Literary notes about Confer (AI summary)
In literature, "confer" carries a dual nuance, often referring both to engaging in thoughtful discussion and to bestowing honor or power. Authors invoke the term when characters consult with one another about important matters—whether it is a leader holding counsel with allies ([1], [2], [3]) or individuals exchanging ideas in intimate settings ([4], [5])—and when a figure confers favors, titles, or protections upon another ([6], [7], [8]). This versatile word, rooted in the act of giving and receiving, imbues dialogue with a sense of formality and gravity, seamlessly bridging the realms of conversation and the bestowal of authority or distinction ([9], [10], [11]).
- His Macedonian soldiers he sent away to winter at home, while he himself remained to confer with the Achaeans on the existing state of affairs.
— from The Histories of Polybius, Vol. 1 (of 2) by Polybius - Having received this order I went to New Orleans to confer with Banks about the proposed movement.
— from Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, Complete by Ulysses S. Grant - As the younger men eagerly listened to these words, Camillus proceeded to confer with the chief magistrates of the Ardeates.
— from Plutarch's Lives, Volume 1 (of 4) by Plutarch - Upon all these different situations you and Edward may confer together, and your opinion of each will be expected with eagerness.
— from The Letters of Jane Austen by Jane Austen - Mr. Stanton seemed desirous of coming into contact with the negroes to confer with them, and he asked me to arrange an interview for him.
— from Memoirs of General William T. Sherman — Complete by William T. Sherman - whim: nothing would satisfy her but to confer a dukedom on the favourite.”
— from The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt, 1725-1798. Complete by Giacomo Casanova - O father, whatever boon thou wilt confer on me I shall surely accept gladly!
— from The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1 - And these are the kind of improvements which confer reputation and power upon a new prince.
— from The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli - Now, like every communion, it can only serve to confer needed virtues upon the person communicating.
— from The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life by Émile Durkheim - Confer on me, great angel, the glory of white manhood, so that henceforth I may feel unlimited freedom.'
— from The Life and Work of Susan B. Anthony (Volume 1 of 2) by Ida Husted Harper - "And to confer upon me the favour of your distinguished recommendation?"
— from Bleak House by Charles Dickens
