Referent Meaning
/ˈɹɛf(ə)ɹənt/Definition, CEFR level C2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounThe specific entity in the world that a word or phrase identifies or denotes: what it refers to.
nounThat which is referenced.
Sentence Examples
The word has a clear and direct referent in the real world.
We need to clarify the referent of the pronoun in the sentence.
The word has no clear physical referent in reality.
CEFR Practice Quiz
In linguistics, the ____ is the actual object or concept that a word represents.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
In linguistics, the ____ is the actual object or concept that a word or phrase refers to.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree English refer English -ent English referent From refer + -ent.
Explore More C2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
In linguistics, the ____ is the actual object or concept that a word represents.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
In linguistics, the ____ is the actual object or concept that a word or phrase refers to.