What does referring mean?
Referring is the present-participle form of refer and is used when someone mentions, cites, or alludes to a person or thing. It can also mean directing someone to a source of help or information, as in referring a patient to a specialist. A third common use is submitting a question or matter for someone else to consider, as in referring a dispute to mediation. The phrase referring to is especially frequent in formal speech and writing, where the speaker signals that a person, event, or document has been mentioned without immediately naming it. The verb also occurs in professional contexts such as medicine, law, education, and customer service, where it describes directing a case or concern to an appropriate authority. Although referring has the ordinary meaning of pointing something out, its wider uses reflect the original idea of bringing information or a matter back to someone who can deal with it.
verbTo mention or allude to something; to direct someone to a source or another person; or to submit a matter for someone's consideration or decision.
- To mention, cite, or allude to something.
- To direct a person to another source, person, or authority.
- To submit a matter for consideration or decision.
"She avoided referring directly to the disagreement, focusing instead on the work that remained."
"The speaker kept referring to the report without naming its author."
"If the matter is unclear, the nurse will refer you to a specialist."
The word began with the idea of carrying something back: a reference brought information back, a referral sent a person elsewhere, and today we still point or send.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does referring come from?
Referring was formed by adding the present-participle suffix -ing to refer. Refer comes through Old French from Latin referre, a compound of re- and ferre, both meaning “to carry.” The original sense of carrying back developed into meanings involving bringing a matter to someone's attention, mentioning something, or directing someone elsewhere.
How referring is actually used
As a present participle, referring is commonly followed by to when meaning mentioning or alluding, and it may take a person or thing as its object when meaning directing or submitting. The phrase refer someone to is standard in British and US English.
Easily confused with referring
Referring is the act of mentioning, directing, or submitting something, whereas a referral is the act of sending someone or something elsewhere or the instance of doing so.