Refereed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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refereed

[rɪˈfɪrd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

academic journals

The term 'refereed' refers to a process of evaluation in which scholarly work, such as articles submitted for publication, is critically assessed by an expert in the field. This process aims to ensure that the research is of high quality, valid, and significant to the field of study. A refereed journal typically utilizes peer review to validate the methods, findings, and interpretations of the submitted work. The refereed status often enhances the credibility of the research and publication.

Synonyms

assessed, evaluated, peer-reviewed.

Examples of usage

  • She published her research in a refereed journal.
  • Refereed articles are essential in academic settings.
  • They submitted their findings to a refereed publication for review.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Academia

  • In academic publishing, a refereed process helps ensure only quality research is published, usually involving a blind review.
  • Refereed publications are considered more credible because they have been scrutinized by specialists in the field.

Publishing

  • Many scientific journals employ a refereed process, allowing for improvements before the final publication.
  • The refereed process can take several months, as reviewers provide feedback to authors on their work.

Sports

  • In sports, a refereed game follows strict rules to ensure fairness, where the referee intervenes when necessary.
  • Referees often face pressure from players and fans, yet their role is crucial for upholding the integrity of the game.

Quality Assurance

  • The concept of being refereed is similar to peer reviews in many professions, promoting consistency and accuracy.
  • In industries like engineering and medicine, a refereed process is essential for maintaining safety standards.

Origin of 'refereed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'refereed' comes from the term 'referee', which is used in sports to describe someone who watches over the game.
  • The root word 'refer' means to direct attention to something, reflecting the role of an expert directing others to understand a work's quality.

The word 'refereed' originates from the verb 'refer', which comes from the Latin 'referre', meaning 'to bring back' or 'to report'. The use of 'refereed' gained prominence in the academic context with the rise of peer review practices in the early 20th century. Initially used to describe the act of submitting work to be evaluated by peers, it has since evolved to denote works that have undergone a specific, rigorous assessment process before publication. The application of being 'refereed' signifies a standard of academic integrity and quality, reinforcing the importance of peer validation in scholarly communication. As academia became more formalized, the refereed process became crucial for establishing trust and credibility in the dissemination of research findings.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,387 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.