Word
bestow
Phoneticsbe·stow, stress on the second syllable
US/bɪˈstoʊ/
UK/bɪstˈəʊ/
Definition
v. to give someone something important, like a title, a prize, or a gift. You usually use this when the person receiving it is very special or deserves it.
v. to grant or confer an honour, title, or privilege upon someone. Often implies a formal or ceremonial act of giving.
Examples
“The king bestows the title of knight upon the brave soldier.”
“The university bestows an honorary degree to the scientist for her lifetime of research.”
“The committee bestows the annual award to the most innovative startup, recognizing its significant contribution to the local economy and technological advancement.”
Examples
simple
“The king bestows the title of knight upon the brave soldier.”
contextual
“The university bestows an honorary degree to the scientist for her lifetime of research.”
complex
“The committee bestows the annual award to the most innovative startup, recognizing its significant contribution to the local economy and technological advancement.”
Real-World Examples
“A brilliant, strange book that challenged me in the most exhilarating way, with its fractured language and dream-cinema visions, the sense it bestowed of walking through a corridor full of echoes.” “In 2023, Hunt was inducted into White Castle’s Cravers Hall of Fame, and bestowed with a navy jacket signifying his place among the elite.” “The change in title carries new responsibilities: They are now tasked to bestow good fortune on the deserving, not just to punish crimes.” “The answer could lie in the traits people subconsciously bestow on the thanker.” Etymology
PIE word *h₁epi The verb is derived from Middle English bestowen, bistouen, bistowen (“to give, bestow; to apply (something to something else); to arrange or have control over (something); to place (someone) in a position; to use (for some purpose); (reflexive) to find (oneself) a place to live or shelter”) [and other forms], from bi- (prefix forming verbs, often with a completive, figurative, or intensive meaning) + stouen, stowen (“to pack (cargo) in a ship, stow; to place (someone) in a certain position; to provide quarters for, lodge; etc.”) (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *steh₂- (“to place; to stand (up)”)). The English word is analysable as be- (intensifying prefix forming verbs) + stow (“to put (something) away in a suitable place; etc.”). The noun is derived from the verb.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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