consult

[kuhn-suhlt, 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 bywith ).

   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. 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

Other Word Forms

• consulter noun
• consultable adjective
• preconsult verb
• reconsult verb
• unconsulted 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’ve seen over the years how it goes when you have meetings behind closed doors and you don’t consult with people affected by the plan,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

The order will be reviewed before residents and stakeholders are consulted on "any amendments", Mr Everitt added.

From BBC

In his ruling, he said the ban might conflict with rights to free speech and the home secretary could have consulted Palestine Action before going ahead.

From BBC

It is understood that the deputy prime minister consulted one individual experienced in conveyancing and two experts on the law around trusts before the purchase.

From BBC

Durham County Council is currently consulting on a plan which could see the poorest pay more council tax through changes to a support scheme.

From BBC

Related Words

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