Bestower Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bestower

[bɪˈstaʊər ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

award giver

A bestower is a person who presents or gives awards, gifts, or honors to others. They are often recognized for their generosity and benevolence.

Synonyms

conferrer, donor, giver, grantor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bestower	Used in formal or literary contexts when referring to someone who gives a gift, honor, or title. The king was seen as the bestower of titles and lands. She was the bestower of many scholarships to needy students.
giver	Commonly used in everyday language when referring to someone who gives something, such as a gift or help. The giver of the gift was not expecting anything in return. He was always a gracious giver, helping those in need.
donor	Used in charitable or medical contexts when referring to someone who gives money, blood, or organs. The hospital received a large sum from an anonymous donor. She became a donor to the local blood bank.
grantor	Used in legal or formal financial contexts when referring to someone who grants property or rights to another. The grantor signed the deed over to the new owner. As grantor of the trust, she had full control over its assets.
conferrer	Commonly used in academic or ceremonial settings when someone officially grants a degree, honor, or title. The university president is the conferrer of degrees during the graduation ceremony. As the conferrer of the award, he had the honor of presenting the medal.

Examples of usage

The bestower of the trophy was the president of the organization.
As a bestower of scholarships, she helped many students achieve their educational goals.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

In fairy tales, the bestower is often a magical figure who grants wishes or special gifts to the main characters.
Classic stories, like those of Shakespeare, feature bestowers who award characters with titles, wealth, or blessings, shaping their destinies.
In modern literature, the concept of the bestower often symbolizes hope, generosity, and change.

Culture

Many cultures celebrate the idea of the bestower in rituals, where elders give blessings or gifts to younger generations.
Gift-giving traditions during holidays, such as Christmas or Diwali, emphasize the importance of the bestower in fostering joy and community.
In some cultures, a bestower is linked to honor and respect, highlighting social connections through acts of generosity.

Philosophy

The act of bestowing is often discussed in moral philosophy, where giving is analyzed in terms of altruism and ethical obligations.
Philosophers debate whether being a bestower leads to happiness and fulfillment, suggesting that it can enrich both the giver and the receiver.
The bestower's intentions are vital, impacting whether their actions are seen as generous or self-serving.

Psychology

Psychological studies reveal that being a bestower can increase feelings of happiness and satisfaction in one's life.
Gift-giving has been shown to strengthen social bonds, as bestowers often feel more connected to those they give to.
The 'helper's high' is a phenomenon where bestowers experience joy and contentment after engaging in acts of kindness or generosity.

Origin of 'bestower'

Main points about word origin

The word traces back to the Old English 'bestowen', which means to place or set down.
Related to 'stow', meaning to put away, it evolved to signify the act of giving something to someone.
This term highlights the act of giving as a formal and sometimes grand gesture.

The word 'bestower' originated from the combination of 'bestow' and the suffix '-er', which indicates a person who performs a particular action. 'Bestow' comes from Old English 'be-

See also: bestowal, bestowed, bestowing, bestowment.