refer
[ ri-fur ]
/ rɪˈfɜr /
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verb (used with object), re·ferred, re·fer·ring.
verb (used without object), re·ferred, re·fer·ring.
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The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.
Origin of refer
OTHER WORDS FROM refer
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for refer
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
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