noun
reference
REHF-ruhns
noun
1
A mention of, or connection to, something else.
"The article makes several references to earlier research."
"She made a passing reference to her time abroad."
2
A statement about someone's character or abilities, usually given by a former employer, or the person who gives it.
"He asked his old manager to be a reference for the new job."
verb
1
To mention or cite something as a source.
"The essay references several studies from the 1990s."
How to Use Reference
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA mention or pointer to something else, or a person/document vouching for someone.
Common pairings
make reference to
letter of reference
reference book
cross-reference
Word Forms
referenced past tense, references plural, references singular
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The article makes several _____ to earlier research.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin referentia, ultimately from Latin referre ("to carry back, report").