refer
rih-FUR
Refer (verb) means to direct someone's attention to something, or send them elsewhere for information or help. Example: “The doctor referred her to a specialist.”
verb
1
To direct someone's attention to something, or send them elsewhere for information or help.
"The doctor referred her to a specialist."
"Please refer to page 12 for more details."
"The teacher referred me to the library for more books on the topic."
2
To mention or be about something; to relate to it.
"When she said "the incident," she was referring to last Tuesday's meeting."
"When he talks about the old house, he is referring to his childhood home."
"Does that comment refer to me or to someone else?"
How to use refer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo point someone or something toward another source, or to talk about/mean something.
Common mistake
Followed by "to," not "at" or nothing: "refer to the manual," not "refer the manual."
Easily confused with
Common pairings
refer to a document
refer a patient
refer someone for help
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Word forms
- Plural
- refers
- Third person singular
- refers
- Past tense
- referred
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Please _____ to page 12 for more details.
Etymology
From Old French referer, from Latin referre ("to carry back, report"). A doublet of relate.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for refer
See all rhymes for 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.
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