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refereean official who watches a game or match closely to ensure that the rules are adhered to and to arbitrate on matters arising from the play

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: an official who watches a game or match closely to ensure that the rules are adhered to and to arbitrate on matters arising from the play

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌrefəˈriː/

Example Sentences

  • The referee was so strict that even the players' mothers got yellow cards for cheering too loudly.
  • I need three referees for my university application.
  • The referee accidentally ran into the goal post while chasing the ball.

referee

NOUN

[/ˌrefəˈriː/]

an official who watches a game or match closely to ensure that the rules are adhered to and to arbitrate on matters arising from the play

The referee blew the whistle to stop the dangerous play.
💡 Concept

The referee blew the whistle to stop the dangerous play.

The referee enforced the rules throughout the game.
🧠 Mnemonic

The referee enforced the rules throughout the game.

The referee's fair call earned everyone's respect, a degree of trust, and a fair victory.
🎵 Rhyme

The referee's fair call earned everyone's respect, a degree of trust, and a fair victory.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˌrefəˈriː/
🇬🇧 UK/ˌrefəˈriː/

🌳Etymology

Prefixre--
Rootfer
Suffix--ee

Origin

From French 'référé' (past participle of 'référer', meaning 'to refer'), derived from Latin 'referre' meaning 'to refer back' or 'to carry back'. The word entered English in the late 16th century, originally used in legal contexts before being applied to sports officials.

Breakdown

re- (back) + fer (carry/bring) + -ee (one who receives the action) = referee (one to whom a matter is referred)

🎵Rhyme

degreeagreefreekeytree
degree
agree
free
key
tree

🔗Collocations

football referee
referee a match
referee's decision
act as referee
professional referee
job reference
character reference

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

The referee was so strict that even the players' mothers got yellow cards for cheering too loudly.

I need three referees for my university application.

😄 Fun example

The referee accidentally ran into the goal post while chasing the ball.

She has been refereeing basketball games since college.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

umpirejudgeofficialarbitermoderator

Antonyms

playerparticipantcompetitor

Related

whistlepenaltyfouldecisionmatchgamesport

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