January 10, 2012 - Word of the Day: reference

The word "reference" is usually a noun. A reference is a person or a thing with authority that provides information or supports an idea or a claim about something.

• You need to provide three references on the job application form. (References, in this sentence, are the names of people who have a professional relationship with you.)
• Do you mind if I use you as a reference for a job I'm applying for?
• This is a very good reference book. (The word "reference" in this sentence is an adjective.)
• A dictionary is a reference book.
• This young man has a question in reference to the fees that are required for a membership.
• Tanya made a reference to a nightclub that I'm not familiar with. (make a reference = mention; say)
• Please try not to make any references to his past.
• What is this in reference to? (This question is often asked when someone has a question or some situation is being addressed.)

A dictionary is a reference book. We depend on dictionaries to provide some authority when studying a language.

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