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Directory vs Reference - What's the difference?

directory | reference |

As a noun directory

is a list of names, addresses etc, of specific classes of people or organizations, often in alphabetical order or in some classification.

As an adjective directory

is containing directions; instructing; directorial.

directory

English

(wikipedia directory)

Noun

(directories)
  • A list of names, addresses etc, of specific classes of people or organizations, often in alphabetical order or in some classification.
  • (computing) A structured listing of the names and characteristics of the files on a storage device.
  • (computing) A virtual container in a computer's file system, in which files and other directories may be stored. The files and subdirectories in a directory are usually related.

    • Synonyms

    * (structured listing)

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Containing directions; instructing; directorial.

    • reference

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A relationship or relation ((to) something).
  • *, III.1.3:
    • all these are far more eminent and great, when they shall proceed from a sanctified spirit, that hath a true touch of religion and a reference to God.
  • A measurement one can compare to.
  • Information about a person, provided by someone (a referee) with whom they are well acquainted
  • A reference work.
  • (semantics) A relation between objects in which one object designates, or acts as a means by which to connect to or link to, another object.
  • (academic writing) A short written identification of a previously published work which is used as a source for a text.
  • (academic writing) A previously published written work thus indicated; a source.
  • (programming) An object containing information which refers to data stored elsewhere, as opposed to containing the data itself.
  • (programming, character entity) A special sequence used to represent complex characters in a web page such as ™ or €.
  • (obsolete) appeal
  • * Shakespeare
    • Make your full reference .

    Derived terms

    * * * * * * * *

    See also

    * sense

    Verb

    (referenc)
  • to refer to, to make reference to, to cite
    • Reference the dictionary for word meanings.
  • to mention

    • Usage notes

    * Some authorities object to the use of reference as a verb, preferring "refer to" or "cite".

    Related terms

    * referee * referent * referential

    External links

    * * English transitive verbs