26984 words

reference

23 definitions • 30 examples
1
a mention of something:

Examples:

Knowing what had happened, I avoided making any reference to (= mentioning) weddings.
formal I am writing with/in reference to (= in connection with) your letter of 15 March.
2
a writer or a book, article, etc. that is mentioned in a piece of writing, showing you where particular information was found
3
in a business letter, a number that tells you who to speak to or where to look for more information:

Examples:

In all future letters on this subject, please use/quote our reference JW/155/C.
4
a letter that is written by someone who knows you, to describe you and say if you are suitable for a job, course, etc.:

Examples:

My old headteacher said he would write/give me a glowing (= very good) reference.
5
a quick look at a book, piece of paper, etc. in order to find information and help:

Examples:

He made the whole speech without reference to the notes in front of him.
6
the act of mentioning someone or something in speech or writing:

Examples:

[ U ] Avoid making any reference to his accident.
7
a written statement describing your character and abilities, or the person who writes this statement:

Examples:

Could I list you as a reference on my application?
8
the act of making a connection between subjects:

Examples:

His comments were in reference to a stupid question someone asked.
9

Examples:

[ C ] There is a list of the author’s references at the end of the article.
10
A reference is also the act of looking at a text:

Examples:

[ U ] These books are for reference only and may not be checked out of the library.
11
A reference can also mean a reference book:

Examples:

[ C ] What references did you use for this research?
12
a set of numbers or letters on a document such as a business letter, used so that people know what it relates to:

Examples:

give/quote/use a reference In all future letters on this subject, please quote our reference JW/155/C/2011.
Please write with a full CV quoting the appropriate reference number.
13
a letter that is written by someone who knows you, often a previous employer, to describe you and say if you are suitable for a job, course, etc.:

Examples:

give/write sb a reference His former boss gave him an excellent reference.
She has good references and an acceptable CV.
check/follow up/take up references We still need to recall the candidate for a second interview, and follow up references.
a reference check
14
a person who knows you and who is willing to write a reference for you:

Examples:

give/list/name sb as a reference He said he was happy for me to list him as a reference.
15
a mention of something:

Examples:

make reference to sth He didn't make any reference to the new product in his report.
16
comparison with something:

Examples:

reference to sth Comparative advertising is where one trader advertises his goods by reference to another trader's goods.
18
the action of looking at a book, piece of paper, etc. in order to find information or help:

Examples:

reference to sth He made the whole speech without reference to the notes in front of him.
reference books/works/publishing
19
in order to be looked at for information in future:

Examples:

You should keep the prospectus on file for future reference.
20
used when telling someone something so they know about it in future:

Examples:

For future reference, he prefers to be addressed as 'Mr.'
21
used, especially in business letters, to say what you are writing or talking about:

Examples:

I am writing with reference to your letter of 15 March.
22
the subjects or questions which a study or report is intended to include:

Examples:

The inquiry's terms of reference included the consideration of pay and conditions in the fire service.
23
to refer to someone or something:

Examples:

He spoke about his ambitious plans, referencing writer and motivator Dale Carnegie.

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