A referent is commonly used as a noun, to mean a person or even a thing to which a particular linguistic expression refers. In other words it means something or someone referred to; that is, the object of a reference. It could even be used to mean 'one that refers'. The same word may also be used as an adjective.
In particular it may come to mean that thing which a symbol (that is, as a word or a sign) stands for. When used in the general sense of the term, a reference may mean something which refers to or which designates something else. It could even act as a link or connection between two things.
The term referent has its roots in the Latin term referent-, referens that is the present participle of the term referre.
In particular it may come to mean that thing which a symbol (that is, as a word or a sign) stands for. When used in the general sense of the term, a reference may mean something which refers to or which designates something else. It could even act as a link or connection between two things.
The term referent has its roots in the Latin term referent-, referens that is the present participle of the term referre.