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to refer

to refer

818 2.4
Talk about someone or something to draw attention to them
  • verb
  • /rɪˈfɜr/
translation icon : mencionar
  • In her presentation, she will refer to several studies that support her argument.
  • refer to the fact

So what I think he's referring to is quantum.

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Examples

  • However, a majority of the substance use literature refers to binge drinking, and we follow that convention.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Yes, I believe you're referring to a report that came in this morning.

  • In addition, unless you were referred, the editor probably has no idea who you are.

    Academic text (2011)
  • And what you said was that people refer to the mainstream media.

  • Politicians of all stripes refer to his words.

  • For the purposes of this paper, these respondents are referred to as 'adult learners'.

    Academic text (2011)
  • The man you are referring to is no longer a CIPOL agent

  • For security reasons, I must use a pseudonym to refer to this prominent former trafficker.

    Academic text (2008)
  • The process that increases the density of contour points is commonly referred to as up-sampling.

    Academic text (2011)
  • In photo-elicitation focus groups, longtime local residents generally refer to the park's spaces by previously established vernacular names.

    Academic text (2011)

Synonyms

to mention
vsto refer
1.0

To briefly refer to someone or something in words

is used more widely to direct attention, not just for brief comments
to name
vsto refer
974 1.0

To say the word that identifies a person or thing

is used more generally without necessarily identifying someone directly
to bring up
vsto refer
788 2.6

To mention a subject for discussion

is used more generally to point to something rather than begin discussion
to cite
vsto refer
421 3.6

To mention a source to support a statement

is used more generally, not specifically to provide supporting evidence
to mention it
vsto refer
282 1.6

To say something in conversation or writing

is used more generally to point attention, not only to begin discussion
to allude
vsto refer
88 6.5

To mention something without saying it directly

is used for direct mention or drawing attention rather than hinting
to make mention of
vsto refer
  • Formal
6 3.6

To briefly say something about a person or thing

is used more generally to draw attention rather than only for passing remarks

Antonyms

119 3.9

Ignore something or someone on purpose

How Explicitly

to cite
421 3.6
to refer
818 2.4
to mention
1.0
to allude
88 6.5

Surface Forms

refer infinitive
referred past
referred past participle
referring present participle
refers third person singular

Etymology

Refer comes from the Latin parts re- 'back' and ferre 'to carry', and it is related to the common idea of a reference. So to refer to a topic in a speech is to 'point' attention back to it by mentioning or showing it.