Refer
/rɪˈfɜːr/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo mention or direct attention to something or someone.
/rɪˈfɜːr/
To mention or allude to something.
The speaker referred to several famous historical figures.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're talking about your favorite movie, and you 'refer' to a scene in it. You're bringing up a specific part to talk about or make a point. Just like when you recommend a good restaurant.
👶 For kids: To talk or write about something or someone.
More Examples
In her essay, she referred to the article she had read earlier.
He often refers to his childhood adventures.
How It's Used
"She referred to an incident from her childhood."
"The lawyer referred to previous case law."
To direct someone or something to a different place, person, or thing for help, information, or action.
/rɪˈfɜːr/
To send or direct someone or something elsewhere, often for help or information.
The teacher referred the student to the school counselor.
💡 Simply: Think about when you don't know the answer to a question, so you 'refer' the person to someone who knows, like when you're lost and ask someone for directions. Or a doctor might 'refer' you to a specialist to help with a specific problem.
👶 For kids: To send someone to another person or place for help.
More Examples
The company referred the issue to its legal team.
She referred me to a website where I could find the information.
How It's Used
"The doctor referred the patient to a specialist."
"The manager referred the customer's complaint to the customer service department."
To consult or make reference to a source of information.
/rɪˈfɜːr/
To consult something for information.
If you are unsure of the meaning of a word, you can refer to a dictionary.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're not sure what a word means, so you 'refer' to a dictionary. It's like when you look at a recipe while you are cooking, you are 'referring' to it to make sure you are doing the right thing.
👶 For kids: To look at something to find information.
More Examples
Before making a decision, they referred to previous case studies.
You can refer to the user manual for instructions.
How It's Used
"Before writing his paper, he had to refer to several books and articles."
"To set up the device, refer to the manual."
Synonyms
Cite
Invoke
Mention
Assign
Commend
Direct
Check
Consult
Examine
Idioms & expressions
in reference to
Concerning or about.
"The discussion was in reference to the recent policy changes."
From Middle French *reférer*, from Latin *referre* 'to carry back, report, relate', from *re-* 'back' + *ferre* 'to carry'.
The word has been used since the 14th century, and it has consistently retained its core meaning of directing or making reference to something.
Memory tip
Think of 'refer' as pointing your thoughts towards something – like a mental arrow.