consult
gb/kˈɑnsʌlt/ us/kˈɑnsʌlt/
B1
English
~ 2800
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Ask someone for advice
To ask someone for help or advice before you decide what to do.
Usage pattern:
to consult [someone] about [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'consult' with 'discuss'. 'Consult' usually means to ask for expert advice, while 'discuss' means to talk about something in general.
Synonyms
ask (More general; can be about any question, not necessarily for expert advice.)
|
advise with (Less common and more formal way of saying to discuss something to get advice.)
Antonyms
ignore (To deliberately not seek or follow advice.)
Collocations
consult a doctor
|consult an expert
|consult a lawyer
|consult with colleagues
|consult a specialist
Themes
communication
|business
|decision-making
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Before starting the project, we consulted several industry experts.
- You should consult your doctor before taking this medication.
- The company consulted with legal advisors about the new contract.
- He consulted his mentor before accepting the job offer.
- We consulted the team to get their input on the design.
Learner examples
- I consulted my teacher about my homework.
- You should consult a doctor if you feel sick.
- She consulted her friend before buying the car.
- We consulted our parents about the trip.
- He consulted his boss about the problem.
Verb
B1
action
2
Refer to a source for information
To read or look at a book or paper to get information.
Usage pattern:
to consult [a source of information]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think 'consult' only applies to people, but it can also be used for sources of information like books and websites.
Synonyms
refer to (More general term for looking at a source; doesn't imply formality.)
|
check (Informal term for quickly looking at something for information.)
Antonyms
guess (To decide without looking at any reference or source.)
Collocations
consult a dictionary
|consult a map
|consult records
|consult the manual
Themes
learning
|research
|education
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- You can consult the manual for installation instructions.
- He consulted the map to find the quickest route.
- Before making his speech, he consulted his notes.
- The lawyer consulted legal precedents before presenting the case.
Learner examples
- I consulted the map to find the school.
- She consulted the dictionary for the meaning of the word.
- We consulted the book for answers.
- He consulted his notes before speaking.
Grammar
Dictionary form
consult
IPA
GB/kˈɑnsʌlt/
US/kˈɑnsʌlt/
Syllables & stress
con - sult (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (con)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: consult
- 3rd Person Singular: consults
- Present Participle: consulting
- Past: consulted
Word family
Forms
consults
verb
consulting
verb
consulted
verb
Core family
consultation
noun B1
consultant
noun B1
Related words
consultancy
noun B2
consultative
adjective
Expressions
consult with
1/kˈɑnsʌlt wˈɪθ/
fixed phrase
Discuss something with someone for advice
To talk with someone so you can decide what to do or solve a problem.
Examples
- I need to consult with my lawyer before signing this agreement.
- She consulted with her team about the marketing plan.
consult the oracle
1/kənsˈʌlt ðə ˈɔɹəkəl/
fixed phrase
informal
Ask someone wise for advice
To ask someone who is thought to know a lot about something for advice or answers.
Examples
- Whenever we have a problem, we consult the oracle—our grandmother.
- They joked that they would consult the oracle before making any decision.
consult the oracle
2/kənsˈʌlt ðə ˈɔɹəkəl/
fixed phrase
Ask source for special advice
To ask someone or something that is thought to have special knowledge for advice or answers.
Examples
- Before deciding, the villagers went to consult the oracle.
- If you don't know, you can always consult the oracle of the internet.