consult
Definitions
To go to someone for advice or information.
咨询，请教（向某人求取建议或信息）。
To look at a source such as a book, map, or record to get information.
查阅（书籍、地图、记录等以获取信息）。
To discuss something with someone before making a decision.
（决定前）与……商量。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcon- (together) + sult (here from consulere, 'to take counsel') = to deliberate together, to seek advice. Despite sharing 'sult' with insult and result, this word has nothing to do with leaping — it's about weighing counsel jointly.
Root sult still carries 9 more wordsWhy It Means This
Consult belongs to a separate Latin family from insult and result. Where those mean 'to leap' (salīre), consult comes from consulere, 'to take counsel.' To consult is to bring your question into a shared space — whether that's another person, a doctor, or a reference book — and weigh what you find. The con- ('together') is the heart of it.
Common Collocations
- 1.consult an expert咨询专家
- 2.consult a doctor看医生
- 3.consult the records查阅记录
- 4.consult with与……商议
Example Sentences
- 1.
You should consult a doctor before taking these pills.
- 2.
Let me consult the manual to be sure.
- 3.
He never consults his team before deciding.
Easily Confused
consult vs counsel — consult is to seek advice (you consult a lawyer); counsel is to give advice (a lawyer counsels you). The flow runs opposite. Also, 'counsel' as a noun means the advice itself, or a lawyer.