Vocabulary Spotlight
Bestow
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: To confer or present (an honor, right, or gift).
“The king chose to bestow the title of knight upon the brave warrior.”
Pronunciation
[bih-stoh]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Present
Confer
Award
Donate
Antonyms
Deny
Keep
Refuse
Retract
Related Words
Entrust
Endow
Word Origin
The word “bestow” comes from the Middle English word “bistowen,” which is derived from Old English “bistÅwian,” meaning “to give, to place.” The word has roots related to providing or granting and has evolved over centuries to imply the act of giving something formally or with honor.
Word Family
Related Verb: Bestowing – The act of presenting or giving.
Noun: Bestowment – The act of bestowing; a gift or bequest.
Mnemonics
Think of “Bestow” as “Be-stow,” as in “be a giver who stows (grants) gifts upon others.”
Industry-specific Usage
Education
In educational contexts, schools and institutions often bestow awards and honors upon students for academic excellence.
Legal
In the legal field, certain privileges, rights, or titles can be bestowed through official decrees or mandates.
Charity
Charitable organizations often bestow grants and donations to support causes and initiatives.
In Context
To bestow something is to give or present it, often with a sense of honor, formality, or significance. In everyday contexts, it might refer to giving a gift. In more formal settings, it can refer to the granting of rights, titles, or honors.
Bestowing can imply both a tangible gift (e.g., a medal) and intangible recognition (e.g., praise, blessings, or respect).