donate is likely to imply a publicized giving (as to charity).
donate a piano to the orphanage
bestow implies the conveying of something as a gift and may suggest condescension on the part of the giver.
bestow unwanted advice
confer implies a gracious giving (as of a favor or honor).
confer an honorary degree
afford implies a giving or bestowing usually as a natural or legitimate consequence of the character of the giver.
the trees afford shade
a development that affords us some hope
Example Sentences
Verb He presented the queen with a diamond necklace. He was presented with a medal at the ceremony. She presented a check for $5,000 to the charity. The scientist presented his results to the committee. She will be presenting a paper on methods for teaching ESL at the conference. What time will you be presenting? An offer was presented for our consideration. The Main Street Theater Company is presenting Shakespeare's Othello next month. The museum is presenting an exhibition of paintings by Monet. Adjective The game has existed in its present form for more than 300 years. I am very busy at the present moment. See More
Word History
Etymology
Noun (1)
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from presenter
Verb
Middle English, from Anglo-French presenter, from Latin praesentare, from praesent-, praesens, adjective
Adjective
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin praesent-, praesens, from present participle of praeesse to be before one, from prae- pre- + esse to be — more at is