Basic Details
Word: Referee
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The official who controls a match and makes sure the players keep to the rules; also a person who writes about your character when you apply for a job or course.
Synonyms: umpire, judge, official
Word origin: From refer + ee: the person to whom a question or dispute is referred.
How to Spell Referee
Syllables: ref - er - ee
Tricky part: One f, a single r after it, and the word ends in a double e that carries the stress: ref-er-EE. Students double the f or squeeze out the middle e and write refree.
Watch out for: refferee, refree, referie
Memory tip: Like trainee and employee, referee ends in ee for a person: the person a dispute is referred to. Write refer, then add ee.
Usage Examples
Example 1: The referee checked the video replay before allowing the goal.
Example 2: My science teacher agreed to be a referee for my summer camp application.
Example 3: Both captains shook hands with the referee before the kick-off.
Fun Fact
In early football the two teams each brought an umpire, and the referee stood at the side to settle any argument between them. Only later did the referee move onto the field and take full charge of the game.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Cookie
Insert the correct letters to complete the word:
r_f_r_e
a) e, e, e
b) a, e, e
c) e, a, e
d) e, e, i
Show answer
a) e, e, e. Every gap holds an e, which gives the word four e's in all, the last two side by side.
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of the word referee as used in the sentence:
The referee blew the whistle twice and showed the defender a yellow card.
a) coach
b) umpire
c) captain
d) spectator
Show answer
b) umpire. An umpire also judges play and enforces the rules, which is what the referee did here.
Mingle-Mangle
Unscramble the jumbled word in the sentence and choose the correct word:
The college asked for a ferreee who had taught me for at least two years.
a) reverie
b) refugee
c) referral
d) referee
Show answer
d) referee. Count the e's: the jumble has four, and only referee uses four e's with one f and two r's.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. On a job application, a referee is someone who ____.
a) pays your first month's salary
b) checks your bag at the gate
c) interviews you on the first day
d) writes about your character and work
Show answer
d) writes about your character and work
2. Which word is formed the same way as referee, ending in ee for a person?
a) toffee
b) degree
c) trainee
d) coffee
Show answer
c) trainee
