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Also found in: English - Vietnamese

bestow

/bi'stou/
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Word: Bestow

Part of Speech: Verb

Meaning: To give something as a gift or to grant something to someone, often something special or important.

Simple Explanation:

When you bestow something on someone, you are giving them a gift or an honor. It often means that the gift is valuable or meaningful.

Usage Instructions:

You use "bestow" when you want to talk about giving someone an honor, a title, or a special gift. It is often used in formal contexts, like ceremonies or awards.

Examples:
  1. The teacher bestowed a medal on the student for her excellent performance.
  2. The king bestowed the title of knight upon the brave soldier.
Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "bestow" can also refer to adding qualities or characteristics to something, as in: - "The music bestowed a magical atmosphere to the evening."

Word Variants:
  1. Bestowal (noun) - The act of giving something, especially an honor.
    • Example: The bestowal of the award was a proud moment for the community.
  2. Bestowed (past tense) - Refers to something that has already been given.
    • Example: The honors were bestowed during the graduation ceremony.
Different Meaning:

While "bestow" primarily means to give or grant, it can also imply that something enhances or adds value to a situation. - Example: "Her presence bestows a sense of calm to the meeting."

Synonyms:
  • Grant
  • Confer
  • Present
  • Award
  • Give
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "bestow" does not have specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to it, the idea of giving or honoring can be expressed in various phrases, such as: - "To pay tribute to" (to honor someone) - "To give credit to" (to acknowledge someone's contribution)

Summary:

To bestow something is to give it as a gift or an honor, often in a formal setting.

Verb
  1. bestow a quality on
    • Her presence lends a certain cachet to the company
    • The music added a lot to the play
    • She brings a special atmosphere to our meetings
    • This adds a light note to the program
  2. give as a gift
  3. present
    • The university conferred a degree on its most famous former student, who never graduated
    • bestow an honor on someone

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