referee
UK[ˌref.əˈriː]US[ˌref.əˈriː]
n
An official who watches a game or match closely to ensure that the rules are followed.
v
To act as the referee of a game or match.
n
A person who is asked to settle a dispute or who is willing to provide a reference for someone.
Morpheme Breakdown
refer
ee
refer
to submit for decision or consideration.
ee
Etymology
The word 'referee' is formed from the verb 'refer' combined with the agentive suffix '-ee'. The verb 'refer' itself originates from the Latin 'referre', meaning "to carry back, bring back, report," composed of 're-' (back) and 'ferre' (to bear, carry). In a legal and formal context, 'refer' came to mean to send or direct a matter to an authority for decision or consideration. The suffix '-ee', entering English via Anglo-French legal terminology, typically denotes the recipient of an action. Thus, a 'referee' is literally "a person to whom something is referred." This logic perfectly captures the role: in sports, a dispute or decision is referred to this official; in academia or employment, a person's character is referred to them for evaluation.
Analysis
Structure: refer + ee
refer: From Latin 'referre' (to carry back, report). In this word, it functions as the verb base meaning "to submit for decision or consideration."
ee: From Anglo-French '-é', a suffix forming nouns denoting the person who is the object or beneficiary of an action. In this word, it indicates "one who is referred to" or "one to whom a matter is referred."
Examples
The referee blew the whistle to signal a foul.
She has been asked to referee the championship match next week.
He listed his former professor as a referee on his job application.