ref‧er‧ence 1 S2 W1 / ref ə rəns / 名词

1 [可数和不可数名词] part of something you say or write in which you mention a person or thing

reference to

There is no direct reference to her own childhood in the novel.

The article made no reference to previous research on the subject.

The governor made only a passing reference to the problem of unemployment (= he mentioned it quickly ) .

2 [不可数名词] the act of looking at something for information

for easy/quick reference

A vocabulary index is included for easy reference.

Keep their price list on file for future reference (= so that it can be looked at in the future ) .

The book will become a standard work of reference (= a book that people look at for information ) .

3 reference point ( also point/frame of reference )

a) an idea, fact, event etc that you already know, which helps you understand or make a judgment about another situation :

Lee’s case will be the reference point for lawyers in tomorrow’s trial.

She used her work experience as a frame of reference for her teaching.

b) something that you can see that helps you to know where you are when you are travelling in an area

4 in/with reference to something formal used to say what you are writing or talking about, especially in business letters :

I am writing to you in reference to the job opening in your department.

5 [可数名词]

a) ( also letter of reference ) a letter containing information about you that is written by someone who knows you well, and is usually intended for a new employer :

We will need references from your former employers.

b) a person who provides information about your character and abilities 同义词 referee :

Ask your teacher to act as one of your references.

6 [可数名词] a book, article etc from which information has been obtained :

a comprehensive list of references

7 [可数名词] a number that tells you where you can find the information you want in a book, on a map etc :

a list of towns, each with a map reference

→ cross-reference , → terms of reference at term 1 ( 10 )

COLLOCATIONS

动词

make reference to something Official reports made no reference to the incident.

短语

there is a reference to something There are 32 references to eagles in the Bible.

形容词

a specific/direct/explicit reference (= mentioning something specifically/directly etc ) No specific reference was made to the race of the children.

an oblique reference (= not direct ) He added, in an oblique reference to the US, that ‘some countries could do more’.

a brief reference Brief references to the tragedy have appeared in the French press.

a passing reference (= one that you make while you are talking about something else ) He made only a passing reference to his injury.

frequent/constant/repeated references Medieval literature contains frequent references to insanity.

an occasional reference During the interview, he made only occasional references to his forthcoming autobiography.