Vocabulary word Confer - Practice with online flashcards, spelling bees and vocabulary quizzes

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Dictionary Definition of confer

To discuss or consult with someone to come to a decision or make a judgement about a particular matter.
"The team will confer before the game to finalize their strategy."

Detailed Meaning of Confer

It involves exchanging ideas and opinions with someone to arrive at a mutually agreeable outcome. The term is commonly used in academic or professional settings, where individuals may confer with colleagues, supervisors, or experts to gain insights, clarify concepts, or make informed decisions. In addition, the term 'confer' can also mean to bestow or grant something, such as a title, degree, or honor. In this context, the term implies a formal act of conferring a specific privilege or recognition on someone.

Example Sentences for Confer

1. The committee will confer tomorrow to discuss the new proposals.
2. I need to confer with my colleagues before making a decision.
3. The professor will confer with the students about their research projects.
4. The CEO plans to confer with the board of directors on the company's future plans.
5. The judge will confer with the jury before reaching a verdict.
6. The team captain will confer with the coach to devise a game strategy.

Origin and Etymology of Confer

The verb 'confer' has its origins in the Latin word 'conferre,' which is a combination of 'con,' meaning 'together,' and 'ferre,' meaning 'to bring' or 'to carry.' In its original Latin form, 'conferre' conveyed the idea of bringing things together or gathering for a purpose. Over time, it evolved to signify the act of gathering or coming together for discussion, consultation, or deliberation. This etymology highlights the collaborative nature of conferencing, where individuals bring their thoughts and perspectives together to reach a collective decision or judgment on a particular matter. 'Confer' thus reflects the historical practice of bringing minds together for the exchange of ideas and opinions, emphasizing the cooperative aspect of reaching decisions through discussion and consultation.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the verb confer:

ignore

disregard

overlook

consult

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More Usage Examples of Confer

1. The president will confer with foreign leaders to strengthen diplomatic relations.
2. The researchers will confer with experts in the field to validate their findings.
3. The committee members will confer with stakeholders to gather their input.
4. The doctor will confer with the patient's family to discuss treatment options.
5. The negotiators will confer with their counterparts to reach a settlement.
6. The lawyer will confer with the client to prepare for the trial.
7. The teachers will confer with parents to address concerns about the students' progress.
8. The architects will confer with the client to finalize the building design.
9. The committee chairperson will confer with committee members to set the agenda.
10. The scientists will confer with their colleagues to analyze the experimental results.
11. The project manager will confer with the team to allocate resources effectively.
12. The diplomats will confer with the United Nations to address global challenges.
13. The coach will confer with the athletes to evaluate their performance.
14. The HR manager will confer with the hiring team to select the best candidate.