Reference: meaning, definitions and examples
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reference
[ˈrɛf(ə)rəns ]
Definitions
in academic work
A mention or citation of a source of information in a book or article.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| reference |
When you mention a source of information, an event, or a particular piece of knowledge within your work. It can be used in both formal and informal writing.
|
| citation |
When you formally note the source of information you used in academic or professional work. It is often required in research papers, articles, and legal documents.
|
| source |
When you refer to the origin of information, something or someone that provides information. It is a general term for where information is obtained from.
|
| credit |
When you acknowledge someone's contribution or an idea used in your work. Can also be used to recognize someone's achievements or roles in creative works.
|
Examples of usage
- Each table includes a list of references at the end of the chapter.
- Make sure to provide references for all the data you use in your research paper.
in job applications
A person who agrees to act as a referee for someone seeking employment.
Synonyms
contact, recommendation, referee.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| reference |
Used again in a general sense when referencing someone who can vouch for you, particularly in a job or academic context; similar to the first 'reference' but can also imply the act of mentioning something.
|
| referee |
Used to describe a person who provides a reference, especially in the context of job applications or academic settings. This is similar to 'reference' but more formal.
|
| contact |
Used when referring to someone you know who can provide information or assistance, often in networking or business settings.
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| recommendation |
Used when someone suggests or endorses another person for a specific role or opportunity, often in a formal manner.
|
Examples of usage
- I have listed my former boss as a reference on my job application.
- The hiring manager called my references to learn more about my work ethic.
in academic work
To provide a mention or citation of a source of information in a book or article.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| reference |
Used when pointing to a source of information or a specific part of another work. Common in academic or formal settings.
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| cite |
Used in academic writing when formally giving credit to sources. It shows the origin of specific information or ideas.
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| mention |
Used in casual or informal settings when briefly bringing up a subject, person, or source without going into detail.
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| credit |
Used when acknowledging someone's contribution or recognizing their work. Often used in a positive context to show appreciation.
|
Examples of usage
- Remember to reference all the sources you used in your thesis.
- It is important to properly reference your sources to avoid plagiarism.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'referre', which means 'to bring back' or 'to refer'.
- In the late 14th century, it started being used in English to mean a relation to something.
- The modern academic sense of 'reference' emerged in the 19th century as a method to validate information.
Literature
- In literature, references are often used to enrich narratives, connecting them to broader themes or real-world contexts.
- Classic works frequently reference historical figures or events, creating a deeper understanding for readers.
- Authors like James Joyce and T.S. Eliot are noted for their intricate use of references, making their works both challenging and rewarding.
Education
- In academic writing, proper referencing is crucial to avoid plagiarism and give credit to original authors.
- Different styles like APA, MLA, and Chicago guide how to format references appropriately.
- Learning to reference correctly is a key part of developing critical thinking skills in educational settings.
Technology
- In programming, a reference often points to a location in memory, allowing for efficient data management.
- Web references are essential for hyperlinking and creating rich user experiences on the Internet.
- Reference management tools help researchers organize and format their citations and bibliographies easily.
Social Culture
- In popular culture, the term 'reference' is often used to describe allusions in media, hinting at other works or cultural phenomena.
- Memes frequently contain references to outside content, such as movies or trends, fostering a sense of shared understanding.
- Comedians often use references to topical events, allowing audiences to connect through familiarity or shared knowledge.
Translations
Translations of the word "reference" in other languages:
🇵🇹 referência
- referência (padrão ou exemplo)
- referência (citação)
🇮🇳 संदर्भ
- संदर्भ (उदाहरण)
- संदर्भ (उल्लेख)
🇩🇪 Referenz
- Referenz (Beispiel)
- Referenz (Zitat)
🇮🇩 referensi
- referensi (contoh)
- referensi (kutipan)
🇺🇦 посилання
- довідка
- зразок
🇵🇱 referencja
- wzór
- cytat
🇯🇵 参照 (さんしょう)
- 参考 (さんこう)
- 引用 (いんよう)
🇫🇷 référence
- référence (exemple)
- référence (citation)
🇪🇸 referencia
- referencia (ejemplo)
- referencia (cita)
🇹🇷 referans
- örnek
- alıntı
🇰🇷 참조 (chamjo)
- 예시 (yesi)
- 인용 (inyong)
🇸🇦 مرجع
- مثال
- اقتباس
🇨🇿 reference
- vzor
- citace
🇸🇰 referencia
- vzor
- citácia
🇨🇳 参考 (cānkǎo)
- 例子 (lìzi)
- 引用 (yǐnyòng)
🇸🇮 referenca
- zgled
- navedek
🇮🇸 tilvísun
- dæmi
- tilvitnun
🇰🇿 сілтеме
- үлгі
- дәйексөз
🇬🇪 მითითება
- მაგალითი
- ციტატა
🇦🇿 istinad
- nümunə
- sitat
🇲🇽 referencia
- referencia (ejemplo)
- referencia (cita)