confer
confer — verb
1. When two or more people confer, they talk together in a serious and focused way,
When two or more people confer, they talk together in a serious and focused way, sharing ideas and opinions so that they can reach a decision or decide what to do next.
The two lawyers conferred quietly before presenting their case to the judge.
confer with [somebody] before [event]
Sahil conferred with his team about the best way to launch the new product.
The doctors conferred for nearly an hour before they agreed on a treatment plan.
Nala's parents conferred in the kitchen while she waited in her room.
Before making a final offer, the manager conferred with the finance department.
- consult
Like 'confer' but suggests one person seeking expert advice from another, rather than equal exchange.
- discuss
The most general term; less formal and does not necessarily imply reaching a decision.
- deliberate
More formal than 'confer'; emphasises slow, careful consideration, often in legal or political settings.
文法句型
confer with [somebody] about [something]
confer with [somebody] on [something]
confer [for time] before [decision]
用法筆記
Frequently found in professional, legal, and academic contexts. More formal than 'talk with' or 'discuss', and often implies a focused, decision-oriented exchange rather than casual conversation.
常見錯誤
2. When an official body such as a university or government confers a degree, award
When an official body such as a university or government confers a degree, award, or title on someone, it formally and publicly gives that person the honour, often during a ceremony.
The university conferred an honorary degree on the Nobel Prize winner.
confer [degree] on [somebody]
A knighthood was conferred upon Karim for his years of work in education.
The committee conferred the award of excellence on three young scientists.
Yumi was nervous as the president conferred a national medal on her father.
This position confers the right to vote on all important committee decisions.
文法句型
confer [honour/degree/title] on/upon [somebody]
[honour/degree/title] be conferred on/upon [somebody]
用法筆記
Common in passive constructions ('be conferred on/upon'). The subject is typically an institution (a university, government body, committee) rather than an individual acting alone.