Shakespeare fans are well acquainted with vouchsafe, which in its Middle English form vouchen sauf meant "to grant, consent, or deign." The word, which was borrowed with its present meaning from Anglo-French in the 14th century, pops up fairly frequently in the Bard's work—60 times, to be exact. "Vouchsafe me yet your picture for my love," beseeches Proteus of Silvia in The Two Gentlemen of Verona. "Vouchsafe me raiment, bed, and food," King Lear begs his daughter Regan. But you needn't turn to Shakespeare to find vouchsafe—today's writers also find it to be a perfectly useful word.
grant implies giving to a claimant or petitioner something that could be withheld.
granted them a new hearing
concede implies yielding something reluctantly in response to a rightful or compelling claim.
even her critics concede she can be charming
vouchsafe implies granting something as a courtesy or an act of gracious condescension.
vouchsafed the secret to only a few chosen disciples
accord implies giving to another what is due or proper.
accorded all the honors befitting a head of state
award implies giving what is deserved or merited usually after a careful weighing of pertinent factors.
awarded the company a huge defense contract
Example Sentences
He vouchsafed the secret to only a few chosen disciples.
Recent Examples on the WebConstitutionally speaking, the main reason for having federal law enforcement is to vouchsafe interstate and international commerce. The Editors, National Review, 20 Jan. 2022 Consider a test-tube example, almost ordered up to make the court’s case for it, vouchsafed by California just a few weeks ago. Holman W. Jenkins, WSJ, 6 July 2018
Word History
Etymology
Middle English vouchen sauf to grant, consent, deign, from Anglo-French voucher salf