refer

Formsrefers, referring, referred

1. 1
   speak ofverbintransitive

   To mention something, or to point attention toward it.

   Like pointing your finger at something so others look at it.

   Try not to refer to her mistake in front of the whole class.

   He often refers to his old job.

   UsageSay refer to something. For a nickname, say refer to someone as something.

   Similarallude, mention, cite

   Note
2. 2
   mean (words)verbintransitive

   If a word refers to something, it means that thing or is used for it.

   Like how the word 'cat' makes you think of a furry pet.

   In math, 'product' refers to the result of multiplying.

   Both 'sofa' and 'couch' refer to the same piece of furniture.

   Note
3. 3
   verbintransitive

   To be about something, or to have a link to it.

   Like a label on a box that tells you what is inside.

   These rules refer to all new students.

   The second question refers to the story we read yesterday.

   UsageMost often in the simple present: the rules refer to all students.

   Similarrelate, pertain, apply

   Note
4. 4
   send elsewhereverbtransitive

   To send a problem or person to someone else to handle or decide.

   Like passing a hard question to your teacher to answer.

   The doctor referred her to a specialist.

   We refer all complaints to the manager.

   UsageSay refer someone to another person: referred to a specialist. Refer back means send it back.

   Similarsend

   Note
5. 5
   consultverbintransitive

   To look in a book, notes, or other place to find out something you need, used with to.

   You can refer to the map on your phone if you get lost.

   During the test she kept referring to her notes to check the dates.

   UsageRefer to a book or map usually means look in it. Refer to a person usually means talk about them.

   Similarconsult, check

   Note
6. 6
   verbtransitive

   To point someone toward something so they look at or notice it.

   Like pointing a lost person toward the right door.

   The teacher referred the class to the diagram on the board.

   Let me refer you to the sign by the door, which explains the rules.

   UsageSay refer someone to something. Spell it referring and referred, with two r's.

   Similardirect, point

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