reference work
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A reference work is a book or other organized collection of information designed to be consulted for specific facts or authoritative information rather than read from beginning to end. It serves as a source of reliable data on a subject or a range of subjects.
Usage
A "reference work" is used as a singular noun. It refers to the entire publication (e.g., an encyclopedia, dictionary, almanac, or handbook). It is typically used in formal or academic contexts to denote a source of verified information. - Example: "For accurate historical dates, please consult a standard reference work." - Example: "The library's reference section contains many valuable reference works."
Examples
- Noun:
- The encyclopedia is an essential reference work for students.
- He checked several reference works before writing the technical manual.
- That statistical abstract is a key reference work in the field of economics.
Advanced Usage
- "to serve as a reference work": to function as an authoritative source of information.
- The online database now serves as the primary reference work for researchers.
Variants and Related Words
- Reference book (n): A book intended for consultation on specific matters, often used synonymously with "reference work."
- Dictionaries and atlases are common types of reference books.
Synonyms
- Compendium: A concise but comprehensive collection of information on a subject.
- Sourcebook: A collection of fundamental documents or information on a topic.
- Handbook: A short manual or guidebook on a specific subject.
Related Phrases
- Standard reference: A widely accepted and authoritative reference work in a field.
- Gray's Anatomy is a standard reference in medical education.
Noun
- a book to which you can refer for authoritative facts
- he contributed articles to the basic reference work on that topic