referent
Americannoun
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the object or event to which a term or symbol refers.
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Logic. the first term in a proposition to which succeeding terms relate.
noun
Etymology
Origin of referent
1835–45; < Latin referent- (stem of referēns ), present participle of referre. See refer, -ent
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.
The volumetric, jug-like form of “Martinique” emphasizes clay’s eternal role as a vessel, which the artist fills with new meanings by virtue of her chosen forms and referents.
From Los Angeles Times
"But that would be sad to me, to have lost the referent."
From Salon
It’s a potent reminder of the psychic resonance the show holds for someone who grew up with these referents.
From New York Times
“We can use terms successfully not because we know much about the referent but because we’re linked to the referent by a great social chain of communication.”
From New York Times
“KIMI” self-consciously draws from an assortment of cinematic referents, including obvious touchstones like “Rear Window” and woman-in-peril-at-home thrillers like “Midnight Lace.”
From New York Times
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.
