1. A written or verbal statement describing the qualifications of an individual, typically prepared by someone who is well acquainted with the applicant: The letter of reference for the candidate was outstanding.
2. The act of mentioning something in speech or in writing: Roy made reference to the agreement he made with the company regarding his retirement.
3. A source of information: The index in the book provided the specific reference for which Art was looking when doing his research.
4. A published work that provides extensive information on many subjects: A thesaurus is a reference to use when looking up multiple meanings or synonyms of words.

Devoted respect or honor for an individual; The congregation showed a reverence towards the woman who had been their pastor for many years by endorsing her appeal for funds for hungry children in the community.

To treat with respect or honor: As children they were taught to reverence their parents; especially, as they grew older.