Correct spelling, explanation: the origin of the word reference can be found in the Latin expression referre, which could be translated as to carry back. Later, the word also appeared in Middle French, from which it entered Middle English. It is worth noticing that in its original version the word featured a double -r in the middle of the word, but in modern English, there is only a single -r in the word reference.

Definition of reference:
1. noun – mentioning something,
Try not to make any reference to the argument we had a few days ago.
2. noun – a letter which is written by someone who knows you to provide some information about you, e.g. before a new job or a course,
I’m applying for a new job and I need to ask you for a reference letter.
3. noun – a quick look at something to get some information or help,
He had just a quick reference to the piece of paper in front of him but somehow managed to make a brilliant speech.

Collocations with reference:
Some commonly used collocations include:
1. for future reference – when you tell somebody something that might be useful in the future,
For future reference, he really hates when somebody calls him his nickname from school days.
2. with reference to – used in formal letters when you state the reason why you’re writing,
I am writing with reference to the job offer you posted on your website.
3. terms of reference – questions or topics that should be included in a report, study, etc.,
Unfortunately, it is outside our team’s terms of reference to provide an answer to your question.

Incorrect spelling, explanation: reference belongs to the same word family as a verb refer, which doubles the -r at the end when it goes together with the -ed ending, which results in referred. Probably, because of that many English users believe that reference is spelled with a double -r, too and a common mistake is to spell the word as referrence. This form, however, is wrong and the only correct version is reference.

Incorrect spelling

Incorrect spelling

Incorrect spelling

Incorrect spelling