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DictionaryRoot: ferre
Latin

ferre

bear, carry, bring

Forms

  • fer-
  • lat- — Used for ‘carried’ in the Latin verb’s grammar, but supplied by a different older root.

Origin

Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *bher-, ‘bear; carry.’

Note

English bear is a relative from the same older source, rather than a Latin borrowing.

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noun / verb

reference

A source consulted or cited for information.

The guide lists a useful reference for identifying local birds.

Etymology
reLatinback, again; restoration or reversal
+ferLatinbear, carry, bring
+enceEnglisha state, quality, or action

The source image is carrying back. A reference directs the reader back to a source that supports or supplies the information.

More examples

  • Please reference the original study when you report these results.
  • The article includes three references on the history of railroads.
  • She checks a medical reference before explaining the treatment.

Forms

reference · references · referenced · referencing

refer verb — Direct someone to a source of information.

Similar words

source
Source emphasizes where information originates, whether cited or not.
authority
Authority suggests a source trusted for expertise or accuracy.