bestow
UK[bɪˈstəʊ]US[bɪˈstoʊ]
v
to give something as an honor or present
v
to apply or use something, such as time or effort
Morpheme Breakdown
be
stow
be
completely
stow
to place
Etymology
the verb 'bestow' is a native english formation, combining the intensive prefix 'be-' with the old english verb 'stowian', meaning to place. the prefix 'be-' adds a sense of thoroughness or completion to the action, thus the literal sense is 'to place completely' or 'to put something in its place'. over time, this concrete meaning of placing or storing evolved into the more abstract sense of conferring or granting something, such as an honor or gift, onto someone. the semantic shift reflects the idea of placing a valuable item into someone's possession or attributing a quality to them.
Analysis
Structure: be (completely) + stow (to place)
be- (old english, a prefix forming verbs with an intensive or completive sense); stow (old english, from 'stōwian', meaning to place, put, or arrange)
Examples
the foundation will bestow a generous grant upon the research team.
the queen decided to bestow a knighthood on the celebrated author.
he did not bestow much thought on the potential consequences.