Definition

Noun: 1. A formal written statement, typically from a former employer, teacher, or other person familiar with someone's qualities, that attests to that person's qualifications, abilities, and personal character, especially for a potential employer or institution.

Usage

A character reference is used to support an application for a job, a place at a university, or membership in an organization. It provides an external, often professional, perspective on an individual's suitability and trustworthiness.

Examples

• The job application required three character references from previous supervisors.
• She asked her professor to write her a character reference for graduate school.
• The landlord requested a character reference from the prospective tenant's previous landlord.

Advanced Usage

• To act as a character reference: To serve as the person providing the recommendation.
  • "My former manager agreed to act as a character reference for me."
• To provide/furnish a character reference: To supply the written statement.
  • "The candidate furnished excellent character references."

Variants and Related Words

• Reference (noun): A broader term that can mean a source of information or a statement of qualifications. A character reference is a specific type of reference.
• Letter of recommendation (noun phrase): A very similar document; often used interchangeably, though a character reference may place slightly more emphasis on personal qualities like honesty and reliability.
• Testimonial (noun): A formal statement testifying to someone's character or qualifications.

Synonyms

• Recommendation
• Endorsement
• Testimonial

Antonyms

• Condemnation
• Denunciation
• Criticism (in this formal, recommendatory context)

Related Phrases

• Personal reference: Similar to a character reference, often focusing more on personal character than professional skills.
• Professional reference: A recommendation that focuses primarily on work experience, skills, and professional accomplishments.

Noun

1. a formal recommendation by a former employer to a potential future employer describing the person's qualifications and dependability
   • requests for character references are all too often answered evasively