Referent
/ˈrɛfərənt/
Definitions
- (n.) The entity or object to which a linguistic expression or symbol refers, important in legal interpretation of texts and contracts.
The referent of the term 'party' must be clearly identified in the contract to avoid ambiguity.
Forms
- referents
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The term 'referent' is essential in legal hermeneutics, emphasizing the object or concept that terms in statutes or contracts denote rather than the words themselves.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.