Referrence vs. Reference: Which is the Correct Spelling?

• "Referrence" is an incorrect spelling of the word "reference."
• A "reference" is a source of information or a citation that provides support or evidence for a statement, argument, or claim.

What does "reference" mean?

"Reference" can be used in various situations. Here's a breakdown of its main usages:

1. A pointing arrow:

• Imagine a footnote in a book, guiding you to another source for deeper understanding. That's reference in its purest form: directing attention to something else. It can be a specific mention, like a quote in an essay, or a broader allusion, like a subtle nod to a famous work of art.

2. A source of knowledge:

• Reference can also be the very thing you're directed to: the information source itself. A dictionary, an encyclopedia, even a reliable friend offering expertise – they all become references when consulted for knowledge.

3. A mark of identity:

• Beyond pointing and providing, "reference" can also act as a label, identifying something within a larger context. Think of a library catalog entry or a scientific paper citation. They give something its specific place in the grand scheme of things.

4. A measure of trust:

• Finally, "reference" can carry a weight of reputation and reliability. When someone is "a good reference," it means their word carries value, their opinion trusted. It's a testament to their credibility and experience.

The use of "referrence" and "reference" over time

The Ngram graph below shows how often "referrence" and "reference" have been used from the 1800s to the 2000s. "Reference" has seen steady use despite a slight decline in the 2000s, while its misspelling "referrence" has seen nearly zero use.

How to pronounce "reference"

In British English, "reference" is pronounced like "reh·fuh·ruhns".

In American English, "reference" is pronounced like "reh·fr·uhns".

Why would we misspell "reference" as "referrence"?

1. Phonetic confusion: The pronunciation of "reference" might lead to misspelling, as certain people may add emphasis on the second "r", giving the impression that there should be an additional "r".
2. Typo: People may add an extra "r" by accident, especially when typing or writing quickly without checking for mistakes.

Other common misspellings of "reference"

1. Referance
2. Refference
3. Refrence
4. Referrence
5. Refferance

Example sentences of the misspelling of "reference" as "referrence"

1. The correct spelling of the word is "reference," not "referrence."
2. There is no double "r" in the word "reference"; the correct spelling eliminates one of the "r"s in "referrence."
3. "Referrence" is a common misspelling, but the correct form is simply "reference."
4. Double-check your writing to ensure you haven't inadvertently added an extra "r" in words like "reference."
5. Using "referrence" instead of "reference" is considered a spelling mistake.

Example sentences of "reference"

1. She asked for a reference letter from her previous employer.
2. The professor requested that all students include proper references in their essays.
3. Can you provide a reference for the statistics you mentioned in your presentation?
4. The library has an extensive collection of books that can serve as a valuable reference.
5. In academic writing, it is essential to cite your sources and create a reference list.
6. The job application required three professional references.
7. The historian carefully checked each reference to ensure the accuracy of the historical account.
8. The style guide outlines the proper format for citations and references in research papers.
9. The encyclopedia is a reliable reference for quick and accurate information.
10. The scientist included a reference to the groundbreaking study in her research article.

Synonyms for "reference"

1. Citation
2. Source
3. Mention
4. Allusion
5. Quotation

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References:

Definition of REFERENCE

the act of referring or consulting; a bearing on a matter : relation; something that refers: such as… See the full definition

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