'confer' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'conferre,' where 'con-' meant 'together' and 'ferre' meant 'to bring or carry.'

'conferre' transformed into the Old French word 'conferer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'confer' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to bring together,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to grant or bestow.'