The Formal Act of Giving: Bestowing Honors and Gifts
Explore the meaning and usage of the word ‘bestow’, which describes the formal act of granting an honor or presenting a valuable gift. Learn about its etymology, synonyms, and common errors to enhance your vocabulary for discussing significant acts of generosity and recognition.
Imagine receiving a prestigious award or a generous gift. The act of giving such an honor or present is captured in our word of focus today: bestow.
Word type: Bestow is a verb, an action word that describes the act of giving or granting something, especially with a sense of formality or ceremony.
Meaning: To bestow means to present or give as a gift or honor, often implying that the giver has the authority or right to do so.
It suggests a deliberate and sometimes formal act of giving something valuable or significant.
Word history:
The word bestow has an interesting etymology. It comes from the Old English word “stow,” which meant to place or locate.
The prefix “be-” was added to intensify the meaning, resulting in “bestow,” which literally meant to place around or surround.
Over time, its meaning evolved to focus on the act of giving or granting.
Antonyms: Some antonyms of bestow include withhold, deny, refuse, and withdraw.
These words represent the opposite action of giving or granting.
Synonyms: Synonyms for bestow include grant, confer, present, award, and endow.
These words all share the core meaning of giving something of value or importance.
Examples use in sentences:
The university will bestow an honorary degree upon the renowned scientist for her groundbreaking research.
The king had the power to bestow titles of nobility on his most loyal subjects. Her mentor bestowed upon her a wealth of knowledge and experience over the years.
Common errors in use: One common mistake is confusing bestow with endow. While both involve giving, endow typically refers to providing a permanent fund or source of income, whereas bestow is more general and can apply to any act of giving.
Another error is using bestow without considering its formal connotation. In casual conversation, it might sound overly pompous to say you bestowed a birthday gift on a friend.
Reserve bestow for more significant or formal acts of giving. To effectively use bestow in your GRE vocabulary, remember its formal nature and the implication of authority or significance in the act of giving.
Whether discussing honors, gifts, or abstract concepts like knowledge or power, bestow adds a touch of gravity and importance to the act of giving.
By mastering this word, you enhance your ability to describe meaningful acts of generosity and recognition in a sophisticated manner.
