reference
reference Lexical Profile
reference Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The action of mentioning or alluding to something in speech or writing.
"The speaker made a brief reference to his childhood in rural Scotland."
A source of information (such as a book, article, or passage) cited or consulted to ascertain facts or verify a statement.
"Please include a complete list of academic references at the end of your research paper."
A written or spoken statement testifying to a person's character, qualifications, or professional ability, or the person who provides such a statement.
"Her former supervisor agreed to write a glowing reference for her fellowship application."
A relation, connection, or respect to a particular matter (often used in phrases such as 'with reference to' or 'in reference to').
"I am writing to you with reference to the invoice we received last Tuesday."
• verb
To mention or refer to something or someone in speech or writing.
"The director referenced several classic films during his interview about the new movie."
To provide a book, article, or document with citations of sources of information.
"Each chapter in the textbook is thoroughly referenced for further scholarly reading."
• Rhymes for reference
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Late 16th century, formed in English from the verb 'refer' plus the suffix '-ence', or borrowed from Middle French 'référence', ultimately from Latin 'referre' ('to carry back').