French word

consulter

Pronunciation

IPA/kɔ̃sylte/

Meaning

  • verbask for advice

Example

Avant de décider, je vais consulter mon ami.

Before deciding, I am going to ask my friend for advice.

Illustration for consulter (ask for advice)

More examples

Je vais consulter un dictionnaire pour ce mot.

I am going to consult a dictionary for this word.

Core concept

A person gathers advice or checks a source before choosing a course of action.

Common phrases

  • consulter un dictionnaire

    consult a dictionary

  • consulter un médecin

    consult a doctor

  • consulter les horaires

    check the timetable

Similar words

demander: Directly request information, assistance, or permission from someone.
se renseigner: Obtain needed information through personal inquiries or research.
vérifier: Confirm the accuracy of information or documents.
voir: Meet someone in person for discussion or a medical examination.

Definition in French

Demander l'avis de quelqu'un ou vérifier une source écrite ou professionnelle avant de prendre une décision.

Word origin

French consulter comes through Old French from Latin consulere, meaning to deliberate or seek advice, and developed both personal and reference uses.

Usage tips

  • Consulter takes a direct object, as in consulter un ami or consulter un document, without the preposition a.

Other meanings

  • refer toverb
  • seeverb
  • checkverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word