refer

Meanings

1. 1verbintransitive

   To mention or direct attention to something in speech or writing.

   Grammar: No direct object; use refer to something: refer to page three.

   Patterns

   • refer to something
   • refer someone to something

   Please refer to the installation guide before calling support.

   She referred several times to her notes during the interview.

2. 2verbintransitive

   To concern, describe, or apply to a particular person or thing.

   Grammar: Also needs to: the pronoun refers to the manager, not refer the manager.

   Patterns

   • refer to someone
   • refer to something

   The word entry refers to one item in a list.

   These rules refer to all part-time workers.

3. 3verbtransitive

   To send someone to another person, service, or place for information, help, or treatment.

   Grammar: Takes an object and usually to: refer a patient to a specialist.

   Patterns

   • refer someone to someone
   • refer someone for something

   The teacher referred the student to the counseling office.

   Our clinic refers difficult cases for surgery.

4. 4verbtransitiveformal

   To send a question, case, or problem to a person or group for a decision.

   Grammar: Takes an object such as matter, case, or question: refer the matter to committee.

   Patterns

   • refer something to someone
   • refer a matter to something

   The chair referred the dispute to the ethics committee.

   The complaint was referred back to the regional office.

5. 5verbtransitive

   To name or describe someone or something by a particular word or phrase.

   Grammar: Use the frame refer to X as Y, not refer X as Y.

   Patterns

   • refer to something as something
   • be referred to as something

   Writers often refer to this period as the quiet years.

   The illness is no longer referred to by that outdated name.

Word forms

Common combinations

refer to the manual

Before resetting it, refer to the manual for the correct sequence.

refer a patient to a specialist

The dentist referred the patient to an oral surgeon.

refer the matter to committee

With no agreement, they decided to refer the matter to committee.

commonly referred to as

The compound is commonly referred to as baking soda.

Synonyms and how they differ

mention

Mention is neutral and simply names something; refer often points to a source or earlier detail.

cite

Cite gives an authority or source formally, especially in writing or law.

direct

Direct means guide toward a person or place; refer is softer and common for professional help.

consult

Consult means go to a source for advice; refer means point yourself or someone else toward it.

Word family

reference noun

A mention, source, or recommendation.

referral noun

The act of sending someone for help.

referable adjective

Able to be referred or traced, fairly formal.

Commonly confused: refer or defer? refer or referee?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “refer”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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