referente
“referente” means “benchmark” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
benchmark, role model
Also: leader, point of reference
📝 In Action
Esta empresa es un referente en el sector de la tecnología.
B1This company is a benchmark in the technology sector.
Ella se convirtió en un referente para las jóvenes científicas.
B2She became a role model for young female scientists.
Necesitamos un referente claro para medir nuestro progreso.
C1We need a clear point of reference to measure our progress.
regarding, relating to
📝 In Action
Tengo una pregunta referente al contrato.
B2I have a question regarding the contract.
Lo referente a los pagos se discutirá mañana.
C1The matters relating to payments will be discussed tomorrow.
No hay información referente a ese incidente.
B2There is no information concerning that incident.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: referente
Question 1 of 3
Which word best completes this sentence: 'Mi abuelo es un ____ de honestidad para toda la familia.'
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'referens', which is the present participle of 'referre', meaning 'to carry back' or 'to bring back'.
First recorded: 15th Century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'referente' and 'referencia' the same?
Not quite. 'Referencia' is usually a piece of information or a citation (like a book reference). 'Referente' is the actual thing or person that others look toward as a model or standard.
Can I use 'referente' as a woman?
Yes! While 'un referente' is common as a general term, it is perfectly correct to say 'Ella es una referente' if you want to emphasize that the role model is female.
Is this word formal?
It is neutral to formal. You will hear it in the news, in business meetings, and in academic settings, but it's not so formal that you can't use it in daily conversation.