Word
bestow
Phoneticsbe·stow
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
“The answer could lie in the traits people subconsciously bestow on the thanker.” “The change in title carries new responsibilities: They are now tasked to bestow good fortune on the deserving, not just to punish crimes.” 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.
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/bestow