mention or allude to, pass a matter to (another body, typically one with more authority or expertise) for a decision, direct the attention of someone to, be about or concerned with

refer (someone) to the devil, refer to the drawing board, refer to (something) obliquely

refer to, refer to as, refer back to

Formal and Informal Expressions of refer

In different contexts, you can replace 'refer' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'mention, cite, allude to, pass on' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'point out, talk about, bring up' is a commonplace synonym.

refer: Explore its Definition & Usage

refer Definition

1mention or allude to
2pass a matter to (another body, typically one with more authority or expertise) for a decision
3direct the attention of someone to
4be about or concerned with

Using refer: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "refer" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
I referred to my notes during the presentation.
Example
The case was referred to a higher court.
Example
Can you refer me to a good restaurant in this area?
Example
This book refers to the history of the Roman Empire.

refer Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for refer

mention
send
direct
point
relate
concern
cite
allude to
pass on
pertain to

Antonyms for refer

Idioms Using refer

refer (someone) to the devil
to dismiss or reject someone rudely or angrily
Example
After he made that rude comment, I referred him to the devil and walked away.
refer to the drawing board
to start over or go back to the beginning of a project or plan
Example
After the proposal was rejected, we had to refer to the drawing board and come up with a new plan.
refer to (something) obliquely
to mention or allude to something indirectly or vaguely
Example
He referred to the incident obliquely, without going into detail.

Phrases with refer

refer to
to mention or allude to something
Example
In his speech, he referred to the importance of education.
refer to as
to use a particular name or title when speaking to or about someone
Example
She prefers to be referred to as 'doctor' rather than 'miss'.
refer back to
to return to a previous point or topic
Example
Let's refer back to the first question and try to answer it again.

Origins of refer

from Latin 'referre', meaning 'to carry back'

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Summary: refer in Brief

'Refer' [rɪˈfəː] is a verb that means to mention or allude to something, pass a matter to another body for a decision, direct attention to something, or be about or concerned with something. It can be used in phrases like 'refer to,' 'refer to as,' and 'refer back to.' Idioms include 'refer (someone) to the devil,' 'refer to the drawing board,' and 'refer to (something) obliquely.'