Reference Book Act Extra Examples Information ˈrefrəns Made

• she made no reference to her illness but only to her future plans.
• the president’s passing reference to (= brief mention of) the end of the war
• her book contains many biblical references.
• his testimony included references to memos by the company's financial managers.

reference

1. a thing you say or write that mentions somebody/something else; the act of mentioning somebody/something
• She made no reference to her illness but only to her future plans.
• the President’s passing reference to (= brief mention of) the end of the war
• Her book contains many biblical references.
• His testimony included references to memos by the company's financial managers.
• Study their correspondence and you find only three references to George Washington.
• She discreetly avoided any specific reference to religion.
• The book is full of references to growing up in India.
• There are frequent references in the text to the English Civil War.

Extra Examples

• He dropped casual references to the legacy of his great work.
• Her diary contains no reference to the alleged appointment.
• In an obvious reference to the president, he talked of corruption in high places.
• The article makes no reference to his first marriage.
• The audience didn't get the references to colonialism.
• The book is filled with references to God.
• The new constitution dropped all reference to previous wars.
• They could find no further reference to Mr LaMotte in the records.
• a reference to page 17
• one of the earliest references to the game of chess
• He's studying political science with special reference to China.
2. the act of looking at something for information
• SEE ALSO point of reference
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/point-of-reference
• A copy of the booklet is given to the employee for reference.
• Keep the list of numbers near the phone for easy reference.
• I wrote down the name of the hotel for future reference (= because it might be useful in the future).
• The library contains many popular works of reference (= books that contain facts and information).
• We provided reference materials about our Greek vase collection.
• Reference to the guide shows that the word has been used in the latter sense.

Extra Examples

• You'll find the information in the reference section of your local library.
• The summary should be comprehensible without reference back to the source work.
• an online reference tool
• The book is organized alphabetically for easy reference.
• She needs the book for reference purposes.
• Retain a copy of the form for future reference.
• I made a copy of your work, just for my own reference.
• Gene frequencies were calculated then compared with the Finnish population as a reference group.
• Our charges are calculated by reference to an hourly rate.
• The book is an invaluable source of reference for the art historian.
• The book is by far the best general reference (= reference book) on natural history.
3. a number, word or symbol that shows where something is on a map, or where you can find a piece of information
• The map reference is Y4.
• It is essential that an accurate grid reference is given.
• Please quote your reference number when making an enquiry.

Extra Examples

• Please quote the appropriate reference in your letter.
• Please send a full CV, quoting the appropriate reference.
4. the act of asking somebody for help or advice
• The emergency nurse can treat minor injuries without reference to a doctor.
• The decision was made without reference to local managers.
5. a letter written by somebody who knows you, giving information about your character and abilities, especially to a new employer
• I'm sure she'll give you a good reference.
• We will take up references (= contact the people who provided them) after the interview.
• We'll need a reference from your current employer.
• She asked him to provide a reference for her.

Extra Examples

• Dr Kemp had written a reference for her when she left.
• He had a number of good character references, including one from a retired policeman.
6. a person who agrees to write a reference, for you, for example when you are applying for a job
• SYNONYM referee
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/referee_2
• My previous boss will act as a reference for me.
• His former employer agreed to act as a reference for him.
7. a note in a book that tells you where a particular piece of information comes from
• There is a list of references at the end of each chapter.
• For references, see Section D above.
• References to previous research are listed in an appendix.

Extra Examples

• References to original sources are given at the end of each chapter.
• The date of publication should be included in the reference.
8. used to say what you are talking or writing about
• With reference to your letter of July 22…
• I am writing with reference to your job application.