reference
noun
uk/ˈrefərəns/ us [ C ] COMMUNICATIONS, WORKPLACE ( abbreviation ref)
a set of numbers or letters on a document such as a business letter, used so that people know what it relates to:
give/quote/use a reference In all future letters on this subject, please quote our reference JW/155/C/2011.
Please write with a full CV quoting the appropriate reference number.
[ C ] HR
a letter that is written by someone who knows you, often a previous employer, to describe you and say if you are suitable for a job, course, etc.:
give/write sb a reference His former boss gave him an excellent reference.
She has good references and an acceptable CV.
check/follow up/take up references We still need to recall the candidate for a second interview, and follow up references.
a reference check
Compare
testimonial
HR (also personal reference, UK also referee)
a person who knows you and who is willing to write a reference for you:
give/list/name sb as a reference He said he was happy for me to list him as a reference.
[ C or U ]
a mention of something:
make reference to sth He didn't make any reference to the new product in his report.
[ C or U ]
comparison with something:
reference to sth Comparative advertising is where one trader advertises his goods by reference to another trader's goods.
[ C ]
a statement that gives information about the financial situation and business history of a company, an organization, etc.:
Check payment records of prospective customers through league tables, status agency reports, bank or trade references twice a year.
[ U ]
the action of looking at a book, piece of paper, etc. in order to find information or help:
reference to sth He made the whole speech without reference to the notes in front of him.
reference books/works/publishing
for (future) reference
in order to be looked at for information in future:
You should keep the prospectus on file for future reference.
for future reference, ...
used when telling someone something so they know about it in future:
For future reference, he prefers to be addressed as 'Mr.'
in/with reference to sb/sth formal
used, especially in business letters, to say what you are writing or talking about:
I am writing with reference to your letter of 15 March.
terms of reference
the subjects or questions which a study or report is intended to include:
The inquiry's terms of reference included the consideration of pay and conditions in the fire service.
See also
bank reference
credit reference
reference
verb [ T ]
uk/ˈrefərəns/ usto refer to someone or something:
He spoke about his ambitious plans, referencing writer and motivator Dale Carnegie.
See Diagram 3.1 referenced above.