reference
REF-ruhns
/ˈrefrəns/
A letter or statement from a previous employer testifying to someone's ability or character.
A reference can refer to both the document itself and the person providing the recommendation.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'referre', meaning 'to carry back'. A reference 'carries back' information from your past to your potential future.
Word relationships
- recommendation: A recommendation is always positive; a reference is a general report on performance (which could be neutral).
- testimonial: A testimonial is a formal statement of truth or fact, often used in marketing.
Commonly confused with
- referral: A referral is when someone suggests you for a job before you apply; a reference is checked after you apply.
Word family
- refer (verb): To direct someone to a source of information.
Collocations
- check references
- character reference
- professional reference
Example sentences
- "The hiring manager asked for three professional references who could speak to my project management skills." Job Application
- ""His former tutor wrote him a glowing reference, praising his intellect and diligence."" Literature
Memory hook
A reference 'refers' the new boss to the old boss. Reference = Carry back.
When not to use
In academic writing, it refers to a citation; in hiring, it must refer to a person or recommendation.
Fun facts
- In the UK, a 'reference' is often called a 'testimonial' or simply 'character' in older texts.
Explore more words
vouch, testimony, resignation, predecessor, testify, commendation
Also appears in
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