refer
refer Lexical Profile
refer Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To mention, allude to, or direct attention to someone or something (usually followed by 'to').
"In her lecture, the professor referred to several recent studies on climate patterns."
To direct a person or pass a matter to an authority, specialist, or source for help, decision, or action.
"The family physician referred the patient to a cardiologist for further testing."
To consult or look at a source of information for aid or verification (followed by 'to').
"You may refer to your notes while completing the practice exercises."
To attribute or trace something back to a particular cause, origin, or period.
"Historians generally refer the manuscript to the late twelfth century."
Word Nuance & Usage
When forming the past tense and participle ('referred', 'referring'), the final 'r' is doubled because the stress falls on the second syllable; however, in the noun 'reference', the stress shifts to the first syllable and the 'r' is not doubled.
• Rhymes for refer
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in Middle English from Old French referer, from Latin referre ('to carry back, report, or relate'), formed from re- ('back') and ferre ('to carry or bear').