/ kənˈfɜː(r); NAmE / verb ( -rr- ) ( formal )
1.
[ v ] confer (with sb) (on / about sth) to discuss sth with sb, in order to exchange opinions or get advice :
He wanted to confer with his colleagues before reaching a decision.
2.
[ vn ] confer sth (on / upon sb) to give sb an award, a university degree or a particular honour or right :
An honorary degree was conferred on him by Oxford University in 2001.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (in the general sense bring together , also in sense 1): from Latin conferre , from con- together + ferre bring.