think of, regard, or classify under a subsuming principle or with a general group or in relation to another
"This plant can be referred to a known species"
send or direct for treatment, information, or a decision
"refer a patient to a specialist"
"refer a bill to a committee"
To direct the attention of.
"When she spotted the hidden compartment, she gently referred my gaze to the small key tucked behind the painting."
In plain English: To refer means to mention or talk about something specific.
"Please refer to page 42 for more details on the recipe."
Usage: Use refer to mean directing someone's attention or sending them to another source, such as referring a patient to a specialist. Do not confuse it with reflect, which means to show an image back like a mirror.
The word "refer" entered English via Middle English and Old French from the Latin referre, which means to bring back or carry forward. While it shares a common origin with words like relate, infer, and confer, its specific usage in journalism derives directly from this verb form.