verb

referir

refer · refer to

Hablar de algo o de alguien, o enviar a una persona a otro lugar para que reciba ayuda o información.

Definition & meaning

The verb referir has two primary meanings in Spanish:

To relate or narrate: To tell a story, give an account of an event, or report facts or details about something that happened.
To refer or concern: To point toward, mention, or relate to a specific subject, topic, or person.

In its reflexive form, referirse, it means to talk about or address a specific subject ("to refer to").

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

Part of speech: Transitive verb (or reflexive verb as referirse).
Conjugation: It is an irregular verb that undergoes stem-changing (e-to-ie) in the present tense (e.g., yo refiero, tú refieres).

Origin: The word originates from the Latin referre, which is composed of the prefix re- (again, back) and ferre (to carry or bring). Therefore, it literally means to "carry back" information or attention to a source or topic.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

Contar : Used when narrating an event or a story.
Relatar : Used when giving a detailed account of something.
Aludir : Used when making an indirect mention or reference to something.
Mencionar : Used when naming or citing someone or something.
Exponer : Used when presenting facts or information.

Antonyms:

Callar : To keep silent or refrain from telling or mentioning something.
Omitir : To intentionally leave something out or skip a reference.
Reservar : To keep something to oneself rather than reporting or relating it.