consult

Everyday

1. To go to someone for advice or information: consult a doctor. tree →
2. To look in a book, map or other source for information: consult a dictionary. tree →
3. To talk with others before making a decision: consult your parents. tree →

In the lessons

In school pupils consult dictionaries, atlases and teachers; in health and safety, consult a doctor or pharmacist when ill. In formal exam language "consult the table" means look at it. Phrases: consult a doctor, consult a map, consult with, consult the table.

Examples

• If the pain gets worse, consult a doctor. tree →
• Consult a dictionary if you don't know a word. tree →
• We consulted the map to find the path. tree →
• (formal) Consult the table to find the cost of three tickets. tree →
• The school consulted parents about the new uniform. tree →
• Before buying the dog, they consulted a vet. tree →
• Whatever he had to do, he always consulted his tutor about it. tree →

Note

Regular verb. Nouns: consultation, consultant (an expert, also a senior hospital doctor in the UK and Ireland). It is more formal than "ask" or "look up".

In Jewish tradition

In the Writings, to consult means to talk with others before deciding. David consults his captains, and Nehemiah consults with himself before speaking to the nobles. The Psalms use it for enemies plotting together.

Interpretation. In Midrash, God consults the Torah or Sefer Yetzirah as a plan before acting, as in the tale of Abraham. Tradition values counsel before action.

Examples

• Thou hast a beloved one in the world, wilt thou conceal anythinij from him ?" Directly, the Holy On blessed be He said, 'Shall I conceal from Abraham?' and consulted the Torah. (Mordell, The Origin of Letters and Numerals according to Sefer Yetzirah (1914)) tree →
• He said to her, 'My daughter, come and we ivill many thee to Abraham My beloved." She said to him, 'Xo. not until the meek one com- es and takes meekness.' God then consulted the Sefer Yetzirah, which said, "Yes'. (Mordell, The Origin of Letters and Numerals according to Sefer Yetzirah (1914)) tree →
• And David consulted with the captains of thousands and of hundreds, even with every leader. (Writings 1CH.13.1, JPS 1917) tree →
• For they have consulted together with one consent; against Thee do they make a covenant; (Writings PSA.83.6, JPS 1917) tree →
• Then I consulted with myself, and contended with the nobles and the rulers, and said unto them: 'Ye lend upon pledge, every one to his brother.' And I held a great assembly against them. (Writings NEH.5.7, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb. Nouns: consultation, consultant (an expert, also a senior hospital doctor in the UK and Ireland). It is more formal than "ask" or "look up".