Meaning of refer in English

1. Pronunciation

   /rəˈfər/

   US accent

   How to pronounce refer in American English, in context ▾
   Use the controls below to browse different examples of pronunciation.

   UK accent

   How to pronounce refer in British English, in context ▾
   Use the controls below to browse different examples of pronunciation.

1. Verb

   refer

   Etymology

   late Middle English: from Old French referer or Latin referre‘carry back’, from re-‘back’ + ferre‘bring’

   Definitions

   1. make reference to

   Examples

   • « His name was mentioned in connection with the invention »
2. 2. have to do with or be relevant to

   Examples

   • « There were lots of questions referring to her talk »
   • « My remark pertained to your earlier comments »
3. 3. think of, regard, or classify under a subsuming principle or with a general group or in relation to another

   Examples

   • « This plant can be referred to a known species »
4. 4. send or direct for treatment, information, or a decision

   Examples

   • « refer a patient to a specialist »
   • « refer a bill to a committee »
5. 5. seek information from

   Examples

   • « You should consult the dictionary »
   • « refer to your notes »
6. 6. have as a meaning

   Examples

   • « 'multi-' denotes 'many' »