bestow
verb (transitive)
UK/bɪˈstəʊ/US/bɪˈstoʊ/
To present (a gift, honor, or right) to someone; to confer or give as a privilege or award.
Example Sentences
The queen will bestow a medal of honor on the soldier for his unwavering bravery.
Many philanthropists choose to bestow large donations on charitable organizations that align with their personal values.
Some universities bestow honorary degrees on accomplished individuals to recognize their achievements in various fields.
She decided to bestow her family heirloom upon her eldest daughter, preserving a cherished piece of heritage for the next generation.
Leaders who bestow respect and trust upon their teams often foster a collaborative and supportive environment.
He hoped the committee would bestow the prestigious award upon him after years of dedicated research.
In a grand ceremony attended by dignitaries and local citizens alike, the mayor was proud to bestow several grants to small businesses, strengthening the local economy and encouraging entrepreneurship across diverse sectors in the community.
It is a profound privilege to bestow such an honor on someone who has tirelessly worked behind the scenes, dedicating countless hours to improving living conditions and advocating for social justice in the region.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To confer or grant something, often with a sense of formality or respect.“Bestow” is most often a verb meaning to present or grant an award, honor, title, or gift—especially in a formal or ceremonial context. You might hear, “The university will bestow an honorary degree upon the philanthropist,” signifying a thoughtful, respectful transfer of recognition. It can also describe giving intangible gifts like blessings, opportunities, or responsibilities, for example: “She bestowed her trust upon him.” While it sometimes appears in everyday usage, “bestow” leans toward a more traditional or elevated tone than “give.” It underscores gratitude, reverence, or recognition, and often suggests that the giver possesses some authority or high regard for the receiver. If you want to convey an official or solemn act of giving, “bestow” is a fitting choice, highlighting thoughtfulness and respect in the process.
Alternatives
If you’d like a synonym for “bestow” without the same level of formality, consider “give,” “grant,” or “confer.” “Give” is the most common and straightforward, whereas “grant” hints at an official or legal framework—like granting rights or permissions. “Confer” often appears in academic or legal contexts (e.g., “to confer a degree” or “to confer authority”). For more poetic or old-fashioned tones, “impart” can emphasize sharing knowledge or wisdom. If you want to stress the ceremonial or prestigious aspect, “award” highlights the notion of presenting an honor or prize. Each alternative varies in nuance and setting: “grant” or “confer” suit institutional acts, “impart” leans educational, “award” fits prize contexts, while “bestow” retains a dignified, somewhat regal connotation of thoughtful giving.
Writing
When writing about “bestow,” clarify both the giver and receiver, and the nature of what’s being given, to emphasize significance or ceremony. For a formal announcement—“The academy will bestow its highest accolade on Dr. Morales”—place emphasis on the dignified nature of the act. If you’re composing a speech, use “bestow” to stress the honor attached: “We gather today to bestow upon our colleague this lifetime achievement award.” In historical or fantasy settings, describing a ruler who bestows titles or knighthood implies power dynamics and symbolism—“The king bestowed knighthood upon his bravest warrior.” By detailing reasons for the gift and the feelings around it, you draw attention to the special, earnest quality implied by “bestow.” It’s also suitable in philanthropic contexts—e.g., “She decided to bestow a generous endowment on her alma mater,” projecting gratitude or legacy. Aligning each mention of “bestow” with context—be it an award, honor, or intangible gift—helps maintain the sense of ceremony, respect, or gracious giving that distinguishes it from casual “giving.”
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “bestow” might appear humorously or to dramatize a simple act of giving—like a friend joking, “I bestow upon you this last slice of pizza,” injecting a mock ceremonious feel. Generally, though, “bestow” is more formal than the everyday “give” or “hand over.” If a social media post exclaims, “I’m thrilled to bestow my old desk upon any takers,” it’s probably tongue-in-cheek. At family gatherings or among close friends, the simpler “give” or “hand over” might suffice. However, if you enjoy sprinkling in more elevated vocabulary, “bestow” can be an amusing way to highlight a moment as special or ironic. For instance, “I shall bestow upon you the remote control,” playfully amplifies the significance of a small gesture. When used straightforwardly outside of formal contexts, it can strike a slightly stiff note, so be sure your audience appreciates the playful or emphatic effect you’re aiming for.
Etymology
“Bestow” comes from Middle English “bistowen,” combining “be-” (an Old English prefix intensifying or modifying the root) and “stowen,” related to “stow,” meaning “a place.” Early usage implied to ‘place or put something in its proper spot.’ Over time, the sense of placing or allocating evolved into the more specialized meaning of giving or conferring a gift or honor. This historical shift reflects how “bestow” remains tinged with purpose, formality, and thoughtfulness—suggesting that what you’re giving is deliberately placed into someone’s care or ownership, not offered casually. The notion of carefully placing or entrusting aligns with modern usage: to bestow is to impart something meaningful or valuable, often in a ceremonious or respectful way.
