confer crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Find all the solutions and detailed explanations for the 'confer' crossword clue. We're here to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately, covering various word lengths and nuances of the clue.
Solutions for "confer crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
GIVE: To grant or bestow, often informally.
5 Letters
GRANT: To agree to give or allow, especially a right, privilege, or request.
AWARD: To give as a prize or reward.
6 Letters
BESTOW: To present or give (an honor, right, or gift).
IMPART: To communicate information or knowledge; to make known.
7 Letters
DISCUSS: To talk about something with another person or group in order to exchange ideas or make a decision.
CONSULT: To seek information or advice from someone with expertise in a particular area.
More About "confer crossword clue"
The clue "confer" in crosswords is a versatile one, often leading to answers related to giving, bestowing, or granting. However, it can also refer to the act of discussing or consulting. The ambiguity is part of the challenge, and solvers must often rely on the number of letters in the answer and intersecting clues to determine the correct meaning.
When "confer" means to grant, you'll typically find answers like GIVE, GRANT, AWARD, or BESTOW. These terms all imply the formal or informal transfer of something, whether it's an honor, a title, or permission. The nuance between these can be subtle, but in crosswords, they are often interchangeable depending on the grid constraints.
On the other hand, if "confer" implies a discussion, answers like DISCUSS or CONSULT are more likely. This usage often appears when the clue might be "Confer with" or suggest a meeting of minds. Understanding both facets of the word "confer" is key to successfully solving puzzles that feature this clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always confirm the number of letters required. This is the fastest way to narrow down possibilities for clues like "confer" which have multiple meanings across different lengths.
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Many words, including "confer," have more than one common definition. Be prepared to think about all possible interpretations—granting, discussing, bestowing—and see which fits the available letters.
- Look at Intersecting Clues: If you're stuck, solving an intersecting word can reveal a letter or two, providing crucial hints for whether the answer is BESTOW or DISCUSS. This is often the most effective strategy for ambiguous clues.
- Think about Formal vs. Informal: Sometimes the context implies a formal action (e.g., "confer a degree") versus a more casual one ("confer with friends"). This can help differentiate between very close synonyms.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'confer' mean in a crossword puzzle context?
In crosswords, 'confer' most commonly refers to granting or bestowing something (like an honor or degree) or discussing/consulting with someone. The specific answer will depend on the number of letters and surrounding clues.
Are there common synonyms for 'confer' that appear in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include GIVE, GRANT, AWARD, BESTOW, IMPART (for knowledge), and sometimes DISCUSS or CONSULT when the clue implies conferring *with* someone.
How can I distinguish between 'confer' as 'grant' and 'confer' as 'discuss'?
The length of the answer is a major hint. Shorter answers like GIVE, GRANT, AWARD often mean 'grant'. Longer answers like DISCUSS or CONSULT usually imply the 'talk with' meaning. Also, look for prepositions in the clue, e.g., 'Confer with' strongly suggests discussion.