Refer to

verb

To look or go to for information.

If you need more details, refer to the user guide.
Visual representation of "refer to" - To look or go to for information

Often appears as...

  • refer to a dictionary
  • refer to a manual

Usage tips

Formal

Academic

verb

To mention or speak about someone or something.

I was referring to your recent trip when I mentioned the travel plan.
Visual representation of "refer to" - To mention or speak about someone or something

Often appears as...

  • refer to the incident
  • refer to the case
verb

To give something to someone for them to make a decision or take action.

The doctor referred me to a specialist for my eye problem.
Visual representation of "refer to" - To give something to someone for them to make a decision or take action

Often appears as...

  • refer to a specialist
  • refer to a lawyer

Usage tips

Formal

Medical

verb

To relate or have connection to something.

This rule refers to cases like ours.
Visual representation of "refer to" - To relate or have connection to something

Often appears as...

  • refer to a category
  • refer to a group

Usage tips

Formal

Legal

verb

To look or go to for information.

If you need more details, refer to the user guide.
Visual representation of "refer to" - To look or go to for information

Often appears as...

  • refer to a dictionary
  • refer to a manual

Usage tips

Formal

Academic

verb

To mention or speak about someone or something.

I was referring to your recent trip when I mentioned the travel plan.
Visual representation of "refer to" - To mention or speak about someone or something

Often appears as...

  • refer to the incident
  • refer to the case
verb

To give something to someone for them to make a decision or take action.

The doctor referred me to a specialist for my eye problem.
Visual representation of "refer to" - To give something to someone for them to make a decision or take action

Often appears as...

  • refer to a specialist
  • refer to a lawyer

Usage tips

Formal

Medical

verb

To relate or have connection to something.

This rule refers to cases like ours.
Visual representation of "refer to" - To relate or have connection to something

Often appears as...

  • refer to a category
  • refer to a group

Usage tips

Formal

Legal

Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "refer to"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Seek Information

Use 'refer to' when you suggest someone looks at a specific resource for information.

Illustration for Seek Information
For the experiment procedures, refer to page 15 in your textbook.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Clarify Uncertainty

'Refer to' can indicate where to find answers when you're unsure about something.

Illustration for Clarify Uncertainty
When in doubt about word meanings, refer to a reliable dictionary.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Supportive Source

It suggests using another text or material to support or understand the current discussion.

Illustration for Supportive Source
Refer to the graph on slide 10 for a breakdown of the data.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Seek Information

Use 'refer to' when you suggest someone looks at a specific resource for information.

Illustration for Seek Information
For the experiment procedures, refer to page 15 in your textbook.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Clarify Uncertainty

'Refer to' can indicate where to find answers when you're unsure about something.

Illustration for Clarify Uncertainty
When in doubt about word meanings, refer to a reliable dictionary.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Supportive Source

It suggests using another text or material to support or understand the current discussion.

Illustration for Supportive Source
Refer to the graph on slide 10 for a breakdown of the data.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Seek Information

Use 'refer to' when you suggest someone looks at a specific resource for information.

Illustration for Seek Information
For the experiment procedures, refer to page 15 in your textbook.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Clarify Uncertainty

'Refer to' can indicate where to find answers when you're unsure about something.

Illustration for Clarify Uncertainty
When in doubt about word meanings, refer to a reliable dictionary.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Supportive Source

It suggests using another text or material to support or understand the current discussion.

Illustration for Supportive Source
Refer to the graph on slide 10 for a breakdown of the data.
Visual representation of the word "Refer to"

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