reference
REHF-ruhns
Reference (noun) means a mention of, or connection to, something else. Example: “The speaker's only reference to the film was a quick joke at the start.”
noun
1
A mention of, or connection to, something else.
"The speaker's only reference to the film was a quick joke at the start."
"The article makes several references to earlier research."
"She made a passing reference to her time abroad."
2
A statement about someone's character or abilities, usually given by a former employer, or the person who gives it.
"The shop asked me for a reference from my last employer."
"Her former teacher wrote a glowing reference, so she got the job."
"He asked his old manager to be a reference for the new job."
verb
1
To mention or cite something as a source.
"Remember to reference every book you use in your project."
"The report references a number of interviews carried out with local farmers."
"The essay references several studies from the 1990s."
How to use reference
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA mention or pointer to something else, or a person/document vouching for someone.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
make reference to
letter of reference
reference book
cross-reference
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Word forms
- Plural
- references
- Third person singular
- references
- Past tense
- referenced
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The speaker's only _____ to the film was a quick joke at the start.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin referentia, ultimately from Latin referre ("to carry back, report").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for reference
See all rhymes for reference →Frequently asked questions
What does “reference” mean?
The word “reference” means a mention of, or connection to, something else. In plain terms, a mention or pointer to something else, or a person/document vouching for someone.
How do you pronounce “reference”?
“Reference” is pronounced REHF-ruhns (/ˈɹɛf.(ə.)ɹəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “reference” in a sentence?
Here is “reference” used in a sentence: “The article makes several references to earlier research.”
What part of speech is “reference”?
Depending on how it is used, “reference” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “reference” come from?
The word “reference” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin referentia, ultimately from Latin referre ("to carry back, report").
Is “reference” a common word?
“Reference” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “reference” have?
“Reference” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a mention of, or connection to, something else.
What is the difference between a reference and a citation?
A reference is any mention of or connection to something else. A citation is a specific, formal reference that credits a source in academic or legal writing, giving details such as author, title and date. Every citation is a reference, but a casual mention in conversation is a reference without being a formal citation.
What is the difference between a reference and an allusion?
A reference mentions something openly and directly, so the reader knows exactly what is meant. An allusion is indirect: it hints at something and trusts you to recognise it without being told. Naming a book is a reference; echoing a famous line from it, without naming it, is an allusion.
What are the different types of reference?
The word covers several ideas. It can mean a passing mention or allusion to something, a formal citation of a source, a personal recommendation from someone who knows you (a job reference), or a fixed point used for comparison (a reference point). Context usually makes clear which sense is meant.
What is an example of a reference?
Saying 'that's very Sherlock Holmes of you' is a reference — it mentions and draws a connection to a well-known character to make a point. Other examples include a footnote pointing to a source, a map's grid reference, or a former boss acting as a reference for a job applicant.
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