bestow

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "bestow" is an accepted word in written English.
You can use the word "bestow" to refer to a generous gift or an honor that has been granted to someone. Example sentence: The Queen bestowed a knighthood on the distinguished soldier for his service.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their vote is far too precious to bestow on any of the parties on offer.

The Guardian - Opinion

Samsung is close to completing its palatial glass box in San Jose, Amazon is planning to bestow Seattle with a cluster of jungle-filled biospheres, while Google is reviving the 1970s dream of sweeping the world beneath an undulating transparent tent.

The Guardian - Arts

The 67-year-old mononym (née Cherilyn Sarkisian) also recently used Twitter to bestow this important message upon us regarding the Clinton presidential campaign: Food for thought.

The Guardian

Though his personal website modestly reminds readers that the Daily Telegraph named him "Briton of the year" in 2009, Douglas Carswell did not bestow upon himself – or even upon Nigel Farage – the title of "the greatest of Englishmen" during his brief speech after becoming Ukip's first MP on Thursday night.

The Guardian

But the dictator refused, preferring to bestow his favours on different art movements at different times.

The Economist

Chinese missions travelled to Naha to bestow the imperial seal on new kings.

The Economist

But the way to convey China's beneficence, might and centrality in the world order was to bestow gifts more valuable than the tribute rendered.

The Economist

It therefore seems unjustified that the one place where the wall remains impenetrable is the tax code.One solution, sometimes put forward by those opposed to Scientology's tax-exempt status, would bestow tax breaks on activities, rather than organisations (which would turn religious groups into something closer to 501(c)(4) organisations).

The Economist

The chancellor of the exchequer went into battle last year with Alan Milburn, the health secretary, to restrict the financial freedoms that foundation status would bestow.

The Economist

Although Kazakhstan is clearly not the ideal candidate for this role, Mr Nazarbayev craves the international recognition it would bestow.

The Economist

After she invited members of the media to watch her bestow a pardon upon a soon-to-be-slaughtered turkey, the governor turned and talked to reporters right in front of a farmer wringing turkeys' necks in "killing cones".Mrs Palin shouldn't be too bothered.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bestow" when you want to emphasize the act of giving something as an honor or a gift, often from a position of authority or respect.

Common error

Avoid using "bestow" in casual conversation or informal writing. It's a formal term that can sound pretentious if used inappropriately.

Linguistic Context

The verb "bestow" primarily functions to describe the act of conferring or granting something, typically an honor, right, or gift. Ludwig examples show it in contexts like bestowing medals or titles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bestow" is a verb that describes the act of formally giving or conferring something, often an honor or gift. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. Its usage is most common in news and formal business contexts, indicating a formal and professional register. While alternatives like "confer", "grant", and "award" exist, "bestow" carries a unique emphasis on the honorific nature of the gift or conferment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Confer

Focuses on granting or bestowing something, such as an honor or title.

Grant

Emphasizes formally giving or allowing something.

Award

Implies giving something as recognition for merit or achievement.

Give

A general term for transferring possession of something.

Impart

Suggests conveying knowledge, wisdom, or a quality.

Present

Highlights formally giving something, often as a gift.

Endow

Implies providing with a quality, ability, or asset.

Donate

Focuses on giving something, especially to charity.

Contribute

Signifies giving something to a common fund or cause.

Supply

Focuses on providing something that is needed.

FAQs

How to use "bestow" in a sentence?

You can use "bestow" to describe the act of giving something, often an honor or gift, from a position of authority. For example, "The university may bestow an honorary degree on the author."

What can I say instead of "bestow"?

You can use alternatives like "confer", "grant", or "award" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "bestow" or "give"?

"Bestow" and "give" both describe the act of providing something, but "bestow" implies a more formal and often honorific context. Use "bestow" when emphasizing the honor or gift being given; otherwise, "give" is generally acceptable.

What's the difference between "bestow" and "endow"?

"Bestow" means to give or confer something, while "endow" means to provide with a quality, ability, or asset. "Bestow" is typically used for honors or gifts, whereas "endow" is used for inherent qualities or resources.