Understanding ‘Confer’: Boost Your IELTS Score
Learn the meaning, usage, and nuances of the word ‘confer’ to improve your English vocabulary and IELTS performance. This video covers the word’s definition, etymology, synonyms, antonyms, and common usage errors.
Imagine you’re in a boardroom, and the CEO suddenly turns to you and says, “I’m going to confer a special honor upon you today.”
How would you feel? Excited? Nervous? Today, we’re exploring the word “confer” – a term that can elevate your IELTS score to that coveted band eight point zero.
Word type: Confer is primarily used as a verb in English.
Meaning: Confer has two main meanings. First, it means to bestow or grant something, typically an honor, degree, or privilege.
Second, it can mean to discuss or consult about something important.
Word history: The word confer comes from the Latin “conferre,” which literally means “to bring together.”
It’s composed of “com-” meaning “together,” and “ferre” meaning “to bear or carry.” This etymology reflects both its meanings – bringing people together for discussion, and bringing an honor to someone.
Antonyms: Some antonyms for confer include withhold, deny, refuse, and retract when used in the sense of granting something.
For the meaning of discussing, antonyms could be conceal, hide, or withhold information.
Synonyms: Synonyms for confer in the sense of granting include bestow, award, present, and grant.
When used to mean discuss, synonyms include consult, deliberate, converse, and parley.
Examples use in sentences:
Let’s look at some examples to see how confer is used in context. The university will confer degrees on the graduating students next month.
The committee members need to confer before making a final decision. The queen has the power to confer knighthoods and other honors.
After conferring with his lawyer, the defendant decided to plead not guilty. Common errors in use: One common mistake is confusing confer with infer.
While confer means to grant or discuss, infer means to deduce or conclude. Another error is using confer with the wrong preposition.
We confer with someone when discussing, but we confer something on or upon someone when granting an honor or privilege.
To wrap up, mastering words like confer can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. Remember its dual meanings of granting and discussing, and practice using it in your speaking and writing.
By incorporating such precise and versatile vocabulary, you’re well on your way to achieving that band eight point zero score.
