Dictionary monolingual
English
Refer
rəˈfər
Extremely common
700 - 800
700 - 800
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Refer -
To mention or allude to someone or something as a source of information, example, or support
Example: She referred to the textbook for more information on the topic.
Usage: formalContext: academic or professional settings
Note: Commonly used in research papers, presentations, and formal discussions.
To direct someone to a particular source of information, person, or place for help or advice
Example: The librarian referred the student to a book that could help with their research.
Usage: formalContext: professional or educational settings
Note: Common in customer service, academic advising, and healthcare.
To be connected with or related to something
Example: The new policy refers to all employees, not just the managers.
Usage: formalContext: legal or official documents
Note: Used in contracts, laws, and regulations to indicate specific sections or clauses.
To mention someone or something in passing or casually
Example: She referred to her vacation plans during the meeting.
Usage: informalContext: casual conversations
Note: Often used in social interactions or informal discussions.
Refer's synonyms
mention
To refer to something briefly or in passing.
Example: She mentioned her favorite book during the conversation.
Note: Mention is more casual and less formal than refer.
cite
To refer to a source or authority to support an argument or statement.
Example: The author cited several sources in the research paper.
Note: Cite specifically implies giving credit or acknowledgment to a source.
allude
To refer indirectly or suggestively to something.
Example: He alluded to his difficult childhood but didn't elaborate.
Note: Allude is more subtle and implies hinting at something without explicitly stating it.
point to
To indicate or suggest something as evidence or support.
Example: The data points to a clear trend in consumer behavior.
Note: Point to is more direct and emphasizes indicating a specific piece of evidence or information.
direct to
To instruct or guide someone to a specific place or person for information or assistance.
Example: Please direct any further questions to our customer service department.
Note: Direct to is more about guiding or instructing towards a specific destination or resource.
Refer expressions, common phrases
Refer to
To direct someone to a particular source of information or person for assistance or guidance.
Example: Can you please refer to the manual for instructions on how to assemble the furniture?
Note: The phrase 'refer to' specifically indicates directing someone to a source or person for information, rather than just mentioning or alluding to something.
Reference
A mention or citation of a source of information or a person who can provide information.
Example: Please include a list of references at the end of your research paper.
Note: While 'refer' implies directing someone to a source, 'reference' is the act of mentioning or citing that source.
Referred by
To be recommended or directed to something or someone by another person.
Example: I was referred by a friend to this amazing restaurant.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the action of being recommended or directed by someone else.
Referendum
A general vote by the electorate on a single political question that has been referred to them for a direct decision.
Example: The government held a referendum to let the citizens decide on the new law.
Note: In this context, 'referendum' is a formal process of referring a specific issue to the public for a decision.
Referral
The act of sending or directing someone to another person or place for assistance or information.
Example: The doctor gave me a referral to see a specialist for further treatment.
Note: 'Referral' is the action of sending someone to another source or person for specific help or services.
With reference to
Used to introduce a topic or subject that relates to something previously mentioned or discussed.
Example: With reference to your email, I would like to clarify a few points.
Note: This phrase is a formal way of indicating that the following discussion is related to or based on something previously mentioned.
Referring to
To mention or allude to something in speech or writing.
Example: He kept referring to his notes during the presentation.
Note: This phrase indicates mentioning or making allusions to something within the context of a conversation or text.
Refer everyday (slang) expressions
Ref
Used informally to mean recommending or directing someone to something.
Example: I'll ref you to the best sushi restaurant in town.
Note: Shortened informal version of 'refer'.
Referencing
Referring to or mentioning something in conversation or discussion.
Example: She's referencing that movie we watched last week.
Note: Used as a verb to indicate the act of mentioning or alluding to something.
Ref'd
Informal past tense form of 'referred'.
Example: I ref'd him to the job posting.
Note: Casual abbreviation used in spoken language.
Refer back
To check or return to a previous point or discussion for further information.
Example: Let's refer back to our previous conversation for clarification.
Note: A more informal way of saying 'returning to a previous point for reference'.
Recommending
Expressing approval or support for something and suggesting it to others.
Example: I'm recommending this book to everyone I know.
Note: While 'recommend' is synonymous with 'refer', 'recommending' is a more colloquial form.
Referring
Indicating or alluding to something mentioned before.
Example: He keeps referring to that incident as a turning point in his life.
Note: Used as a verb form of 'refer', commonly in conversational language.
Refer - Examples
I referred to the book several times during my presentation.
She referred me to a specialist for my medical condition.
The speaker referred to the recent political events in his speech.
Refer grammar
Refer - Verb (Verb) / Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present)
Lemma: refer
Conjugations
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): referred, refered
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): referring, refering
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): refers
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): refer
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): refer
Syllables, Separation and Stress
refer Contains 2 syllables: re • fer
Phonetic transcription: ri-ˈfər
re fer , ri ˈfər (The red syllable is stressed)
Refer - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
refer: 700 - 800 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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