refer
[ ri-fur ]
/ rɪˈfɜr /
Save This Word!
Definition of refer
verb (used with object), re·ferred, re·fer·ring.
verb (used without object), re·ferred, re·fer·ring.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Origin of refer
OTHER WORDS FROM refer
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use refer in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for refer
refer
/ (rɪˈfɜː) /
verb -fers, -ferring or -ferred (often foll by to)
Derived forms of refer
referable (ˈrɛfərəbəl) or referrable (rɪˈfɜːrəbəl), adjectivereferral, nounreferrer, nounWord Origin for refer
C14: from Latin referre to carry back, from re- + ferre to bear 1
usage for refer
The common practice of adding back to refer is tautologous, since this meaning is already contained in the re- of refer: this refers to (not back to) what has already been said . However, when refer is used in the sense of passing a document or question for further consideration to the person from whom it was received, it may be appropriate to say he referred the matter back
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