The word "reference" has two syllables and is pronounced /ˈrɛf(ə)rəns/. The first syllable is stressed and is spelled with the letter "r" and the diphthong "e" as in "red". The second syllable contains a short "e" sound as in "bet", the letter "r" and the schwa sound represented by the letter "a" as in "about". The spelling of this word is derived from its Latin root, "referre", meaning to bring back or carry. It is commonly used in academic and professional settings to denote a source of information or citation.
Reference is a noun that encompasses multiple meanings and applications. Primarily, it refers to the act of mentioning or alluding to something or someone as a source of information, authority, or example. In this sense, reference serves as a means of supporting or corroborating statements, assertions, or claims made in conversation, writing, or research. It enables individuals to include evidence or connect their thoughts with external sources, thus giving their statements credibility and reliability.
In addition to its role in confirming the accuracy of information, reference also pertains to a document or source that can be consulted for information. This could be a book, article, website, or any other form of resource that individuals can refer to in order to obtain specific details, facts, or explanations about a particular subject matter. Such references are essential in scholarly or academic work, where citation and acknowledgment of sources are pivotal for giving credit to original authors and providing readers with an opportunity to explore the topic further.
Furthermore, reference can also denote a mention or allusion to someone or something. For instance, when a person is called upon as a reference, it means they have been enlisted to provide information about an individual's character, work experience, qualifications, or suitability for a job or undertaking. These references are often sought by employers as a means of evaluating an applicant's capabilities and determining their potential fit within a given context.
A sending or direction to another for information; allusion to; the submission of a matter in dispute to another for decision.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "reference" originated from the Latin word "referentia", which is derived from the verb "referre", meaning "to carry or bring back". The Latin word consists of two elements, "re-" meaning "back" and "ferre" meaning "to carry or bring". The word "reference" entered the English language in the late 16th century and initially referred to the act of referring or deferring to something or someone. Over time, its meaning expanded to include the act of mentioning or citing a source or authority.