Bestowing is a word that is often used to describe the act of giving or granting something to someone. It is a verb that is commonly used in everyday language, and it has a variety of meanings depending on the context in which it is used. In this article, we will explore the different definitions and meanings of bestowing, as well as its origin and associations.
Definitions
The word bestowing can be defined as the act of giving or presenting something to someone. It can also refer to the act of conferring or granting a particular honor or privilege to someone. In some cases, bestowing may be used to describe the act of placing something in someone’s possession or custody.
Origin
The word bestowing has its origins in the Old English word “bistawan,” which means to give or grant. This word is derived from the Proto-Germanic word “bistawijan,” which has the same meaning. Over time, the word evolved and changed to become the modern-day word “bestowing.”
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, bestowing means “to give as a gift or award.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “to confer or present (an honor, gift, etc.) upon someone.” The Cambridge Dictionary describes it as “to give something as a gift, prize, or honor.”
Associations
Bestowing is often associated with acts of generosity, kindness, and recognition. It can be used to describe the act of giving someone a gift, award, or honor in recognition of their achievements or contributions. It can also be used to describe the act of granting someone a privilege or opportunity.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of bestowing include giving, presenting, awarding, conferring, granting, and endowing.
Antonyms
Antonyms of bestowing include taking, withholding, refusing, and denying.
The same root words
The word bestowing shares its root with several other English words, including “bestowal,” “bestowed,” and “bestower.”
Example Sentences
- The university will be bestowing an honorary degree upon the famous author at its next graduation ceremony.
- The philanthropist is known for bestowing large sums of money on charitable organizations.
- The king bestowed a knighthood upon the brave soldier who had saved his life.
- The company is bestowing an award upon its top-performing employees at the annual conference.
- The city council is considering bestowing a special honor on the local firefighter who saved several lives during a recent fire.