Words / B1

ri-FUR/rɪˈfɜː/

Refer to means mention something, or look at it for information. Refer to page twelve; refer to the notes; the article refers to a study. Mention is only the first meaning; consult is more formal for looking something up. Referral is sending someone to a specialist. A common error is “refer something” without to. Reference is the noun: a reference to, a job reference.

Meaning

To mention or look at something for information (refer to).

Examples

• “Please refer to page twelve.”
• “Please refer to the chart on the next page.”
• “She referred to her earlier research in the talk.”

Good to know

refer to + noun. Noun: reference. Look-up formal: consult. Medical: a referral.

Near in meaning

mention

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