confer

IPA/kənˈfɜː(r)/
KK[kənfˈɚ]IPA/kənˈfɜːr/

confer — 動詞

  • conferpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • confershe / she / it
  • conferredpast simple
  • conferring-ing form

1. When two or more people confer, they talk together in a serious and focused way,

1.動詞不及物B2
釋義

商議；協商

互相討論以做出決定

When two or more people confer, they talk together in a serious and focused way, sharing ideas and opinions so that they can reach a decision or decide what to do next.

例句

The two lawyers conferred quietly before presenting their case to the judge.

兩位律師在向法官陳述案情之前，先私下進行了商議。

confer with [somebody] before [event]

Sahil conferred with his team about the best way to launch the new product.

Sahil 與他的團隊商議推出新產品的最佳方式。

常見搭配
  • confer with somebody
  • confer about something
  • confer on a matter
  • confer privately/quietly
  • confer for hours
同義詞
  • consult

    Like 'confer' but suggests one person seeking expert advice from another, rather than equal exchange.

  • discuss

    The most general term; less formal and does not necessarily imply reaching a decision.

  • deliberate

    More formal than 'confer'; emphasises slow, careful consideration, often in legal or political settings.

文法句型

confer with [somebody] about [something]

confer with [somebody] on [something]

confer [for time] before [decision]

用法筆記

Frequently found in professional, legal, and academic contexts. More formal than 'talk with' or 'discuss', and often implies a focused, decision-oriented exchange rather than casual conversation.

常見錯誤

I need to confer with my mom before I buy these shoes.
I need to talk to my mom before I buy these shoes.
'Confer' is too formal for everyday family decisions; use 'talk with' or 'check with' instead.

2. When an official body such as a university or government confers a degree, award

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

授予；頒授

正式給予頭銜或榮譽

When an official body such as a university or government confers a degree, award, or title on someone, it formally and publicly gives that person the honour, often during a ceremony.

例句

The university conferred an honorary degree on the Nobel Prize winner.

該大學授予這位諾貝爾獎得主榮譽博士學位。

confer [degree] on [somebody]

A knighthood was conferred upon Karim for his years of work in education.

Karim 因其多年在教育領域的貢獻，獲頒授爵士頭銜。

常見搭配
  • confer a degree on somebody
  • confer an honour upon somebody
  • confer a title on somebody
  • confer authority on somebody
  • confer a right on somebody
  • confer a benefit on somebody
同義詞
  • award

    More general; can be used for prizes and judgments in both formal and semi-formal contexts.

  • grant

    Focuses on giving permission or a benefit; less ceremonial than 'confer'.

  • bestow

    Slightly more literary than 'confer'; often implies a generous or gracious giving.

反義詞
  • withhold

    To deliberately refuse to give an honour or right.

  • revoke

    To take back an honour or title that was previously given.

文法句型

confer [honour/degree/title] on/upon [somebody]

[honour/degree/title] be conferred on/upon [somebody]

用法筆記

Common in passive constructions ('be conferred on/upon'). The subject is typically an institution (a university, government body, committee) rather than an individual acting alone.

常見錯誤

The teacher conferred a gold star on the student.
The principal conferred a certificate of achievement on the student.
'Confer' is for official titles, degrees, or formal awards, not everyday classroom rewards.

同根字

  • conference
    名詞B2
  • conferment
    名詞C1
  • conferral
    名詞C1