What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Reference vs Clue - What's the difference?

reference | clue |

As a noun clue is

a strand of yarn etc as used to guide one through a labyrinth; something which points the way, a guide.

As a verb clue is

to provide with a clue.

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

    clue

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A strand of yarn etc. as used to guide one through a labyrinth; something which points the way, a guide.
  • * 1897 , Henry James, What Maisie Knew :
    • she had even had in the past a small smug conviction that in the domestic labyrinth she always kept the clue .
  • Information which may lead one to a certain point or conclusion.
  • An object or a kind of indication which may be used as evidence.
  • (slang) Insight or understanding ("to have a clue [about]" or "to have clue". See have a clue, clue stick)

    • Synonyms

    * (information which may lead one to a certain point or conclusion) hint, indication, suggestion * (object or indication which may be used as evidence) signature

    Derived terms

    * * clueless * cluestick / clue stick * cluey * have a clue * not have a clue

    See also

    * evidence * red herring

    Verb

  • To provide with a clue.
    • The crossword compiler wasn't sure how to clue the word "should".
  • To provide someone with information which he or she lacks (often used with "in" or "up").
    • Smith, clue Jones in on what's been happening.

    Derived terms

    * clued-in * clued-up