Agency Dictionary
Reference
nounPronunciation: /ˈrɛf.ər.əns/
In Portuguese: Referência
Creativity & Learning
DesignWhat does “Reference” mean?
A visual, musical, or textual example consulted as an inspirational guide or benchmark for creative work.
Etymology
From Middle French référence, from Medieval Latin referentia, a noun formed from referēns (carrying back), present participle of referō (to carry back, to relate). In creative practice the word names any work consulted as an inspiration or benchmark.
Usage note
In academic writing, a reference identifies a cited source. In design and film, a reference is any existing work used as a visual or tonal model. These two senses coexist in professional practice.
Synonyms
- source
- benchmark
- inspiration
- example
- model
Word family
- refer
- referral
- referent
- referendum
- dereference
Usage examples
Understanding that there are many impeccable works in the world that are probably on the topic you need to produce, consuming them, and using them as a reference (understand that using as a reference is not copying) ends up making you never run out of creativity.
Concept
Source editions
Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.
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