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Synonyms

consult

American  
[kuhn-suhlt, kon-suhlt, kuhn-suhlt] / kənˈsʌlt, ˈkɒn sʌlt, kənˈsʌlt /

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 British  
/ 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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

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.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of consult

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A recent survey by compensation consulting firm Pearl Meyer found boards often don’t receive regular updates on security issues, though.

From The Wall Street Journal

It requires the president to consult Congress before committing US troops abroad "in every possible instance," and notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying forces.

From BBC

After a risk assessment and consulting with nearby schools, Mr McCullagh deemed that there were "too many risks involved" to keep the school open.

From BBC

Key assessments include gauging an applicant’s curiosity and ability to read a room, which are increasingly important skills as AI takes over other parts of consulting jobs, such as making slide decks.

From The Wall Street Journal

Congress was not informed or consulted ahead of time.

From BBC