refer
12 synonyms for refer, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To direct someone's attention to something, or send them elsewhere for information or help.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use refer
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
refer to a document
refer a patient
refer someone for help
Etymology
From Old French referer, from Latin referre ("to carry back, report"). A doublet of relate.
Full origin of refer →Frequently asked questions
What does “refer” mean?
The word “refer” means to direct someone's attention to something, or send them elsewhere for information or help. In plain terms, to point someone or something toward another source, or to talk about/mean something.
How do you pronounce “refer”?
“Refer” is pronounced rih-FUR (/ɹɪˈfɝ/ in IPA).
How do you use “refer” in a sentence?
Here is “refer” used in a sentence: “The doctor referred her to a specialist.”
What is another word for “refer”?
Words with a similar meaning to “refer” include delegate and direct.
What part of speech is “refer”?
“Refer” is a verb.
Where does the word “refer” come from?
The word “refer” comes from Latin. From Old French referer, from Latin referre ("to carry back, report"). A doublet of relate.
Is “refer” a common word?
“Refer” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “refer” have?
“Refer” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to direct someone's attention to something, or send them elsewhere for information or help.
What is the difference between refer and reference?
'Refer' is the verb — to direct attention to something or send someone elsewhere ('let me refer you to a specialist'). 'Reference' is usually the noun for the act or the thing mentioned ('a reference to the report'), though it can also work as a verb. In short, you refer to something, and that mention is a reference.
What does it mean to refer someone?
To refer someone is to send them on to another person or place better able to help — a doctor referring a patient to a consultant, or a shop referring a customer to head office. You pass them along to the right source rather than dealing with the matter yourself.
What is an example of refer?
You refer to a source when you point to it: 'The author refers to an earlier study.' You refer someone when you send them elsewhere: 'I'll refer you to our support team.' Both senses share the core idea of directing attention, or a person, towards something else.
