Referrence vs. Reference — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on March 20, 2024
"Referrence" is the incorrect spelling, while "Reference" is the correct form. Reference pertains to a mention or citation of a source.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Referrence or Reference
How to spell Reference?
Referrence
Incorrect Spelling
Reference
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Use mnemonic: "One 'R' to Refer, not two to mess the spelling!"
Associate the word "reference" with "reverence," both having a single 'r' in the middle.
Recall that "reference" has two 'e's after the single 'r,' not two 'r's.
Think of "reference" as a "referee" with a 'nce' at the end, not an extra 'r.'
Remember it has one 'r' in the middle, just like "prefer" has one 'r' before its suffix.
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How Do You Spell Reference Correctly?
Incorrect: I can't find that book in the library referrence section.
Correct: I can't find that book in the library reference section.
Incorrect: Please provide the correct referrence for your claim.
Correct: Please provide the correct reference for your claim.
Incorrect: You should check the referrence list at the end of the article.
Correct: You should check the reference list at the end of the article.
Reference Definitions
"Reference" is a mention or citation of a source.
She made a reference to the study in her article.
"Reference" can mean a person who vouches for someone's qualifications.
He listed his previous employer as a reference.
"Reference" is also used to describe a standard or benchmark.
Keep this sample as a reference for color matching.
"Reference" is an indication that directs attention to a particular thing.
The map's reference point was clearly marked.
"Reference" can mean a book or source providing useful or pertinent information.
The library has a vast collection of reference materials.
Reference is a relationship between objects in which one object designates, or acts as a means by which to connect to or link to, another object. The first object in this relation is said to refer to the second object.
The act of referring to something
Filed away the article for future reference.
Significance for a specified matter; relation or relationship
Her speeches have special reference to environmental policy.
Meaning or denotation
The reference of the word “lion” is to a kind of wild cat.
A mention of an occurrence or situation
Made frequent references to her promotion.
A note in a publication referring the reader to another passage or source.
The passage or source so referred to.
A work frequently used as a source.
A mark or footnote used to direct a reader elsewhere for additional information.
Submission of a case to a referee.
Legal proceedings conducted before or by a referee.
A person who recommends another or who can vouch for another's fitness or qualifications, as for a job.
A statement about a person's qualifications, character, and dependability.
To supply (a text) with references
The author hadn't adequately referenced the third chapter, so the copyeditor suggested adding more citations. This article is thoroughly referenced with up-to-date sources.
To cite as a reference
The monograph doesn't reference any peer-reviewed articles.
Usage Problem To mention or allude to
The comedian's monologue referenced many Hollywood stars.
A relationship or relation (to something).
A measurement one can compare (some other measurement) to.
Information about a person, provided by someone (a referee) with whom they are well acquainted.
A person who provides this information; onlyn in UK English: a referee.
A reference work.
(attributive) That which serves as a reference work.
Reference Dictionary of Linguistics
The act of referring: a submitting for information or decision.
(semantics) A relation between objects in which one object designates, or acts as a means by which to connect to or link to, another object.
(academic writing) A short written identification of a previously published work which is used as a source for a text.
(academic writing) A previously published written work thus indicated; a source.
(computing) An object containing information which refers to data stored elsewhere, as opposed to containing the data itself.
A special sequence used to represent complex characters in markup languages, such as
™ for the ™ symbol.(obsolete) Appeal.
To provide a list of references for (a text).
You must thoroughly reference your paper before submitting it.
To refer to, to use as a reference.
Reference the dictionary for word meanings.
To mention, to cite.
In his speech, the candidate obliquely referenced the past failures of his opponent.
(programming) To contain the value that is a memory address of some value stored in memory.
The given pointer will reference the actual generated data.
The act of referring, or the state of being referred; as, reference to a chart for guidance.
That which refers to something; a specific direction of the attention; as, a reference in a text-book.
Relation; regard; respect.
Something that hath a reference to my state.
One who, or that which, is referred to.
The act of submitting a matter in dispute to the judgment of one or more persons for decision.
Appeal.
A remark that calls attention to something or someone;
She made frequent mention of her promotion
There was no mention of it
The speaker made several references to his wife
A short note recognizing a source of information or of a quoted passage;
The student's essay failed to list several important citations
The acknowledgments are usually printed at the front of a book
The article includes mention of similar clinical cases
An indicator that orients you generally;
It is used as a reference for comparing the heating and the electrical energy involved
A book to which you can refer for authoritative facts;
He contributed articles to the basic reference work on that topic
A formal recommendation by a former employer to a potential future employer describing the person's qualifications and dependability;
Requests for character references are all to often answered evasively
The most direct or specific meaning of a word or expression; the class of objects that an expression refers to;
The extension of `satellite of Mars' is the set containing only Demos and Phobos
The act of referring or consulting;
Reference to an encyclopedia produced the answer
A publication (or a passage from a publication) that is referred to;
He carried an armful of references back to his desk
He spent hours looking for the source of that quotation
The relation between a word or phrase and the object or idea it refers to;
He argued that reference is a consequence of conditioned reflexes
Refer to;
He referenced his colleagues' work
Reference Meaning in a Sentence
Reference books cannot be checked out from the library.
The encyclopedia is a great reference for general knowledge.
I'll need a reference from your previous employer.
The reference desk at the library is always helpful for finding information.
The software manual includes a quick reference guide.
The reference section of the library is my go-to for research projects.
Can you give me a reference for the statistics you mentioned?
The teacher used the textbook as a reference for the lesson.
Use this document as a reference when completing the form.
A reference number is required to track your application.
Reference materials are crucial for academic writing.
The lecture slides are available for reference on the course website.
For further reading, see the reference list at the end of the chapter.
Reference checks are a normal part of the hiring process.
A reference interview is conducted to understand the information needs of the library user.
A reference map is useful for geographical studies.
Online forums can be a good reference for troubleshooting tech issues.
He is considered a reference in the field of molecular biology.
She's writing a reference letter for her colleague.
The article was rejected due to inadequate reference to prior research.
Reference Idioms & Phrases
Beyond reference
Not considering or related to; outside the scope of.
His new work is beyond reference to his previous publications.
A point of reference
A standard or criterion by which something is judged or recognized.
The classic novel serves as a point of reference for the genre.
Character reference
A recommendation of a person's character and abilities, typically from a previous employer.
She asked her mentor to write her a character reference for her job application.
Frame of reference
A set of criteria or stated values in relation to which measurements or judgments can be made.
His decisions were made within a very strict ethical frame of reference.
Cross-reference
To note another part of a book or document that provides additional information.
The study guide cross-references all the important points for easy review.
In reference to
Regarding; concerning.
In reference to your query, we will respond within two business days.
Reference group
A group to which an individual or another group is compared.
Teenagers often look to celebrities as a reference group for style and behavior.
Reference book
A book, such as a dictionary or encyclopedia, used for finding information.
The library's reference book collection is extensive and varied.
Reference library
A library dedicated to storing books and materials that are not for loan and can only be used on the premises.
The reference library has an impressive collection of historical documents.
Reference material
Documents and publications containing useful information or data.
Scientists rely on a wide range of reference material for their research.
To make reference to
To mention or refer to.
The author makes reference to several studies in the field.
Without reference to
Not taking into account; regardless of.
The law applies to everyone, without reference to age or gender.
Reference point
A basis or standard for evaluation, assessment, or comparison; a criterion.
The year 2000 is used as a reference point for the study.
Reference work
A work, such as an encyclopedia or dictionary, containing useful facts or information.
The online encyclopedia has become an indispensable reference work for students.
Work of reference
A book or digital resource containing useful facts or information, consulted for specific information.
The medical dictionary is an essential work of reference for healthcare professionals.
Common Curiosities
What is the verb form of Reference?
The verb form is "refer" or "referenced."
Why is it called Reference?
It is called "Reference" from the Latin "referentia," meaning "a bearing or relation."
What is the root word of Reference?
The root word is "refer."
Which conjunction is used with Reference?
No specific conjunction is exclusively used with "reference."
What is the pronunciation of Reference?
It is pronounced as /ˈrɛf.ər.əns/.
Which vowel is used before Reference?
The vowel "e" is used before "Reference."
Is Reference a noun or adjective?
"Reference" is primarily a noun, but can also function as an adjective in contexts like "reference book."
What is the plural form of Reference?
The plural form is "references."
Is Reference a negative or positive word?
It is neutral; neither inherently negative nor positive.
Is Reference a vowel or consonant?
"Reference" is a word consisting of both vowels and consonants.
Is the Reference term a metaphor?
Not inherently, but it can be used metaphorically in some contexts.
What is the singular form of Reference?
The singular form is "reference."
Is the word Reference a Gerund?
No, "reference" is not a gerund.
How do we divide Reference into syllables?
It can be divided as ref-er-ence.
Which preposition is used with Reference?
"To" is commonly used as in "reference to."
Is the word Reference imperative?
No, "reference" is not an imperative.
Is the word “Reference” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Reference" can function as either, depending on the sentence.
What part of speech is Reference?
"Reference" is primarily a noun.
What is another term for Reference?
Another term might be "citation."
What is the opposite of Reference?
There isn't a direct opposite, but "original" or "source" could be considered in certain contexts.
Which determiner is used with Reference?
Determiners such as "this," "that," "my," "your" can be used with "reference."
Which article is used with Reference?
Both "a" and "the" can be used with "reference" depending on the context.
Is Reference a countable noun?
Yes, you can have one reference or multiple references.
What is the second form of Reference?
As a verb, the second form is "referred."
Is Reference an abstract noun?
Yes, it can be considered an abstract noun.
What is the first form of Reference?
As a verb, the first form is "refer."
What is the third form of Reference?
As a verb, the third form is "referred."
Is Reference an adverb?
No, "reference" is not an adverb.
Is Reference a collective noun?
No, "reference" is not a collective noun.
How many syllables are in Reference?
There are three syllables in "reference."
What is a stressed syllable in Reference?
The first syllable, "ref," is stressed.
How is Reference used in a sentence?
"She made a reference to the author's earlier work in her essay."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
