How to pronounce refer
Say it like ruh-FUR. Refer has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce refer. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ruh
- FUR
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Refer pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ruhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- FURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of refer
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: rih-FUR.
What does refer mean?
- make reference to“His name was mentioned in connection with the invention”
- be relevant to“There were lots of questions referring to her talk”“My remark pertained to your earlier comments”
- think of, regard, or classify under a subsuming principle or with a general group or in relation to another“This plant can be referred to a known species”
Where does refer come from?
From Middle English referren, from Old French referer, from Latin referre.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with refer
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of refer.
Questions about saying refer
How do you pronounce refer?
Say ruh-FUR. The American pronunciation is /rəˈfɝ/. In British English it is /rɪˈfɜː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in refer?
Refer has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FUR). Broken into parts: ruh · FUR.
Is refer pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /rɪˈfɜː/ (rih-FUR).