definite reference

USAGE SUMMARY

'definite reference' is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it to refer to a noun, pronoun, or phrase that has a specific meaning which is clear to the reader or listener. For example: "The captain of the team stressed the importance of teamwork, a definite reference to the success of the group."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Let us call whatever it is that is referred to with definite reference by mass expressions in this way 'pluralities' (Laycock and Burke do not use the phrase, and Laycock would probably find it at best infelicitous, and at worst a grave source of metaphysical error).

SEP

By this fact, as well as by the definite reference in the policy itself, we think the plaintiff as well as the defendants were bound; and their rules are to be regarded, in construing the policy, as if they were embodied in it.

Harvard University

Both mass and count nouns admit definite reference.

SEP

But, it is controversial whether definite reference to stuff is singular reference.

SEP

Laycock (1972) argues that there is definite reference of mass expressions, such as 'that water', 'the water in the tub', but that this reference is not singular reference.

SEP

These sentences, if true, will be cases of definite reference of mass expressions, in that they pick out an actual, unique, and concrete referent.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Instead, people referred to "Gospel hymns" -- stately, dignified religious songs with definite references to the Gospel message of the New Testament.

Huffington Post

The earliest definite references to it are in the 17th century.

The Economist

Together with Deanna Wilkes-Gibbs (1986), he also developed the collaborative model, a theory for explaining how people in conversation coordinate with one another to determine definite references.

Stanford University

By this time, cricket had been introduced to India, North America and the West Indies but the first definite references occur in the 18th century.

Wikipedia

The work also contains the most definite Western reference to the old freshwater canal between the Nile River and the Red Sea, which was blocked up in 767.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "definite reference" when you want to emphasize that a term or concept has a clear and specific meaning within a given context. This can help avoid ambiguity and ensure clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "definite reference" when you actually mean a "definitive answer". "Definite reference" relates to a clear and specific mention, while "definitive answer" implies a final and conclusive solution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definite reference" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject or object in a sentence. As per Ludwig AI, it refers to a noun, pronoun, or phrase with a specific and clear meaning for the reader or listener.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

Academia

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "definite reference" is a common noun phrase used to denote a clear and specific connection between language and a particular entity. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates a clear and specific meaning, ensuring clarity for the audience. It's grammatically correct, primarily used in formal and scientific contexts, and appears frequently in academic and scientific sources. When using this phrase, ensure you're referring to a known entity to avoid ambiguity. Be mindful of not confusing it with similar-sounding terms like "definitive answer". Remember that alternative phrases such as "specific reference" can also be used to achieve similar effects in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific reference

Emphasizes the precision and particularity of the reference.

explicit reference

Highlights the clarity and directness of the reference.

precise indication

Focuses on the accuracy and exactness of the pointing out.

unambiguous designation

Stresses the lack of confusion or uncertainty in the identification.

clear allusion

Highlights the easiness of understanding the indirect reference.

direct citation

Focuses on the act of quoting or mentioning a specific source.

certain mention

Emphasizes the sureness and assuredness of the reference.

fixed designation

Stresses the established and unchanging nature of the reference.

particular instance

Highlights the specific and individual nature of the reference.

pointed reference

Focuses on the deliberate and intentional nature of the reference.

FAQs

How is "definite reference" used in linguistics?

In linguistics, "definite reference" refers to the use of language to point to a specific entity or concept that is assumed to be known by the speaker and listener. This is often achieved through the use of definite articles (like "the") or demonstrative pronouns (like "this" or "that").

What's the difference between "definite reference" and "indefinite reference"?

"Definite reference" points to a specific, known entity, while indefinite reference introduces a new or non-specific entity. For example, "the book" (definite) versus "a book" (indefinite).

Can you give an example of "definite reference" in a sentence?

Sure, in the sentence "The dog barked at the mailman", "the dog" is a "definite reference" because it assumes the listener knows which dog is being referred to. Similarly, "that mailman" is an instance of /s/demonstrative+reference.

What are some alternatives to using the term "definite reference"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "specific reference", "explicit reference", or "precise indication" to convey a similar meaning.