refer
gb/ɹɪfˈɚ/ us/ɹɪfˈɚ/
B1
English
~ 800
utal, említ, hivatkozik, irányít, beutal, továbbküld, nevez, hív
VERB
B1
1
Usage pattern:
to refer to [something/someone]
In her speech, she referred to the recent changes in policy.
Beszédében utalt az irányelvekben nemrég történt változásokra.
The article refers to a study published last year.
A cikk hivatkozik egy tavaly megjelent tanulmányra.
Please refer to the instructions before using the machine.
He often refers to his childhood when telling stories.
The guide refers readers to additional resources at the end.
Learner examples
She referred to her notes during the talk.
Az előadás közben belenézett a jegyzeteibe.
The teacher referred to page 10 in the book.
A tanár a könyv 10. oldalára hivatkozott.
He referred to his friend in the story.
Please refer to this list for help.
I referred to a map for directions.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'refer' with 'mention' but 'refer' often suggests a more formal or intentional pointing toward information or a source.
Meaning
Mention or point to something
Collocations
refer to the report
|refer to the matter
|refer to the case
|refer to the notes
|refer to the document
Synonyms
mention (Usually simpler and more direct; may lack the formality of 'refer'.)
Antonyms
ignore (To deliberately not mention or pay attention to something.)
Themes
communication
|language
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To talk about or point to someone or something.
To mention, describe, or direct someone's attention to a person, thing, or idea.
VERB
B1
2
Usage pattern:
to refer [someone] to [someone/something]
The doctor referred her to a specialist.
Az orvos szakorvoshoz irányította.
Our teacher referred us to the school counselor for advice.
A tanárunk tanácsért az iskolai tanácsadóhoz irányított minket.
The manager referred the complaint to the human resources department.
He was referred to a lawyer for legal assistance.
The website refers visitors to partner sites for more details.
Learner examples
The doctor referred me to another doctor.
Az orvos továbbküldött egy másik orvoshoz.
She referred him to the library for more books.
További könyvekért a könyvtárba irányította.
He referred me to his boss for answers.
My teacher referred me to the principal.
They referred us to a travel agent.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse this with 'recommend'; 'refer' involves sending or directing a person, often formally.
Meaning
Send someone elsewhere for help/info
Collocations
refer a patient
|refer a client
|refer a case
|refer a student
Synonyms
direct (More general; can mean physically guiding someone as well as suggesting they seek help.)
Antonyms
withhold (To keep someone from going to another source of help or information.)
Themes
healthcare
|business
|communication
|health
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To tell someone to go to another person or place for help or advice.
To direct someone to another person, organization, or place for assistance, advice, or information.
VERB
B2
TECHNICAL
3
Usage pattern:
to refer to [someone/something] as [term]
This plant is often referred to as a weed.
Ezt a növényt gyakran gyomnak nevezik.
He referred to her as his mentor.
Mentorának nevezte őt.
The disease is referred to by several different names.
That period is sometimes referred to as the Golden Age.
She referred to it as a turning point in her life.
Learner examples
This game is referred to as chess.
Ezt a játékot sakknak nevezik.
He is often referred to as a hero.
Gyakran hősnek nevezik.
That city is referred to as 'The Big Apple'.
She is referred to as the best singer in school.
It is sometimes referred to as magic.
Common mistake:
Learners may omit 'as' in this pattern, which is required when giving a label or title.
Meaning
Describe using a specific term
Collocations
referred to as
|commonly referred to as
|often referred to as
Synonyms
call ('Call' is simpler and more common in everyday conversation; 'refer' sounds more formal.)
Antonyms
misname (To give an incorrect name or term.)
Themes
language
|education
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To call someone or something by a name or term.
To use a particular word or phrase to describe someone or something.
Grammar
Dictionary form
refer
IPA
GB/ɹɪfˈɚ/
US/ɹɪfˈɚ/
Syllables & stress
refer (1 syllable)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: refer
- 3rd Person Singular: refers
- Present Participle: refering, referring
- Past: refered, referred
Word family
Expressions
be referred to as
1/bˈi ɹɪfˈɚd tə ˈæz/
fixed phrase
Be called by a certain name/term
People use this name or term for someone or something.
Examples
- Paris is often referred to as 'The City of Light'.
- This method is sometimes referred to as 'trial and error'.
refer someone to something
1/ɹɪfˈɚ sˈʌmwˌʌn tə sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
Send person toward info/help source
To tell a person where they can get information or help.
Examples
- I will refer you to our website for more details.
- The receptionist referred me to another department.
refer back to
1/ɹɪfˈɚ bˈæk tə/
phrasal verb
Return attention to earlier point
To talk about something again that you said before.
Examples
- Let me refer back to my earlier point about safety.
- I’d like to refer back to the first question you asked.
- She referred back to the previous meeting's notes.
- She referred back to her earlier statement for clarification.