refer

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.

“Refer” is pronounced rih-FUR (/ɹɪˈfɝ/ in IPA).

Here is “refer” used in a sentence: “The doctor referred her to a specialist.”

Words with a similar meaning to “refer” include delegate and direct.

“Refer” is a verb.

The word “refer” comes from Latin. From Old French referer, from Latin referre ("to carry back, report"). A doublet of relate.

“Refer” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“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.

'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.

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.

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.