Consult — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /kən-ˈsəlt/ con·sult

Meaning & Definition of Consult

Consult (verb)

  1. to have regard to, consider
  2. to ask the advice or opinion of
  3. to refer to

Consult (noun)

  1. consultation

Consult (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to exchange viewpoints or seek advice for the purpose of finding a solution to a problem

    "will consult with several experts on the disease before deciding which course of treatment to pursue"

    similar: advise, confab, confabulate, confer, counsel, parley, treat
    related: argue, bandy, bat (around), chew over, debate, deliberate, discuss, dispute, hash (over), kick around, moot, palaver, talk, talk over, ventilate, rehash, coach, guide, tutor, recommend, suggest, direct, refer (to)

  2. to use or seek out as a source of aid, relief, or advantage

    "I often consult the dictionary when I am uncertain of a word's exact meaning"

    similar: go (to), refer (to), resort (to), turn (to), fall back on
    related: employ, use, utilize, depend (on), rely (on)

Consult (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an exchange of views for the purpose of exploring a subject or deciding an issue

    "it was time for a change of do, which called for a consult with her hairdresser"

    similar: argument, argumentation, argy-bargy (chiefly British), back-and-forth, colloquy, confab, confabulation, conference, consultation, council, counsel, debate, deliberation, dialogue, discussion, give-and-take, palaver, parley, talk
    related: bull session, chat room, forum, meeting, roundtable, seminar, skull session, symposium, talkathon, chat, conversation, rap, words, discourse, disquisition, bargaining, consultancy, negotiation, pourparler

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Consult

The most common words with a similar meaning to Consult:

Chiefly British: argy-bargy
advise, confab, confabulate, confer, counsel, parley, treat, go (to), refer (to), resort (to), turn (to), fall back on, argument, argumentation, back-and-forth, colloquy, confabulation, conference, consultation, council, debate, deliberation, dialogue, discussion, give-and-take, palaver, talk

Related Words for Consult

argue, bandy, bat (around), chew over, deliberate, discuss, dispute, hash (over), kick around, moot, talk over, ventilate, rehash, coach, guide, tutor, recommend, suggest, direct, employ, use, utilize, depend (on), rely (on), bull session, chat room, forum, meeting, roundtable, seminar

Word Forms of Consult

Inflections: consulted, consulting, consults

Derived words: consulter (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Consult

Middle French or Latin; Middle French consulter, from Latin consultare, frequentative of consulere to deliberate, counsel, consult

First known use: 1527t

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Consult

Frequently Asked Questions about Consult

What does "Consult" mean?

"Consult" means to have regard to, consider. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to have regard to, consider. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Consult"?

Other words for "Consult" include advise, confab, confabulate, confer, counsel, parley, treat and go (to). The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Consult" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Consult"?

There are 71 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Consult". Common alternatives include advise, confab, confabulate, confer, counsel, parley, treat, go (to), refer (to) and resort (to).

How do you use "Consult" in a sentence?

Examples of "Consult" in a sentence: "will consult with several experts on the disease before deciding which course of treatment to pursue"; "I often consult the dictionary when I am uncertain of a word's exact meaning"; "it was time for a change of do, which called for a consult with her hairdresser".

Is "Consult" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Consult" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Consult" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Consult" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Consult"?

"Consult" is pronounced /kən-ˈsəlt/ and divided into syllables as con·sult.

What is the origin of the word "Consult"?

"Consult" comes from Middle French or Latin; Middle French consulter, from Latin consultare, frequentative of consulere to deliberate, counsel, consult. First known use: 1527t.