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Referring Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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referring

[rɪˈfɜːrɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

communication context

Referring typically means to direct someone's attention to something or someone. It can involve mentioning or alluding to a certain subject or piece of information. In a conversation, one might refer to a previous statement or a background topic. This can help clarify points or provide additional context. Referring also plays a significant role in academic writing and formal presentations, where citing sources or relevant literature is essential.

Synonyms

allude, cite, indicate, mention, point to.

Examples of usage

  • I am referring to the report submitted last week.
  • When I said that, I was referring to our previous discussion.
  • Are you referring to the guidelines mentioned earlier?
  • The speaker was referring to historical events.
  • In her thesis, she is referring to several key studies.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Linguistics

  • In language studies, 'referring' is a key component of semantics, involving how words relate to the objects they represent.
  • References can be direct, like using a name, or indirect, like using phrases that describe a person without naming them.
  • Effective referring in conversation can influence clarity, enabling smoother communication among speakers.

Education

  • In teaching, referring to previous lessons helps reinforce learning concepts.
  • Educators often emphasize referring back to texts or resources to develop critical thinking skills.
  • Engaging learners in discussions where they must refer to previous knowledge deepens their understanding.

Psychology

  • The act of referring to previous experiences aids in memory retrieval, which is crucial for learning.
  • Humans construct their identities partly through the act of referring to past events or influences during conversations.
  • Referring can be a social tool that helps maintain relationships by creating shared contexts among people.

Pop Culture

  • In films and literature, characters often refer to past events to provide motivations or context.
  • Memorable quotes are often referenced in various media, becoming a part of cultural vocabulary.
  • Referring to trends or nostalgic elements can evoke emotions among audiences, making connections with prior experiences.

Origin of 'referring'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originated from the Latin 'referre', which means 'to carry back' or 'to report'.
  • It evolved into Middle English as 'referen', taking on its modern form in the 15th century.
  • The prefix 're-' implies 'again,' suggesting the act of mentioning something that has been previously identified.

The word 'refer' originates from the Latin word 'referre', which means 'to carry back'. This term is composed of 're-', meaning 'back', and 'ferre', meaning 'to carry'. The adaptation of the term into Middle English retained the essence of its Latin roots and has been used in various forms since the 14th century. Over the centuries, 'referring' has evolved to encompass both a literal and figurative sense of directing attention to an object or idea. The modern usage reinforces its significance in communication, where referencing information has become crucial in establishing credibility and clarity in discussions.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,754, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.