“Refer” is a verb that means to direct someone or something for information, help, or action. It can be used in various contexts and has several related meanings:
- Consultation: To look up or consult a source of information. For example, “Please refer to the manual for detailed instructions.”
- Recommendation: To direct someone to a person or entity for specific services or expertise. For instance, “The general practitioner might refer a patient to a specialist.”
- Mention or Allude: To mention or allude to something. “In her speech, she referred to a famous quote from Shakespeare.”
- Relate or Pertain: To relate or be relevant to a particular matter. “This rule refers only to non-resident individuals.”
- Delegate: To hand over a task or responsibility. “The case was referred to a higher court for further judgment.”
- Direct Attention: To guide someone’s attention to a specific point or detail. “Refer to the diagram on page 12 for a visual representation.”
In various professional settings, “referral” is also a common term. For example, in the medical field, a referral indicates that a primary care doctor sends a patient to a specialist for a closer look at a specific health concern. In business, a referral can be a recommendation of one’s services to others.