consult

[kuhn-suhlt, kon-suhlt, kuhn-suhlt]

verb (used with object)

1. to seek advice or information from; ask guidance from.

   Consult your lawyer before signing the contract.

2. to refer to for information.

   Consult your dictionary for the spelling of the word.

3. to have regard for (a person's interest, convenience, etc.) in making plans.

4. Obsolete.,  to meditate, plan, or contrive.

verb (used without object)

1. to consider or deliberate; take counsel; confer (usually followed bywith ).

   He consulted with his doctor.

2. to give professional or expert advice; serve as consultant.

noun

1. a consultation.

2. Archaic.,  a secret meeting, especially one for seditious purposes.

consult

/ kənˈsʌlt /

verb

1. to ask advice from (someone); confer with (someone)

2. (tr) to refer to for information

   to consult a map

3. (tr) to have regard for (a person's feelings, interests, etc) in making decisions or plans; consider

4. (intr) to make oneself available to give professional advice, esp at scheduled times and for a fee

Other Word Forms

• preconsult verb
• reconsult verb
• unconsulted adjective
• consulter noun
• consultable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of consult¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Middle French consulter, from Latin consultāre “to deliberate,” literally, “to advise repeatedly,” from consulere “to advise, consider, seek advice from”; consul

Word History and Origins

Origin of consult¹

C17: from French consulter, from Latin consultāre to reflect, take counsel, from consulere to consult

Synonym Study

Consult, confer imply talking over a situation or a subject with someone to decide points in doubt. To consult is to seek from a presumably qualified person or source advice, opinion, etc.: to consult an authority. To confer is to exchange views: The partners conferred concerning their business.

Example Sentences

He said that the department was consulting on the future of qualifications like AS-levels "in order to take an informed decision".

From BBC

“Even at a generous consulting rate of $50/hour, the total should not exceed $2,500. The district has paid over 25 times that amount.”

From Los Angeles Times

He started a consulting firm and was paid for public speaking engagements around the country, raising alarms about the record number of border crossings during the Biden administration.

From Salon

The Scottish government consulted on a potential cruise ship levy earlier this year.

From BBC

The ISF will train and provide support to vetted Palestinian police forces in Gaza, and will consult with Jordan and Egypt who have extensive experience in this field.

From BBC

Related Words

• argue 
• brainstorm 
• call in 
• consider 
• deliberate 
• discuss 
• examine 
• huddle 
• interview 
• negotiate 
• respect 
• review 
• turn to