reference point
Americannoun
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something used as a comparison to aid in evaluation or understanding.
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a particular physical location used to navigate an area or find an object.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Apart from his two-year spell at Barcelona, he has been the constant reference point, the face of the team.
From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026
Using Amazon sales from August 2023 as a reference point, they calculated that approximately 1.55 trillion microplastic fibers could be released each month.
From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026
The test lasted about 70 minutes, allowing them to practice approaching and backing away from part of the rocket, which served as a reference point for Orion’s movements.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026
Lucy and Ricky Ricardo‘s love story was often a reference point for Roberts throughout his time on “Outlander.”
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026
There was no easy reference point for my decision to pursue sport.
From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.