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Bestowing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŽ
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bestowing

[bษชหˆstoสŠษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

act of giving or presenting something

Bestowing means to give or present something to someone as a gift or an honor. It implies a sense of generosity and kindness in the act of giving. This word is often used in formal or ceremonial contexts.

Synonyms

awarding, conferring, granting, presenting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bestowing

Use this word for formal or ceremonial contexts, often when giving someone an honor, gift, or title. It carries a sense of generosity and respect.

  • The queen was bestowing knighthoods upon the brave soldiers.
  • Bestowing wisdom upon the young is an important tradition in many cultures.
granting

Use this word when giving permission, rights, or privileges, often in legal or official contexts. It can also imply a request being fulfilled.

  • The mayor granted the protesters permission to use the park.
  • She was granted access to the restricted area.
conferring

Use this word in formal or academic settings, often when giving a degree, title, or formal status.

  • The university is conferring honorary degrees on notable alumni.
  • The council conferred the title of 'Citizen of the Year' to the local hero.
awarding

Use this word when giving something as a prize, recognition, or honor, usually in a competitive or achievement-based context.

  • She was awarded the prize for her groundbreaking research.
  • The committee is awarding scholarships to outstanding students.
presenting

Use this word generally when giving something, often in a more neutral context compared to the other terms. It can be used for both formal and informal situations.

  • They were presenting the award for best performance.
  • I will be presenting my findings to the committee tomorrow.

Examples of usage

  • The king bestowed a knighthood upon the brave warrior.
  • She bestowed her wisdom upon the young students.
  • The award ceremony included bestowing medals on the winners.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures practice ceremonies of bestowing titles or honors, such as knighthood in England, signifying respect and recognition.
  • In some indigenous communities, bestowing a name or gift can symbolize a deep bond between families or clans.
  • Bestowing knowledge is a valued concept in many philosophies, where teaching is seen as a way of enriching future generations.

Literature

  • In literature, bestowing gifts often signals a characterโ€™s development, like a hero giving their findings to the community.
  • Shakespeare frequently used the concept of bestowing in his plays, where characters offer wisdom or titles to highlight their relationships.
  • J.K. Rowling uses the act of bestowing in her works to deepen connections between characters, showcasing friendship and loyalty.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers discuss the moral implications of bestowing wealth or power, exploring what it means to give and receive.
  • The act of bestowing can evoke emotions of gratitude and responsibility, triggering discussions on altruism versus selfishness.
  • In ethics, the significance of bestowing rights and privileges is a critical topic, often debated in the realm of justice.

Psychology

  • Psychological studies suggest that giving or bestowing favors enhances feelings of happiness and strengthens social bonds.
  • The act of bestowing can lead to a concept known as the 'helper's high,' where givers experience a boost in happiness after giving.
  • Certain psychological theories indicate that the act of bestowing can enhance an individualโ€™s self-esteem, as it can showcase their ability to contribute positively to others.

Origin of 'bestowing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'bestow' comes from the Old English 'bestowen,' which means to place or put down.
  • Originally, it was used in the context of putting something down in a special place, such as gifts given with care.
  • The prefix 'be-' intensifies the meaning, suggesting that the act of giving is done more thoroughly.

The word 'bestowing' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old English word 'bistฤwan', meaning 'to place around, bestow'. It has evolved over time to signify the act of giving or presenting something. The concept of bestowing gifts or honors has been a part of human culture and tradition throughout history, reflecting the importance of generosity and recognition.

See also: bestowal, bestowed, bestower, bestowment.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,046, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.