bestow
bih-STOH
/bɪˈstoʊ/
To confer or present an honor, gift, rights, or responsibility upon someone.
Carries a formal tone; implies that the gift or honor is given graciously from a high authority or in honor of achievement.
The story behind the word. In Old English, 'stow' was a noun meaning a place or position. To 'bestow' literally meant to put something in a place or to store it away. By the fourteenth century, the meaning shifted gracefully toward placing a valuable gift or honor into someone's hands.
Word relationships
- confer: 'Confer' is used especially for formal titles, degrees, or awards.
- grant: 'Grant' often implies permission or official privilege, while 'bestow' emphasizes generous presentation.
- withhold: To keep back or refuse to give.
- strip: To take away rank or honor forcefully.
Commonly confused with
- entrust: 'Entrust' means placing responsibility in someone's care; 'bestow' means granting a gift, honor, or blessing.
Word family
- bestowal (noun): The act of conferring a gift or honor.
Collocations
- bestow an honor
- bestow a gift
- bestow upon
- bestow blessings
Example sentences
- "The university decided to bestow an honorary doctorate upon the legendary human rights activist." Official Ceremony
- "The monarch chose to bestow royal titles upon the leaders who preserved peace across the realm." Classic Literature
Memory hook
BE-STOW: Place a gift into someone's STOW-age or hands with honor. Graciously place an honor or gift upon someone.
When not to use
Do not use for casual, mundane exchanges like handing someone a pen or buying daily groceries.
Fun facts
- The English place name suffix '-stow' (as in Walthamstow) comes from the exact same root meaning 'place'.
Explore more words
impart, bequeath, gracious, Benefactor, give permission, lavish
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