kənˈfər, +V -ər.; -fə̄, +V -ər. also -ə̄r verb
( conferred ; conferred ; conferring ; confers )
Etymology: Latin conferre to bring together, contribute, consult, from com- + ferre to carry — more at bear
transitive verb
1. obsolete
a. : to bring or add together : collect
b. : contribute
2. obsolete : compare , collate
3.
a. : to grant or bestow especially at a public ceremony (as a title of nobility or an academic degree)
b. : to give or yield (a characteristic or quality, especially an advantageous one)
carbon confers hardness upon steel
the mastery of physical nature which this science has conferred on its practitioners — A.J.Toynbee
intransitive verb
1. obsolete : contribute
2. obsolete : agree , conform
3. : to hold conversation or conference now typically on important, difficult, or complex matters : compare views : take counsel : consult , deliberate