references or referees?

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hello, everybody!

I am curious about the fact that in most cases when we compose CV we include the section called “references” and list there people who can comment on us. Does anybody know what is right: “references” or “referees”? I am not a native speaker of English and for me “referees” sounds more logical, but most people have the opposite opinion.

Thanks,
Dasha.

2

Hi Dasha

A “referee” acts as a kind of judge. For example, referees preside over many sporting events. It is their job to make decisions about what is happening in the game.

On a CV or resume, you give a list of people who can tell a potential employer more about you. These people are your “references”.

3

Thank you very much, Yankee!
Now it is clear!

4

Hi,

Having no wish to rock the boat, I have to disagree here. To me ‘references’ are the written documents giving an insight into your character/ability and so on. ‘Referees’ are the actual names of people who are able to provide these ‘references’.

Alan

5

Hi Alan

Using the word ‘referee’ instead of ‘reference’ in the context of a resume/CV would sound distinctly odd to me.
In this context, the word ‘reference’ is standardly used for both a person and a statement in the US.
Apparently there is a difference between American English and British English.

From Webster’s Dictionary:
reference
4 : one referred to or consulted: as a : a person to whom inquiries as to character or ability can be made b : a statement of the qualifications of a person seeking employment or appointment given by someone familiar with the person

From the American Heritage Dictionary:
reference
7a. A person who is in a position to recommend another or to vouch for his or her fitness, as for a job. b. A statement about a person’s qualifications, character, and dependability.

(The Cambridge Dictionary notes this usage of ‘referee’ as a British usage, but also mentions the word ‘reference’ with this definition.)

From the Cambridge Dictionary:
referee (SUPPORTER) UK
noun [C] (ALSO reference)
a person who knows you and who is willing to describe and, usually, praise you, to support you when you are trying to get a job, etc:

6

Hi, I agree with Amy. I intend to post the definition link from Cambridge: dictionary.cambridge.org/def … &dict=CALD. But you’ve already done! :wink:
Cheers, Hieu.