consult

[ verb kuhn-suhlt; noun kon-suhlt, kuhn-suhlt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to seek advice or information from; ask guidance from:

   Consult your lawyer before signing the contract.

2. to refer to for information:

   Consult your dictionary for the spelling of the word.

3. to have regard for (a person's interest, convenience, etc.) in making plans.
4. Obsolete. to meditate, plan, or contrive.

verb (used without object)

1. to consider or deliberate; take counsel; confer (usually followed by with ):

   He consulted with his doctor.

2. to give professional or expert advice; serve as consultant.

noun

1. a consultation.
2. Archaic. a secret meeting, especially one for seditious purposes.

consult

/ kənˈsʌlt /

verb

1. whenintr, often foll by with to ask advice from (someone); confer with (someone)
2. tr to refer to for information

   to consult a map

3. tr to have regard for (a person's feelings, interests, etc) in making decisions or plans; consider
4. intr to make oneself available to give professional advice, esp at scheduled times and for a fee

Derived Forms

• conˈsulter, noun
• conˈsultable, adjective

Other Words From

• precon·sult verb
• recon·sult verb
• uncon·sulted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of consult¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Middle French consulter, from Latin consultāre “to deliberate,” literally, “to advise repeatedly,” from consulere “to advise, consider, seek advice from”; consul

Word History and Origins

Origin of consult¹

C17: from French consulter, from Latin consultāre to reflect, take counsel, from consulere to consult

Synonym Study

Consult, confer imply talking over a situation or a subject with someone to decide points in doubt. To consult is to seek from a presumably qualified person or source advice, opinion, etc.: to consult an authority. To confer is to exchange views: The partners conferred concerning their business.

Example Sentences

"I put the plan to them and they accepted it as a serious proposal, but it is one they need to go away and think about and consult upon," he said.

From BBC

Bellamy is as energetic on the touchline as he was as a player and, whenever he darts back to his seat in the dugout, he is usually doing so to consult Cremers and his screen.

From BBC

She added that the government would then consult on how to deliver its other manifesto commitments on the House of Lords.

From BBC

“I really hope that the district has really learned from the poor communication … that they need to really consult with stakeholders when they’re making changes to beloved, popular programs.”

From Los Angeles Times

Its role is not to decide whether big infrastructure projects go ahead, but to consult on the plans and ensure that damage to nature is avoided where possible, or compensated for if not.

From BBC

Related Words

• argue
• brainstorm
• call in
• consider
• deliberate
• discuss
• examine
• huddle
• interview
• negotiate
• respect
• review
• turn to