Referrence vs. Reference: The Correct Spellings

The correct spelling of the word is "reference," not "referrence." The word "reference" has its roots in Latin, originating from the term "referre," which means "to bring back." This term was adopted into Old French as "référence," which eventually made its way into English.

A handy trick to remember the correct spelling is to think of the verb "refer" plus "ence." Since "refer" has only one 'r' at the end, "reference" should also have only one 'r' in the corresponding position. This differs from "referrence," which incorrectly adds an additional 'r.'

"Reference" has multiple forms such as "referenced," "referencing," and "references," which indicate the past, ongoing, and plural states of the term. "Referrence," on the other hand, is an incorrect spelling that likely arises from a misunderstanding of the word's etymology or its pronunciation.

Incorrect: Please provide a referrence for your work experience.

Correct: Please provide a reference for your work experience.

Incorrect: I didn't understand the referrence she made during the conversation.

Correct: I didn't understand the reference she made during the conversation.

Incorrect: The term is used as a referrence in many scientific papers.

Correct: The term is used as a reference in many scientific papers.

Incorrect: The book has a useful list of referrences at the end.

Correct: The book has a useful list of references at the end.

Incorrect: He made a referrence to a famous quote in his speech.

Correct: He made a reference to a famous quote in his speech.

A mention or citation of a source, often in academic work.

A source of information, such as an encyclopedia or dictionary.

A measurement or relationship used as a standard for evaluating or comparing other quantities.

An allusion or indirect mention, usually to a cultural or literary subject.

A person who vouches for another's qualifications or character.

The act of referring to something

Significance for a specified matter; relation or relationship

Meaning or denotation

A mention of an occurrence or situation

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

To cite as a reference

Usage Problem To mention or allude to

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.

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).

To refer to, to use as a reference.

To mention, to cite.

(programming) To contain the value that is a memory address of some value stored in memory.

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.

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;

a short note recognizing a source of information or of a quoted passage;

an indicator that orients you generally;

a book to which you can refer for authoritative facts;

a formal recommendation by a former employer to a potential future employer describing the person's qualifications and dependability;

the most direct or specific meaning of a word or expression; the class of objects that an expression refers to;

the act of referring or consulting;

a publication (or a passage from a publication) that is referred to;

the relation between a word or phrase and the object or idea it refers to;

refer to;

The teacher asked for a reference list at the end of the essay.

Reference books are not meant to be read from cover to cover.

The reference section in the library offers a wide range of materials.

He used the encyclopedia as a reference for his project.

The reference desk at the library is always busy during exams.

A good reference letter can greatly enhance your job application.

The dictionary is an essential reference tool for writers.

Please include a reference page at the end of your report.

The reference number is needed to track your package.

Reference checks are a key part of the hiring process.

Reference materials in the library are for in-house use only.

She offered him as a reference when she applied for the job.

The website provides an online reference for medical terminology.

A standard or criterion by which something can be judged or recognized.

To mention or speak about something.

A statement of a person's character and abilities, typically given by someone familiar with the person.

A set of criteria or stated values in relation to which measurements or judgments can be made.

A basis or standard for evaluation, assessment, or comparison; a criterion.

A library section containing books and materials that are only to be used in the library.

Regarding or concerning something.

A statement from a bank describing the reliability of a customer to meet financial obligations.

Books or online resources that provide facts and information.

A book intended to be consulted for information on specific matters rather than read from beginning to end.

A report or testimonial regarding the ability of a company or individual to fulfill obligations or conduct business.

A manual that provides detailed information on a specific subject, often for professional or technical use.

The process of contacting previous employers, teachers, or other individuals to confirm a person's qualifications or character.

A reference to another text or part of a text, typically given in order to elaborate on a point.

To be used as information or knowledge that might be useful in the future.

A code that identifies a specific piece of information or transaction.

A list of sources that were referred to in the text of a research paper or book.

A group to which an individual or another group is compared.

Not considering; without regard to.

A work, such as an encyclopedia or dictionary, that contains useful facts or information.

The spelling "referrence" is incorrect because it deviates from the word's historical spelling and adds an unnecessary 'r.'

The correct spelling is "reference," while "referrence" is incorrect.

In academia, a reference is a citation of a source used for substantiating claims or as a basis for discussion.

To remember the spelling, think of "refer" plus "ence." Just as "refer" has one 'r' at the end, "reference" also follows suit.

In everyday language, "reference" often means mentioning or alluding to something, such as a cultural or literary subject.

The term "reference" originates from Latin, making its way into Old French before entering English.

Yes, the word "reference" has other forms such as "referenced," "referencing," and "references."

In a job application, a reference is typically a person who can vouch for your qualifications or character.

"Reference" can function both as a noun and a verb. As a noun, it is the mention or citation, and as a verb, it means to mention or cite.

In computer science, a "reference" typically means an address or indicator that points to a location in memory where data is stored.