reference group

American  

noun

Sociology.

1. a group with which an individual identifies and whose values the individual accepts as guiding principles.

---

Etymology

Origin of reference group

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

The report will form the basis of recommendations by an interdepartmental working group and a survivors' reference group to the first and deputy first ministers.

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2025

Social media is producing a new reference group of influencers.

From Washington Post • Oct. 5, 2021

To confront the problem, she said her company tested an algorithm on a reference group of people of different genders and ethnicities to check for bias.

From New York Times • Nov. 6, 2018

But then of course, taking this list as your reference group is like glancing at the top ten movie blockbusters and declaring that all films are noisy, idiotic and soulless.

From The Guardian • Feb. 8, 2013