1.
to grant, to bestow, to confer
To give something of value (an award, title, blessing) from a position of authority or higher status.
王が騎士に称号を授けた。
The king bestowed a title on the knight.
神が人間に命を授けた。
God granted life to humans.
大学が長年の功績をたたえて名誉博士号を授けた。
The university conferred an honorary doctorate in recognition of years of achievement.
2.
to teach, to impart (knowledge, skills)
To pass on knowledge or skills, often from master to student.
師匠が弟子に技を授けた。
The master taught the technique to the apprentice.
父が生きる知恵を授けてくれた。
My father imparted the wisdom of life to me.
先生は何十年にもわたって学生たちに医学の知識を授けてきた。
The professor has been imparting medical knowledge to students for decades.
PAIR: 授ける（他動詞）= to bestow ↔ 授かる（自動詞）= to be granted, to receive
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 賞を授ける: to bestow an award
- 称号を授ける: to confer a title
- 知恵を授ける: to impart wisdom
- 技を授ける: to teach a technique
- 命を授ける: to grant life
USAGE: A formal, elevated word implying a top-down relationship (superior to subordinate, teacher to student, deity to human). More dignified than あげる or 教える.