confer
To discuss something with others before making a decision
Examples
In a meeting
“Let me confer with my team and get back to you this afternoon.”
Over coffee
“Can you give me a minute to confer with my spouse about this?”
Why this word
discuss
Confer implies formal consultation to reach a decision or compare views, while discuss is general conversation about a topic
talk
Confer is formal and purposeful exchange, while talk is casual and general
meet
Confer specifies the purpose is serious discussion and deliberation, while meet just indicates gathering together
Usage tip
More formal than 'discuss'; implies brief consultation toward a decision
Etymology
Latin 'conferre' from 'com-' (together) + 'ferre' (to bring)
Get a new word every morning
One precise word per day. Under 60 seconds to read. Free forever.
Related words
broach
To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion
facilitate
To make a process or action easier or help it happen.
objection
A reason for disagreeing or opposing something
consult
To seek advice or information from someone
revisit
To return to and reconsider a topic or decision
unilateral
Done by one person or group without input from others