Referee: meaning, definitions and examples

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referee

[ˌrɛfəˈriː ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

sports

An official who watches a game or match closely to ensure that the rules are followed and to make decisions about plays.

Synonyms

judge, official, umpire.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
referee	In sports contexts, particularly in team games such as soccer, rugby, and basketball. Referees are responsible for enforcing rules during the game. The referee issued a yellow card for the foul. The referee blew the whistle to end the match.
umpire	In sports contexts, primarily in baseball, cricket, and tennis. Umpires make crucial decisions and enforce rules within the game. The umpire called a strike. The cricket umpire signaled a six after the batsman hit the ball.
official	Used to describe someone in an authorized position, often within governmental, corporate, or organizational contexts. This term is general and can apply to various roles. The government official announced new policies. An official from the company visited the factory.
judge	In legal contexts, judges oversee court cases and make legal decisions. It can also be used generally when someone makes a decision or assessment. The judge sentenced the defendant to five years in prison. The art competition was tough, but the judge finally chose a winner.

Examples of usage

The referee called a foul on the player for tripping.
The referee blew the whistle to stop the play.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

legal

A person who is chosen to decide a dispute or settle differences between parties.

Synonyms

adjudicator, arbitrator, mediator.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
referee	In addition to sports, 'referee' can also be used in contexts such as job applications to refer to someone who provides a reference or recommendation. You can list your previous employer as a referee on your job application. She asked her professor to be a referee for her graduate school application.
arbitrator	Used primarily in legal or business settings to refer to someone who settles disputes outside of court, often in arbitration proceedings. They hired an arbitrator to resolve the contract disagreement. The arbitrator's decision is legally binding for both parties.
mediator	Typically used in conflict resolution to describe someone who helps two or more parties come to an agreement, often in personal, workplace, or diplomatic disputes. A mediator helped the employees reach an agreement with management. The divorce mediator facilitated a peaceful settlement.
adjudicator	Typically used in formal or competitive contexts such as legal settings, competitions, or debates to describe a person who makes judgments or decisions. The adjudicator of the debate competition declared the winner. A music competition adjudicator gave high marks for her performance.

Examples of usage

The judge appointed a referee to handle the complex case.
The referee's decision was final and binding.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

general

To act as a referee in a game or match.

Synonyms

judge, officiate, umpire.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
referee	Used mainly in sports where the official moves along with the players on the field or court. Typically seen in games like soccer, basketball, and boxing. The referee blew the whistle to start the game. As a referee, he has to make important decisions quickly.
officiate	Refers to overseeing a sport or activity as an official. It is a more formal term and can be used generally for various types of officiating roles. They asked him to officiate the wedding ceremony. She will officiate the volleyball match tomorrow.
umpire	Specifically used in sports like baseball and cricket where the official stays relatively stationary and makes calls from a fixed position. The umpire called the runner out at first base. He has been an umpire for minor league games for many years.
judge	Most commonly associated with the legal system, but also used in contexts where a formal evaluation or scoring is required, such as talent shows or competitions. The judge sentenced the defendant to five years in prison. She was one of the judges at the dance competition.

Examples of usage

He volunteered to referee the soccer game.
She will referee the championship match.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'referee' comes from the French word 'référer', meaning 'to refer', highlighting their role as someone who refers to the rules of the game.
It has been in use since the late 19th century, particularly in association with sports like soccer and boxing.

Sporting Roles

Referees are essential in various sports, from football to basketball, ensuring that rules are followed and fair play is maintained.
In addition to making calls during games, referees often conduct pre-game meetings to discuss rules and clarify expectations with players and coaches.

Psychology

Referees are trained to remain calm under pressure and often use specific gestures to communicate decisions clearly to players and audiences.
They can influence the game’s pace and emotional atmosphere, making their role crucial not just for rules but for the overall game experience.

Cultural Representation

In media and pop culture, referees are often portrayed as figures of authority, sometimes facing criticism from players and fans, reflecting societal attitudes towards authority figures.
Movies and television shows often depict referees in humorous ways, showing the challenges they face in high-pressure situations while keeping the game fair.

Technology in Sports

Modern sports increasingly utilize technology to assist referees, including video replay systems that help review controversial calls.
Smart wearable technology is being developed for referees to track their movements on the field, enhancing their ability to position themselves effectively during play.

Translations

Translations of the word "referee" in other languages:

🇵🇹 árbitro

🇮🇳 रेफरी

🇩🇪 Schiedsrichter

🇮🇩 wasit

🇺🇦 рефері

🇵🇱 sędzia

🇯🇵 審判

🇫🇷 arbitre

🇪🇸 árbitro

🇹🇷 hakem

🇰🇷 심판

🇸🇦 حكم

🇨🇿 rozhodčí

🇸🇰 rozhodca

🇨🇳 裁判

🇸🇮 sodnik

🇮🇸 dómari

🇰🇿 төреші

🇬🇪 მსაჯი

🇦🇿 hakim

🇲🇽 árbitro

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,811 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
9808 awaited
9809 abscess
9810 honoured
9811 referee
9812 innate
9813 delete
9814 profitability
...