Bestows is a word that is commonly used in the English language. It is a verb that is used to describe the act of giving or presenting something to someone. The word has a rich history and has been used in various contexts over the years. In this article, we will explore the meaning of bestows, its origins, and its associations.
Definitions
The word bestows is defined as the act of giving or presenting something to someone. It is also used to describe the act of conferring or awarding something to someone. Bestows can be used in a variety of contexts, including personal, professional, and academic settings.
Origin
The word bestows has its origins in the Middle English word “bestowen,” which means to place or put. The word has evolved over time and has taken on a broader meaning, encompassing the act of giving or presenting something to someone.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of bestows can vary slightly depending on the dictionary being used. However, all definitions agree that bestows means to give or present something to someone. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines bestows as “to give as a gift or award.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines bestows as “to confer or present (an honor, gift, or right) on someone.”
Associations
The word bestows is often associated with acts of generosity, kindness, and recognition. It is commonly used in contexts where someone is being rewarded or recognized for their achievements or contributions. Bestows can also be used in the context of personal relationships, where one person may bestow a gift or token of appreciation on another.
Synonyms
There are many synonyms for the word bestows, including gives, presents, awards, grants, confers, and donates. These words all convey the same basic meaning of giving or presenting something to someone.
Antonyms
The antonyms of bestows include withholds, denies, refuses, and deprives. These words convey the opposite meaning of bestows, indicating that something is being taken away or not given.
The same root words
The word bestows is derived from the Middle English word “bestowen,” which is related to the Old English word “bestōn,” meaning to place or put. Other words with the same root include bestowal, bestower, and bestowment.
Example Sentences
- The company bestows an annual award on its top-performing employees.
- The queen bestows knighthoods on individuals who have made significant contributions to society.
- He bestows his love and affection on his family and friends.
- The donor bestows a generous gift on the charity every year.
- The scholarship committee bestows scholarships on deserving students.