WordLens

refer to

1 of 1verb
/rɪˈfɝ tu/
Forms:refers to,referring to,referred to,referred to
1

to have a connection with a particular person or thing

transitive
  • The artist's paintings often refer to nature and its beauty.
  • The symbol on the ancient artifact referred to a religious belief system practiced by the ancient civilization.
  • The painting's title, "Sunset Serenity," refers to the artist's emotional state during its creation.
  • Jane's question during the interview referred to her previous experience working in a similar industry.
2

to mention or discuss someone or something

transitive
  • She didn't want to directly refer to the sensitive topic, so she chose her words carefully.
  • The manager decided to refer to the employee's performance during the meeting.
  • In the book, the author frequently refers to the protagonist's inner struggles.
  • She didn't want to directly refer to the sensitive topic, so she chose her words carefully.
  • When discussing history, it's important to refer to key events that shaped the world.