BESTOW

Definition of BESTOW

BESTOW Verb and Adjective

Bestow is both a verb and an adjective. As a verb, it means to grant or give something, typically an honor or gift, to someone. As an adjective, it describes something that has been given or conferred.

BESTOW as a verb

Granting an Honor or Gift: As a verb, bestow involves the act of giving or conferring something, often an award, title, or honor, upon someone. For example, “The committee decided to bestow the award upon the distinguished professor,” illustrates the act of formally giving an honor.

Conferment: Bestow can also refer to the formal conferment of a title, position, or privilege. For instance, “The king bestowed knighthood upon the brave soldier,” highlights the act of granting a special honor or title.

Giving in Recognition: In a broader context, bestow means to give or present something in recognition of achievements or as a gesture of goodwill. For example, “She bestowed her trust and confidence in the new leader,” demonstrates the act of granting intangible benefits like trust or confidence.

Formal and Ceremonial Giving: The term bestow often implies a formal and ceremonial act of giving. For example, “The award was bestowed during the annual gala,” highlights the ceremonial aspect of the act of giving.

Recognition and Tribute: Bestow can also refer to the act of offering recognition or tribute to someone’s achievements or contributions. For instance, “The organization bestowed a special tribute to the retiring founder,” emphasizes the recognition given in honor of someone’s contributions.

BESTOW as an adjective

Conferred or Given: As an adjective, bestow describes something that has been given or conferred. For instance, “The bestowed honor was a testament to his lifelong dedication,” indicates that the honor has been formally granted or given.

Given with Formality: Bestow may also describe something given with a sense of formality or ceremony. For example, “The bestowed gift was presented with great ceremony,” underscores the formal nature of the giving.

Adjective -Awarded or Granted: In certain contexts, bestow as an adjective reflects something that has been awarded or granted officially. For instance, “The bestowed title recognized her significant contributions,” shows that the title has been formally granted as recognition.

Bestow encompasses both the act of granting or giving something formally as a verb and the description of something that has been given or conferred as an adjective. Whether involving honors, titles, or tangible gifts, understanding bestow highlights its significance in formal and ceremonial contexts, reflecting the importance of recognition and tribute in various settings.

Examples of BESTOW in a sentence

BESTOW as a verb in a sentence

  • The king decided to bestow knighthood upon the brave soldier.
  • The committee will bestow the honor of the award at the annual ceremony.
  • They planned to bestow a special gift on their retiring teacher.
  • The organization will bestow scholarships to the most deserving students.
  • He was chosen to bestow the title of “Best Actor” at the film festival.
  • She wanted to bestow her trust and confidence in the new leader.
  • The university will bestow an honorary degree upon the distinguished guest.
  • The chief was prepared to bestow his blessing on the young couple.

BESTOW as an adjective in a sentence

  • The bestowed medal was proudly displayed in the museum.
  • The bestowed title of “Honorary Citizen” was given to the visiting dignitary.
  • They admired the bestowed gifts that symbolized the community’s appreciation.
  • The bestowed honors were recognized in the ceremony.
  • The bestowed decorations highlighted the significance of the occasion.
  • The bestowed accolades were well-deserved for her contributions.
  • The bestowed awards were a mark of distinction in the field.
  • He wore the bestowed crown with great pride.

Origin of BESTOW

Bestow traces its origins to the Middle English word bestowen, derived from the Old English bestowian (to place or to set), which comes from the Proto-Germanic bestawjan (to place, to offer). The term bestow evolved from the concept of placing or giving something with intention or honor.

  • Old English: Bestowian (to place, to set), from Proto-Germanic bestawjan (to place, to offer).
  • Proto-Germanic: Bestawjan (to place, to offer), from be- (around, about) and stow (place, location).
  • Old English: Bestowian referred to the act of placing or setting something, often with the connotation of giving or offering.
  • Middle English: The term evolved into bestowen, retaining the meaning of giving or granting something with intention or honor.
  • Modern Usage: Bestow in contemporary English means to give or present something, often in a formal or honorable context, such as awards or honors.

Today, bestow is used to describe the act of giving or presenting something with significance or formality. The term retains its core meaning of offering or granting, reflecting its historical evolution from Old English to its current usage in describing acts of giving with intention or honor.

Synonyms

  • Grant
  • Confer
  • Give
  • Award
  • Present
  • Endow
  • Donate
  • Provide

Antonyms

  • Withhold
  • Retain
  • Revoke
  • Withdraw
  • Deny
  • Take back
  • Reclaim
  • Refuse

Related

  • Bestowal
  • Allocation
  • Gift
  • Offer
  • Provision
  • Presentation
  • Conferment
  • Donation

🌐 🇬🇧 BESTOW in other languages

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