Definition

A person or thing that a word or expression points to or represents.

Example

In the sentence 'The cat is sleeping', the referent of 'the cat' is the actual cat being talked about.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about what a referent really is?

Not really, but I guess it’s something that words point to, right?

Exactly! Like how the word 'dog' is a referent for that furry animal we love.

Got it! That makes understanding language a bit more interesting.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Referent → It is formed from "referre" (meaning to bring back) and the suffix "-ent" (indicating an agent or something that performs an action). The word "referent" refers to something that is being referred to or brought back in conversation or thought.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'brought back' ('referre') in a discussion — that's what a referent is, something that is being referred to.

Visually Confused Words