idea of reference

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idea of reference (I-dee-ă) n. the sense that an everyday event experienced or object perceived by an individual has a special significance for him or her. For example, a person listening to the radio may believe that there is a special message in the broadcast directed specifically at him or her. Ideas of reference differ from delusions of reference in that insight is retained: the ideas are recognized by the individual as feelings that originate from within.

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