Meaning & use

refer to

verb·Academic

To mention, direct attention to, or consult something or someone for information.

See it in a sentence

Please refer to page ten for detailed instructions on assembly.

She often refers to her notes during interviews to stay accurate.

A note on using this word

"Refer to" is a phrasal verb; the related noun form is "reference," as in "make reference to."

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “refer to”, then compare your use with the examples above.

Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.