Meaning & use

refer

verb·Everyday

To direct attention to, mention, or relate to something.

See it in a sentence

The teacher referred students to chapter three for further reading.

She referred to her notes several times during the presentation.

A note on using this word

Refer to requires the preposition to in most uses; dropping it is a common learner error.

Words with a similar meaning

mentionallude topoint to

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

Another way to use it

2. verb

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

The doctor referred her to a specialist for further tests.

Make it your own

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