VocabDictionary

referred

/rɪˈfɜːrd/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.verb

Directed someone to a person, place, or authority for information, help, or action.

Example Sentences:
  • The general practitioner referred her to a specialist for further testing.
  • The customer service agent referred me to the company's online help portal.
2.verb

Mentioned or directed attention to someone or something.

Example Sentences:
  • The professor referred to several historical documents during the lecture.
  • When she spoke of the incident, she never actually referred to him by name.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “referred”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin verb 'referre', meaning 'to bring back, carry back, or return' (from 're-' meaning 'back' + 'ferre' meaning 'to bear'). It entered Middle English via Old French 'référer' in the 15th century, evolving from physically carrying something back to directing someone's attention or transferring a matter to another authority.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 're-' (again) + 'fer' (to carry). You are carrying or directing someone or something back to a source or a new authority.

Frequently Asked Questions About “referred

1. What is the meaning of “referred” in English?

In English, referred (verb) is defined as: “Directed someone to a person, place, or authority for information, help, or action.”.

2. How do you use “referred” in a sentence?

The general practitioner referred her to a specialist for further testing.

3. What are English synonyms of “referred”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “referred”?

Derived from the Latin verb 'referre', meaning 'to bring back, carry back, or return' (from 're-' meaning 'back' + 'ferre' meaning 'to bear'). It entered Middle English via Old French 'référer' in the 15th century, evolving from physically carrying something back to directing someone's attention or transferring a matter to another authority.