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reference

reference

35 3.1
A standard used to compare other things
  • noun
  • /ˈrɛfərəns/
translation icon : referencia
  • Okay, I need the room numbers around us as a reference point.
  • a reference point
  • a frame of reference
  • a reference group

And most human beings have no reference for how how that is.

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Examples

  • Hence, we set 60 years of age as our reference point for calculation of risk.

    Academic text (2017)
  • People establish goals in relation to certain values and use these goals as reference points.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Well, we have to have a reference time scale, right?

  • A note to start, always use a visual reference as often as you can.

  • We only need a point of reference?

  • Then, when something new is encountered, one's understanding of it is in reference to earlier experience.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Every leader's internal moral compass needs to be checked against external reference points.

    Academic text (2017)
  • With the regional sample as the frame of reference, the following results occurred (Table 2):

    Academic text (2011)
  • But, for millions of people, pictures will be their reference point for the story, the story's embodiment;

  • When making a comparison, always choose a reliable reference to guide your analysis.

Synonyms

standard
vsreference
1.6

An agreed level of quality or rule for judging something

is the general idea of a comparison point rather than a formal level
criterion
vsreference
219 6.1

A rule or standard used to judge and choose something

is more general and covers comparison ideas beyond specific rules
measure
vsreference
92 2.5

A standard used to compare people or things

is broader and not limited to numeric or exact comparison uses
benchmark
vsreference
65 4.2

A standard used to compare quality or performance

is the broader comparison concept not necessarily a tested or official example
template
vsreference
65 3.7

A model people use to compare or judge other things

is more about being a comparison point than a copyable example
guide
vsreference
23 2.8

Something used as a model or standard for judging things

is the abstract idea for comparing things rather than a practical aid
gauge
vsreference
17 5.6

A measure people use to judge how good or successful something is

is wider and not limited to examples used for amounts or qualities
touchstone
vsreference
15 7.5

A way to judge how good or true something is

is used more broadly not only as a defining test for recognition
yardstick
vsreference
12 3.9

A way to judge how good or successful something is

is a general comparison tool rather than a vivid physical measuring image
reference point
vsreference
10 3.7

A known mark people use to compare or find position

is broader and more abstract rather than a fixed concrete indicator
frame of reference
vsreference
9 5.8

A person's ideas and beliefs that shape how they understand things

is a single comparison point rather than a whole contextual set of assumptions
point of reference
vsreference
5 4.1

A known example people use to judge or compare other things

is the general comparison concept rather than a specific positioning base
criterium
vsreference
9.3

A rule used to judge or choose something

is the preferred more common term for that same judging rule

Compounds

A known mark people use to compare or find position

A person's ideas and beliefs that shape how they understand things

A book you use to check facts or information

frame of reference
  • Specialized
5 6.1

A system for measuring where things are and how they move from one viewpoint

A known example people use to judge or compare other things

A letter from someone who knows a person well that says they are honest and reliable for a future employer

A note in a book that tells you where to find related information

reference frame
  • Specialized
3 7.2

A system that describes where and how an object is located or facing

A book you use to look up facts, not to read from start to finish

character reference
  • Specialized
1 6.9

A text code that tells a web page to show a special character like é

reference system
  • Specialized
1 4.9

A system that uses coordinates to show positions, like GPS or a map grid

reference manual
  • Specialized
1 3.7

A book or document that gives clear facts and instructions for quick checking

bofa reference
  • Offensive
9.9

An online joke that mentions the slang bofa to play with words

date of reference
  • Specialized
9.0

A fixed date used as the standard time for recording positions of stars and planets

A term that shows a part or position of the body

8.9

A frame where objects stay still or move straight at constant speed unless a force acts on them

reference grid
  • Specialized
5.1

A pattern of crossing lines on a map or picture that helps find places by letters and numbers

How Representative

model
569 3.4
standard
1.6
reference
35 3.1
sample
2.3
example
1.0

Surface Forms

reference singular
references plural

Morphology

reference = refer (transparent) = refer + ence

The noun 'reference' is clearly derived from the verb 'refer' by adding the noun-forming suffix '-ence'.

Etymology

The meaning of reference as a standard or point of comparison comes from Latin referre (re- 'back' + ferre 'to carry'), like a fixed point you 'return to' when you check or measure other things.