character reference
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- 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