How to pronounce reference
Say it like REF-uh-runs. Reference has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (REF).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce reference. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- REF
- uh
- runs
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Reference pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- REFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- runsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of reference
American and British speakers say reference in essentially the same way: /ˈrɛfərəns/ in the US and /ˈrɛfərəns/ in the UK.
British respelling: REF-uh-runs.
What does reference mean?
- a remark that calls attention to something or someone“she made frequent mention of her promotion”“there was no mention of it”
- a short note recognizing a source of information or of a quoted passage“the student's essay failed to list several important citations”“the acknowledgments are usually printed at the front of a book”
- an indicator that orients you generally“it is used as a reference for comparing the heating and the electrical energy involved”
- refer to“he referenced his colleagues' work”
Where does reference come from?
From Middle French référence, from Medieval Latin referentia, nominative neuter plural of referēns, present participle of referō (“return, reply”, literally “carry back”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying reference
How do you pronounce reference?
Say REF-uh-runs. The American pronunciation is /ˈrɛfərəns/. In British English it is /ˈrɛfərəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in reference?
Reference has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (REF). Broken into parts: REF · uh · runs.
Do Americans and Brits say reference the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈrɛfərəns/ and the British form is /ˈrɛfərəns/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.