point of reference

noun phrase

: something that is used to judge or understand something else

The professor used the study as a point of reference for evaluating and discussing other theories.

Examples of point of reference in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rather than focusing solely on the fish, the photographer wanted to use it as a point of reference within a much larger world. — Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Experts in the tech industry, academia and Catholic morality said the document will likely become a benchmark in the debate over AI, a point of reference for policymakers, researchers and ordinary folk alike. — Nicole Winfield, Fortune, 25 May 2026

Experts in the tech industry, academia and Catholic morality said the document will likely become a benchmark in the debate over AI, a point of reference for policymakers, researchers and people everywhere. — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2026

That served as the point of reference, though not in a literal, one-to-one sense. — Christine Mortag, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 May 2026

Rhymes for point of reference

• deference
• preference