Literary notes about refer (AI summary)
In literature, the word "refer" functions as a versatile tool to connect thoughts, guide readers, and validate arguments. It is employed to indicate a direct citation of a source or invoking previous ideas, such as connecting a modern observation to a historical text ([1], [2]). At times, it directs the reader toward more extensive discourses or clarifies complex ideas by pointing to additional details within the same work ([3], [4]). In other instances, the term serves to emphasize the relationship between abstract concepts and tangible examples—ranging from legal discussions to discussions of natural phenomena ([5], [6]). Whether used to establish authority or to build a bridge between different parts of a narrative, "refer" is a strategic word that enriches the structure and clarity of literary expression ([7], [8]).
- Therefore refer everything to Me first of all, for it is I who gave thee all.
— from The Imitation of Christ by à Kempis Thomas - Without entering into a disquisition which here would be misplaced, I will refer to a few known facts, in support of what I advance.
— from The Federalist Papers by Alexander Hamilton and John Jay and James Madison - In the text, numbers in slashes (e.g./1/) refer to original footnote numbers.
— from The Common Law by Oliver Wendell Holmes - The reader will best understand what is meant, if he will take the trouble to refer to the diagram in the fourth chapter.
— from The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection by Charles Darwin - The physical qualifications of a candidate refer to his sex, his age, and the condition of his limbs.
— from The Principles of Masonic Law by Albert Gallatin Mackey - We can refer to the same class what are called in music phantasies ( i.e. pieces without any theme), and in fact all music without words.
— from Kant's Critique of Judgement by Immanuel Kant - I shall therefore refer to that performance for the theory
— from The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, Or Gustavus Vassa, The African by Equiano - It was addressed to myself; and laid an injunction on me, in a few affectionate words, never to refer to the subject of that evening.
— from David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
