!

The correct answer is: confer

Examples

1

I need to confer with my family before I decide to take the job.

everyday

I need to talk to my family before I decide to take the job.

2

The President will confer a medal of honor upon the brave soldier.

formal

The President will give a medal of honor to the brave soldier.

3

Let me confer with my friends to see what they want to eat.

informal

Let me check with my friends to see what they want to eat.

4

The university will confer degrees upon the graduating students next week.

academic

The university will give degrees to the graduating students next week.

5

The board of directors met to confer about the new company strategy.

business

The board of directors met to discuss the new company strategy.

Word Family

Noun
conference
Verb
confer
Adjective
conferred
Related
conferment

Common Collocations

confer with someone to talk with someone
confer a degree to give a university degree
confer an honor to give a special prize or title
confer about something to discuss a specific topic
power conferred authority that has been given

Common Phrases

confer upon

to give something (like an award) to someone

confer with counsel

to talk with a lawyer

time to confer

time needed to discuss and decide

Often Confused With

confer vs confess

Confess means to admit you did something wrong; confer means to discuss or give an honor.

confer vs confirm

Confirm means to check if something is true; confer means to talk things over.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'confer with' when you are talking to someone to make a choice. Use 'confer [something] on/upon' when an authority is giving a title or gift.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Don't forget the 'with' when talking about a discussion. For example, say 'I conferred with him,' not 'I conferred him.'

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'Conference.' A conference is a big meeting where many people 'confer' or talk to each other.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin 'conferre', which means 'to bring together' (com- 'together' + ferre 'to bring').

Grammar Patterns

Intransitive: confer with (someone) about (something) Transitive: confer (something) on/upon (someone) Past tense: conferred (double the 'r')
🌍

Cultural Context

This word is very common in graduation ceremonies at universities when the dean grants degrees.

Quick Quiz

The manager needs to ___ with the team before signing the contract.

Correct!

The correct answer is: confer

Related Words

abmultant

C1

To diversify or branch out extensively from a single origin into multiple complex channels, forms, or applications. It describes the process of systemic expansion where a core entity multiplies its variety or reach.

microdoccide

C1

A specialized chemical substance or agent used to destroy or inhibit the growth of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses. It is primarily utilized in industrial, medical, and laboratory settings to ensure sterilization and prevent contamination.

circumminty

C1

The specific micro-atmosphere or olfactory 'halo' of coolness and freshness that surrounds an aromatic source, particularly mint plants or mentholated substances. It describes the spatial reach of a refreshing scent within a localized environment.

micromortious

C1

To calculate or estimate the minute probability of death associated with a specific action, typically measured in units representing a one-in-a-million chance. This verb is used to statistically assess the inherent danger of activities by quantifying potential mortality risks.

underpeline

C1

To provide a strong foundational support or to reinforce the underlying structure of an argument, theory, or physical entity. It describes the act of strengthening the core elements that hold a complex system or idea together to ensure stability.

misdictious

C1

To communicate or record verbal information inaccurately, specifically by confusing similar-sounding words or misinterpreting dictated instructions. It is primarily used in technical or test-based contexts to describe a failure in precise verbal transmission.

proscriber

C1

To officially forbid or prohibit something by law, decree, or social authority. It can also refer to the act of denouncing or condemning a person or group as harmful or dangerous.

triprehendful

C1

A triprehendful refers to a specific quantity of complex information or a situation that requires three distinct perspectives or levels of analysis to be fully grasped. It describes an amount of data or conceptual difficulty that is multifaceted and cannot be simplified into a binary explanation.

adcedency

C1

Adcedency refers to the state of rising to or holding a position of dominant power, influence, or governing authority. It describes the condition of being in control or having a superior status over others in a specific hierarchy or field.

postdynery

C1

To engage in the practice of lingering at a table after a meal has concluded to enjoy conversation and social bonding. This verb describes the transition from the physical act of eating to the intellectual or social act of communal reflection.

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