reference
- an act or instance of referring.
- a mention; allusion.
- something for which a name or designation stands; denotation.
- a direction in a book or writing to some other book, passage, etc.
- a book, passage, etc., to which one is directed.
- reference mark(def 2).
- material contained in a footnote or bibliography, or referred to by a reference mark.
- use or recourse for purposes of information: a library for public reference.
- a person to whom one refers for testimony as to one's character, abilities, etc.
- a statement, usually written, as to a person's character, abilities, etc.
- relation, regard, or respect: all persons, without reference to age.
- to furnish (a book, dissertation, etc.) with references: Each new volume is thoroughly referenced.
- to arrange (notes, data, etc.) for easy reference: Statistical data is referenced in the glossary.
- to refer to: to reference a file.
Origin of reference
Synonyms for reference
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comRelated Words for referencing
ascribe, attribute, impute, appoint, authorize, hire, elect, name, nominate, empower, attach, charge, draft, allow, accredit, commit, entrust, refer, select, designateExamples from the Web for referencing
Contemporary Examples of referencing
“I like decorating my slaves,” she said, referencing the rope, her thin, crimson-coated lips peeling off her front teeth.
A business partner mentioned a failed phone call, also referencing the mysterious Krystal.
I think all of us who are impacted by it have been referencing it in one way or another for years in our work.
Its name roughly translates to “pig pear,” referencing the only animals contented to eat it.
He was referencing the only Village folk club with a liquor license in those days.
Historical Examples of referencing
Footnotes have been moved to follow the referencing paragraph.
The Decoration of LeatherGeorges de Rcy
Footnotes have been moved so as to follow the referencing paragraph.
The Argentine in the Twentieth CenturyAlbert B. Martinez
Footnotes have been coalesced and moved so as to follow the referencing paragraph.
As it is uncertain what precisely the author was referencing, the text is preserved as printed.
The Student's MythologyCatherine Ann White
Simple typographical errors were corrected, sometimes by referencing other editions of these stories.
reference
- the act or an instance of referring
- something referred, esp proceedings submitted to a referee in law
- a direction of the attention to a passage elsewhere or to another book, document, etc
- a book or passage referred to
- a mention or allusionthis book contains several references to the Civil War
- philosophy
- the relation between a word, phrase, or symbol and the object or idea to which it refers
- the object referred to by an expressionCompare sense (def. 12)
- a source of information or facts
- (as modifier)a reference book; a reference library
- a written testimonial regarding one's character or capabilities
- a person referred to for such a testimonial
- (foll by to)relation or delimitation, esp to or by membership of a specific class or group; respect or regardall people, without reference to sex or age
- (as modifier)a reference group
- point of reference a fact forming the basis of an evaluation or assessment; criterion
- terms of reference the specific limits of responsibility that determine the activities of an investigating body, etc
- to furnish or compile a list of references for (an academic thesis, publication, etc)
- to make a reference to; refer tohe referenced Chomsky, 1956
- commerce with reference toreference your letter of the 9th inst Abbreviation: re
Word Origin and History for referencing
reference
1580s, "act of referring," from refer + -ance, or else from French référence, from Medieval Latin *referentia, from Latin referentem (nominative referens), present participle of referre (see refer). Meaning "direction to a book or passage" is recorded from 1610s. Meaning "testimonial" is from 1895. Reference book dates from 1808. Phrase in reference to is attested from 1590s.
reference
1620s, "to assign;" as "to provide with a reference," 1837 (implied in referenced), from reference (n.). Related: Referencing.
Idioms and Phrases with referencing
reference
see in regard (reference) to.