re
fe
rence
Plural
references
1
a mention or citation of something, often to provide context or support for an idea
- The article included several references to previous studies on the topic.
- His speech made multiple references to historical events.
- The report contained a reference to the latest research in the field.
- The movie included a reference to a famous scene from an older film.
- He used a reference from the dictionary to explain the term.
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2
a short note in a book giving information about the source of its subject
- At the end of the chapter, the author included a reference to the original research study.
- The book’s reference section helps readers find the sources used to write the text.
- Each reference in the bibliography provides details about where the information was obtained.
- The reference note gave credit to the historian who provided the key insights for the book.
- The reference in the appendix helped verify the data presented in the book’s main chapters.
3
a work containing useful information on a particular subject, often consulted for guidance or clarification
A reference is a source of information used to support, verify, or explain something in research, writing, or study. It can be a book, article, website, or any other resource that provides factual details or evidence on a particular topic. References are often cited in academic work to give credit to the original source of the information and to allow others to find the same sources for further study.
- Please check the reference for additional information.
- The reference contains the answers to your questions.
- I found the solution in the reference.
- The reference is located on the top shelf.
- He cited the reference in his research paper.
4
a point of comparison or a standard used to evaluate or measure something
- The GDP growth rate serves as a reference for economic performance.
- The star's brightness was used as a reference in the study of celestial bodies.
- The timeline provided a reference for the historical events discussed in the book.
- Her academic achievements were a reference for her potential in the scholarship program.
- The map's scale provides a reference for calculating distances between locations.
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5
a letter written by a former employer about a former employee who has applied for a new job, giving information about them
- She requested a reference from her previous manager to support her job application.
- His reference highlighted his strong work ethic and excellent communication skills.
- The company requires at least two references from former employers before making a hiring decision.
- Her glowing reference helped her secure the position she had applied for.
- Before leaving her old job, she made sure to ask for a written reference from her supervisor.
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6
the specific thing, object, or concept that a word, phrase, or expression points to
- In "the Eiffel Tower," the reference is the famous Paris landmark.
- Linguists study how words acquire reference in different contexts.
- The word "river" has a reference to flowing bodies of freshwater.
- The poet's use of "rose" changes the reference from literal to symbolic.
- In "apple," the reference is the actual fruit, not the brand.
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7
the act of referring to, consulting, or directing attention to a source of information
- She made a reference to the dictionary to check the spelling.
- The report included references to multiple academic studies.
- He asked for a reference when verifying the company's credentials.
- During the lecture, the professor made frequent references to historical documents.
- The guidebook served as a reference for tourists navigating the city.
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8
the relationship in which a word, phrase, or expression points to, denotes, or indicates a specific entity, object, or concept
Reference is the act of referring to or indicating something or someone in language, where words or expressions are used to point to or denote specific entities, objects, or concepts. For example, in the sentence, "The cat is on the mat," the word "cat" refers to a specific animal, while "mat" refers to a specific object. Reference can be direct, where the term clearly identifies the entity, or indirect, where it implies or suggests the entity without naming it directly. Understanding reference is essential for interpreting meaning in communication, as it helps clarify what is being discussed and ensures effective understanding between speakers and listeners.
- In the sentence "The cat is on the mat," "cat" and "mat" have clear references.
- Pronouns like "he" or "they" depend on context to establish reference.
- Metaphors often create indirect reference, suggesting ideas without naming them.
- The speaker's reference to "the mayor" required listeners to know which city was meant.
- Linguists study reference to understand how language connects to the real world.
9
a publication, or a specific passage within a publication, that is cited or referred to
- The paper included a reference to a recent journal article.
- She added several references from historical texts in her essay.
- The book's bibliography listed every reference used in the research.
- He highlighted a key reference from the original study.
- The teacher asked the students to provide references for their claims.
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10
the code, pointer, or address that indicates where a piece of information is stored in memory or storage
- In programming, a reference allows a function to access the original variable.
- The database stores references to user profiles rather than duplicating data.
- He passed the object by reference to avoid creating a copy.
- Memory references are crucial for efficient computer operations.
- The compiler replaced symbolic references with actual memory addresses.
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