consult
Meaning
To go to a person, book, etc. for information, advice, or a professional opinion.
To discuss something with someone to get their permission or approval.
To consider or discuss something carefully.
Structure
Usage
You should consult a doctor if the symptoms persist.
The committee will consult with stakeholders before making a final decision.
I consulted several reference books to verify the historical facts.
Etymology
The word 'consult' originates from the Latin verb 'consultare', meaning "to deliberate, consider, ask advice of". This verb is an intensive form of 'consulere', which itself means "to take counsel, deliberate". The core imagery is of "leaping or springing together" ('con-' + 'sult-'), metaphorically describing minds coming together in deliberation. Over time, the meaning evolved from the act of mutual deliberation to the more specific modern senses of seeking expert advice or information from a source.
Analysis
'con-' is a Latin prefix meaning "together, with". 'sult' is derived from the Latin root 'sult-', a variant of 'salt-', meaning "to leap, spring".