referere

Referere is a verb used in several European languages, including Norwegian and Danish, meaning to refer, cite, or direct to a source. In English, the closest cognate is refer, and the governing sense remains to point someone to information or to mention a source. The infinitive form in many languages is renderd as referere, with different conjugations in mood and tense.

Etymology traces referere to Latin referre, literally “to bring back” or “to report,” from re- “back” plus ferre “to bear.” The Latin form gave rise to English refer and reference, as well as related terms in other languages that describe marking, citing, or directing attention to a source or matter. The concept encompasses both acknowledging influence and guiding readers to supporting material.

Usage and contexts vary by language but share core functions. In academic writing, referere commonly translates into the act of citing or pointing to a source, for example by referring to a study or to the bibliography. In legal and administrative contexts, to refer a matter can mean directing it to another body or authority for decision or guidance. In everyday language, to refer someone to a resource means to point them toward relevant information rather than providing it directly.

Common related terms include reference, citation, and bibliography, which form the tangible record of sources. The term should not be confused with referee, which denotes a person who officiates or judges.