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referential

[ ref-uh-ren-shuhl ]

/ ˌrɛf əˈrɛn ʃəl /

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adjective

having reference: referential to something.

containing a reference.

used for reference.

QUIZZES

THINK YOU’VE GOT A HANDLE ON THIS US STATE NICKNAME QUIZ?

Did you ever collect all those state quarters? Put them to good use on this quiz about curious state monikers and the facts around them.

Question 1 of 8

Mississippi’s nickname comes from the magnificent trees that grow there. What is it?

The Sunflower State

The Evergreen State

The Magnolia State

The Mockingbird State

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of referential

First recorded in 1650–60; referent + -ial

OTHER WORDS FROM referential

ref·er·en·tial·ly, adverb

Words nearby referential

reference mark, reference values, reference works, referendum, referent, referential, referral, referred pain, referred sensation, reffo, refi

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

Example sentences from the Web for referential

So this self-referential processing network, which tends to be more active among people who are clinically anxious and depressed, is also active when you look at people experiencing chatter.
How to Quiet Your Mind Chatter - Issue 98: Mind|Liz Greene|March 10, 2021|Nautilus
This psychological experience corresponds to increased levels of activity in brain networks that support self-referential and emotional processing in the brain.
How to Quiet Your Mind Chatter - Issue 98: Mind|Liz Greene|March 10, 2021|Nautilus
Of course publishing a book of selfies is the height of Kim Kardashian self-referential ridiculousness.
Kim Kardashian Isn't the Butt of Jokes Anymore|Amy Zimmerman|August 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Perhaps the word “hipster” has now lost all referential meaning.
Why Do We Hate Hipsters So F'ing Much?|Ted Gioia|July 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST

They are self-referential, sculpted by parody or subversive of conventions, and ambitiously re-inventive.
‘True Detective,’ Obsessive-Compulsive Noir, and ‘Twin Peaks’|Jimmy So|March 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
With names like Nestor, Clarissa, and Ludwig, the characters are equally referential.
This Week's Hot Reads: October 7, 2013|Damaris Colhoun|October 7, 2013|DAILY BEAST
A lot of it is self-referential, i.e., to other incidents to the Marvel universe.
‘Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ Premiere Wows (and Puzzles) Us|Allen Barra, Margaret Barra|September 25, 2013|DAILY BEAST
This is truly a "handy referential volume," and deserving of a large sale.
Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases|Thomas Preston
They are all too broadly referential, too vague, to be of real use to a manager or actor looking for a play to produce.
Dramatic Technique|George Pierce Baker
The man of the 'oath referential, or sentimental swearing,' makes the entire scope of the part an 'echo to the sense.'
Great Fortunes, and How They Were Made|James D. McCabe, Jr.
What is of peculiar interest is the symptom in his malady called "referential ideas."
Iconoclasts|James Huneker
The written, as we know, almost constantly appeared together with other referential systems, especially images.
The Civilization of Illiteracy|Mihai Nadin

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