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 Word Forms

• 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

"We expect schools to consult parents and ensure their operating hours reflect the needs of their communities," it said.

From BBC

The world number two has been working with renowned sports psychologist Bob Rotella for a number of years and has been consulting the American between rounds at Augusta National.

From BBC

However, this pledge was then watered down, with Labour's manifesto only promising to consult on proposals for an alternative second chamber.

From BBC

Soboroff was surprised that city officials didn’t consult him about his successor.

From Los Angeles Times

The Welsh government it was committed to increasing and improving housing stock in Wales and consulting with stakeholders about setting standards for social landlords.

From BBC

Related Words

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