consult

/kənˈsʌlt/

/kənˈsʌlt/

Other forms: consulted; consulting; consults

To consult is to give or get help or advice. When you don't know the meaning of a word, you consult a dictionary. That's why you're here, right?

People making a big decision will usually consult their family and friends. To consult can also mean a type of professional advice: a consultant is a freelance worker paid to help a business out with something. Consulting is a complicated word that can mean to give or receive advice. When in doubt, find someone you trust to consult.

Definitions of consult

1. verb

   seek information from
   “You should consult the dictionary”

   synonyms: look up, refer

   type of:

   research

   attempt to find out in a systematic and scientific manner
2. verb

   get or ask advice from
   “Consult your local broker”

   “They had to consult before arriving at a decision”

   synonyms: confer with

   type of:

   ask, enquire, inquire

   inquire about
3. verb

   advise professionally
   “The professor consults for industry”

   type of:

   advise, counsel, rede

   give advice to
4. verb

   have a conference in order to talk something over
   synonyms: confab, confabulate, confer

   types:

   collogue

   confer secretly

   type of:

   discuss, hash out, talk over

   speak with others about (something); talk (something) over in detail; have a discussion