consulted

Consulted is the past tense and past participle of the verb consult. It describes the act of seeking information, advice, or instruction from someone, or of referring to a source for information. As a transitive verb, it can take a person as an adviser or a reference work as a source. Examples: “The attorney consulted the contract for ambiguities.” “She consulted the atlas before traveling.” It can also mean to confer with others as part of a decision-making process, as in “They consulted with the client before finalizing the plan.”

Etymology and forms: The word comes from Latin consultare, from consulere, meaning to take counsel or to seek information. In English, consulted appears with the present form consult, the present participle consulting, and the noun forms consultation and consultant.

Usage notes: When referring to discussion with a person, “consult with” is common: “The surgeon consulted with colleagues.” When referring to checking a source, “consult” or “consult the handbook” is typical. The noun form “consultation” refers to the act or session of seeking advice. The past participle form “consulted” is used for completed actions, while “consulting” serves as the present participle or gerund.

See also: consultation; consultant; consultation process; consultable (rare).