confer Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb have a conference in order to talk something over
    confab; consult; confabulate.
    • We conferred about a plan of action
  2. verb present
    bestow.
    • The university conferred a degree on its most famous former student, who never graduated
    • bestow an honor on someone

WordNet

Con*fer" transitive verb
Etymology
L. conferre to bring together, contribute, consult; con- + ferre to bear: cf. F. conférer. See 1st Bear.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Conferred present participle & verbal noun Conferring
Definitions
  1. To bring together for comparison; to compare. Obs.
    If we confer these observations with others of the like nature, we may find cause to rectify the general opinion. Boyle.
  2. To grant as a possession; to bestow.
    The public marks of honor and reward Conferred upon me. Milton.
  3. To contribute; to conduce. Obs.
    The closeness and compactness of the parts resting together doth much confer to the strength of the union. Glanvill.
Con*fer" intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To have discourse; to consult; to compare views; to deliberate.
    Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered. Acts xxv. 12.
    You shall hear us confer of this. Shak.
    Syn. -- To counsel; advise; discourse; converse.

Webster 1913