bestow

CEFRC1

/bɪˈstəʊ/

verb

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    verb

    bestow a quality on.

  2. 02

    verb

    Extra detail

    To impart (something) gratuitously; to present (something) to someone or something, especially as a gift or an honour; to confer, to give, to accord; to render.

Examples

  • That's a real strongman, bestow upon him a goblet of wine!

  • "The wounds received in battle bestow honor, they do not take it away..."

At a glance

Sits at C1 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
1
Citations
5
Synonyms
4

Also pronounced

  • /bɪˈstou/
  • /bɪˈstoʊ/

Deep Dive

verb

Extra meanings

  1. To apply or make use of (someone or something); to employ, to use.

  2. To apply (money) for some purpose; to expend, to spend.

  3. To place or put (someone or something) somewhere or in a certain situation; to dispose of.

More examples

In context

  • I bestow upon you the name of Peter.

  • Medals were bestowed on the winning team.

  • [S]ince the voyce / Of moſt ſupreme Authority commands / My abſence: I determine to beſtovv / Some time in learning Languages abroad; […]

Synonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

The king decided to blank a prestigious title upon the loyal knight for his bravery.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

verb

PIE word *h₁epi The verb is derived from Middle English bestowen, bistouen, bistowen (“to give, bestow; to apply (something to something else); to arrange or have control over (something); to place (someone) in a position; to use (for some purpose); (reflexive) to find (oneself) a place to live or shelter”) [and other forms], from bi- (prefix forming verbs, often with a completive, figurative, or intensive meaning) + stouen, stowen (“to pack (cargo) in a ship, stow; to place (someone) in a certain position; to provide quarters for, lodge; etc.”) (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *steh₂- (“to place; to stand (up)”)). The English word is analysable as be- (intensifying prefix forming verbs...