reference

noun

UK /ˈref(ə)rəns/

Word Forms

singular	reference
plural	references

1
countable/uncountable a comment that mentions someone or something
reference to:
The title is apparently a reference to the singer’s brother.
make a/no reference to:
He politely made no reference to my untidy appearance.
passing reference (=a quick comment about someone or something):
Her speech contained only a passing reference to tax reform.
Synonyms and related words
Comments and remarks
acknowledgment
afterthought
allusion
2
uncountable the process of looking at something in order to get information
The sentences are numbered for ease of reference.
Synonyms and related words
An attempt to find out information
elicitation
investigation
search
1. 2a
  only before nounused to describe books or places where you can find information
  the reference section of the library
  Synonyms and related words
  Describing books and relating to books
  a good/exciting etc read
  bookends
  bookmark
  Synonyms and related words
  An attempt to find out information
  elicitation
  investigation
  search
3
countable a statement from someone who knows you or has worked with you that gives information about you. You often need to provide a reference when you apply for a new job
take up a reference (=ask for information about a person you are going to employ):
I don’t think I’ve got the job – they haven’t taken up my references.
Synonyms and related words
Statements and announcements
abjuration
accusation
a contradiction in terms
1. 3a
  Americana referee for a job
  Synonyms and related words
  Applying and interviewing for jobs
  affirmative action
  applicant
  application
4
countable a number or symbol that shows someone where they can find information that they need
Start your walk at map reference 2D.
reference number:
Please quote your customer reference number if you need to contact us.
Synonyms and related words
Numbers and types of number
Arabic numeral
arithmetic progression
base
5
countable a word or phrase that comes from a book or a poem
His writing is full of obscure literary references.
Synonyms and related words
Types of word or phrase
acrostic
adjacency pair
Americanism
6
countable a writer or a piece of work that is mentioned in a piece of writing by someone else
There was a long list of references at the end of the paper.
Synonyms and related words
Parts of pieces of writing
amendment
annexe
a purple passage

phrases

with reference to

reference

noun

US /ˈref(ə)rəns/

Word Forms

singular	reference
plural	references

1
countable/uncountable a comment that mentions someone or something
reference to:
The title is apparently a reference to the singer’s brother.
make a/no reference to:
He politely made no reference to my messy appearance.
passing reference (=a quick comment about someone or something):
Her speech contained only a passing reference to tax reform.
Synonyms and related words
Comments and remarks
acknowledgment
afterthought
allusion
2
uncountable the process of looking at something in order to get information
The sentences are numbered for ease of reference.
Synonyms and related words
An attempt to find out information
elicitation
investigation
search
1. 2a
  only before nounused to describe books or places where you can find information
  the reference section of the library
  Synonyms and related words
  Describing books and relating to books
  a good/exciting etc. read
  bookends
  bookmark
  Synonyms and related words
  An attempt to find out information
  elicitation
  investigation
  search
3
countable a statement from someone who knows you or has worked with you that gives information about you. You often need to provide a reference when you apply for a new job
Her former employer refused to provide a reference for her.
Synonyms and related words
Statements and announcements
abjuration
accusation
a contradiction in terms
1. 3a
  Americansomeone who gives you a reference when you are applying for a job. The British word is referee.
  Synonyms and related words
  Applying and interviewing for jobs
  affirmative action
  applicant
  application
4
countable a word or phrase that comes from a book or a poem
His writing is full of obscure literary references.
Synonyms and related words
Types of word or phrase
acrostic
adjacency pair
Americanism
5
countable a writer or a piece of work that is mentioned in a piece of writing by someone else
There was a long list of references at the end of the paper.
Synonyms and related words
Parts of pieces of writing
amendment
annex
annexe
6
countable a number or symbol that shows someone where they can find information that they need
reference number:
Please quote your customer reference number if you need to contact us.
Start your walk at map reference 2D.
Synonyms and related words
Numbers and types of number
Arabic numeral
arithmetic progression
base

phrases

with reference to

reference

verb transitive

UK /ˈref(ə)rəns/

Word Forms

present tense
I/you/we/they	reference
he/she/it	references
present participle	referencing
past tense	referenced
past participle	referenced

1
formalto mention a particular writer or piece of work
Synonyms and related words
To mention something, or to be mentioned
mention
refer to
invoke
2
to create a list of all the books that are mentioned in a piece of academic writing
Synonyms and related words
To make a list, or to add something to a list
register
detail
index

reference

verb transitive

US /ˈref(ə)rəns/

Word Forms

present tense
I/you/we/they	reference
he/she/it	references
present participle	referencing
past tense	referenced
past participle	referenced

1
formalto mention a particular writer or piece of work
Synonyms and related words
To mention something, or to be mentioned
mention
refer to
invoke
2
to create a list of all the books that are mentioned in a piece of academic writing
Synonyms and related words
To make a list, or to add something to a list
register
detail
index

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