Definition
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A referent is the concrete object or concept that is designated by a word or expression. A referent is an object, action, state, relationship, or attribute in the referential realm. |
Introduction
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Words are used to represent things and experiences in the real or imagined world. Different words can be used to describe the same thing or experience. |
Examples
Historically, there was only one person called George Washington, the first president of the United States. He can be referred to in a text in many ways, such as
- the president
- Mr. Washington
- he, or even
- my friend.
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Even though there are many ways to talk about him, there is only one referent in the referential realm. |
Sources 5
- Crystal 1985, 259–260
- Hartmann and Stork 1972, 193
- Pei and Gaynor 1954, 184
- Foley, W. and Van Valin 1985, 283
- Mish 1991, 989