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Document vs Reference - What's the difference?

document | reference |

In obsolete terms the difference between document and reference

is that document is an example for instruction or warning while reference is appeal.

As nouns the difference between document and reference

is that document is an original or official paper relied upon as the basis, proof, or support of anything else, including any writing, book, or other instrument conveying information pertinent to such proof or support. Any material substance on which the thoughts of men are represented by any species of conventional mark or symbol while reference is a relationship or relation ({{term|to}} something).

As verbs the difference between document and reference

is that document is to record in documents while reference is to refer to, to make reference to, to cite.

document

English

Noun

(wikipedia document) (en noun)
  • An original or official paper relied upon as the basis, proof, or support of anything else, including any writing, book, or other instrument conveying information pertinent to such proof or support. Any material substance on which the thoughts of men are represented by any species of conventional mark or symbol.
  • * Paley
  • Saint Luke judged to be authentic.
  • (obsolete) That which is taught or authoritatively set forth; precept; instruction; dogma.
  • * I. Watts
  • Learners should not be too much crowded with a heap or multitude of documents or ideas at one time.
  • (obsolete) An example for instruction or warning.
  • * Sir Walter Raleigh
  • They were forthwith stoned to death, as a document to others.

    Derived terms

    * *

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To record in documents.
  • He documented each step of the process as he did it, which was good when the investigation occurred.
  • To furnish with documents or papers necessary to establish facts or give information.
  • A ship should be documented according to the directions of law.

    References

    * English heteronyms ----

    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".