Bestow vs. Bequeath — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 26, 2024
Bestow involves giving a gift or honor, often in a formal or ceremonious way, whereas bequeath specifically refers to leaving personal property to someone in a will.
Difference Between Bestow and Bequeath
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Bestow is typically used to describe the act of giving or conferring something, usually a non-material gift like an honor, privilege, or quality, often as part of a formal or ceremonial process. Whereas, bequeath is a term specifically used in the context of wills and testaments, referring to the act of leaving one's personal property or assets to someone through a will.
Bestow can be applied in a variety of contexts, ranging from everyday acts of kindness to formal ceremonies, such as awarding medals or titles. On the other hand, bequeath is exclusively used in legal and estate planning contexts, emphasizing the formal transfer of property after gone.
The action of bestowing does not imply any legal proceedings of the giver; it's an act that can be performed by anyone, anytime, to express appreciation, love, or respect. Whereas, bequeathing is a legal process that is executed as part of the execution of a deceased person's will, involving legal documentation and, often, the judicial system.
The flexibility of bestow allows it to be used metaphorically or symbolically, such as bestowing hope, blessings, or curses, demonstrating its versatility in various forms of expression. Bequeath, however, remains firmly rooted in its legal and posthumous connotations, with little room for metaphorical use.
Comparison Chart
Definition
To confer or grant as a gift or honor.
To leave personal property to someone in a will.
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Context
Ceremonial, personal, or symbolic.
Legal, specifically related to wills and inheritance.
Legal Involvement
No inherent legal implications.
Involves legal proceedings and documentation.
Range of Application
Broad, includes tangible and intangible gifts.
Limited to personal property and assets.
Compare with Definitions
Bestow
To grant as a gift or honor.
The university bestowed upon her an honorary degree.
Bequeath
To leave property to someone in a will.
She bequeathed her entire estate to her niece.
Bestow
To give in a formal or ceremonial manner.
The knight was bestowed with lands for his service.
Bequeath
To hand down through a will.
He bequeathed his collection of rare books to the university library.
Bestow
To present as a gift or an honor.
The award was bestowed to those who showed bravery.
Bequeath
To leave behind as an instruction.
The founding fathers bequeathed to us the Constitution.
Bestow
To apply or dedicate for a purpose.
He bestowed his spare time to tutoring students.
Bequeath
To pass on, transmit.
The tradition was bequeathed from generation to generation.
Bestow
To provide with as a gift or quality.
Nature has bestowed him with a beautiful voice.
Bequeath
To assign or refer to a future period.
The artist bequeathed his unfinished works to his apprentice.
Bestow
Confer or present (an honour, right, or gift)
The office was bestowed on him by the monarch of this realm
Bequeath
Leave (property) to a person or other beneficiary by a will
He bequeathed his art collection to the town
Bestow
To present as a gift or an honor; confer
Bestowed high praise on the winners.
Bequeath
(Law) To leave or give (personal property) by will.
Bestow
To apply; use
"On Hester Prynne's story ... I bestowed much thought" (Nathaniel Hawthorne).
Bequeath
To pass (something) on to another; hand down
Bequeathed to their children a respect for hard work.
Bestow
To place or stow
"He bestowed [the money] in his pockets with feigned composure" (James Joyce).
Bequeath
(legal) To give or leave by will; to give by testament.
Bestow
To store or house.
Bequeath
To hand down; to transmit.
Bestow
To apply or make use of (someone or something); to employ, to use.
Bequeath
To give; to offer; to commit.
Bestow
To apply (money) for some purpose; to expend, to spend.
Lay out
Bequeath
To hand down; to transmit.
To bequeath posterity somewhat to remember it.
Bestow
To impart (something) gratuitously; to present (something) to someone or something, especially as a gift or an honour; to confer, to give.
Medals were bestowed on the winning team.
Bequeath
To give; to offer; to commit.
To whom, with all submission, on my kneeI do bequeath my faithful servicesAnd true subjection everlastingly.
Bestow
(archaic)
Bestow
To place or put (someone or something) somewhere or in a certain situation; to dispose of.
Bestow
To deposit (something) for safekeeping; to lay up (something) in store; to stow.
Bestow
To provide (someone or oneself) with accommodation; to find quarters for (someone or oneself); to lodge, to quarter.
Bestow
(obsolete)
Bestow
(reflexive) To behave or conduct (oneself); to acquit.
Bestow
To give (someone or oneself) in marriage.
Bestow
An act of presenting a thing to someone or something, especially as a gift or an honour; a bestowal.
Bestow
To lay up in store; to deposit for safe keeping; to stow; to place; to put.
See that the women are bestowed in safety.
Bestow
To use; to apply; to devote, as time or strength in some occupation.
Bestow
To expend, as money.
Bestow
To give or confer; to impart; - with on or upon.
Empire is on us bestowed.
Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor.
Bestow
To give in marriage.
I could have bestowed her upon a fine gentleman.
Bestow
To demean; to conduct; to behave; - followed by a reflexive pronoun.
How might we see Falstaff bestow himself to-night in his true colors, and not ourselves be seen ?
Bestow
Present;
The university conferred a degree on its most famous former student, who never graduated
Bestow an honor on someone
Bestow
Give as a gift
Bestow
Bestow a quality on;
Her presence lends a certain cachet to the company
The music added a lot to the play
She brings a special atmosphere to our meetings
This adds a light note to the program
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to bestow something?
To bestow something means to give or present it as a gift, honor, or quality, often in a formal or ceremonious way.
Is bestowing limited to tangible gifts?
No, bestowing can also refer to intangible gifts such as honors, qualities, or blessings.
Is there a limit to what can be bestowed?
No, anything from tangible items to intangible qualities can be bestowed.
Do you need a lawyer to bestow something?
No, bestowing does not typically involve legal proceedings or the need for a lawyer.
Does bestowing require a special occasion?
Not necessarily, though it often occurs during special or formal occasions.
Can a person bestow something to themselves?
Bestowing typically involves giving to others, not oneself.
Can bequeath apply to advice or non-material things?
Traditionally, bequeath refers to tangible property, but it can metaphorically extend to advice or traditions.
What kind of property can be bequeathed?
Bequeath specifically refers to personal property or assets that are left to someone in a will.
Can bequests be contested?
Yes, bequests can be contested in court if there are disputes over the will's validity or interpretation.
Does bequeathing affect inheritance taxes?
Yes, bequeathed property may be subject to inheritance taxes, depending on laws in the jurisdiction.
What legal documents are necessary for bequeathing?
A valid will and, depending on jurisdiction, other estate planning documents may be necessary.
How does bestowing affect the giver?
Bestowing can express the giver's appreciation, respect, or love, often enhancing their relationship with the recipient.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
