point of reference
Fixed comparison standard
A point of reference is something used as a basis for comparison, measurement, or orientation.
In physical space, it's a fixed location from which to gauge position or movement: Without any point of reference, the divers couldn't tell which way was up.
More broadly, it's anything that provides context for understanding: Her first job became a point of reference for evaluating all later ones.
A shared point of reference is common knowledge that enables communication: The film gave our generation a cultural point of reference.
Standard for comparison
- yardstickThirty-six-inch ruler
- baselineStandard for comparison
- criterionStandard for judgment
- gaugeStandard of measurement
standard · metric · measure · scale · index · parameter · threshold · calibration
Standard for evaluation
- barometerInstrument gauging atmospheric pressure
- litmus testSingle determining factor
- gold standardMeasure of ultimate quality
- normAccepted behavioral standard
guideline · paradigm · archetype · prototype · template · canon · exemplar · model
Notable point of reference
- compassDevice showing cardinal directions
- bearingPosture or orientation
- coordinatesLocation-specifying number pairs
- waypointNavigation reference location
GPS · marker · beacon · true north · latitude · longitude · orientation · triangulation
benchmark
Standard for comparison
gauge · standard · metric · measure · scale · index · parameter · threshold · calibration · datum
touchstone
Standard for evaluation
- barometerInstrument gauging atmospheric pressure
- litmus testSingle determining factor
- gold standardMeasure of ultimate quality
norm · guideline · paradigm · archetype · prototype · template · canon · exemplar · model · ideal
landmark
Notable point of reference
- compassDevice showing cardinal directions
- bearingPosture or orientation
- coordinatesLocation-specifying number pairs
waypoint · GPS · marker · beacon · true north · latitude · longitude · orientation · triangulation · azimuth
point of referencedisorientation
Loss of spatial awareness
confusion · groundlessness · drift · void · chaos
point, points, pointed, pointing, pointer, pointers, pointy, pointless, pinpoint