What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ref
Example
The ref made a controversial call that changed the outcome of the game. [ref: noun]
Example
He was asked to ref the championship match next week. [ref: verb]
umpire
Example
The umpire signaled a strike, much to the dismay of the batter. [umpire: noun]
Example
She has been umpiring games for over a decade now. [umpire: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ref is more commonly used than umpire in everyday language, especially in American English. Ref is also more versatile and can be used in various sports contexts, while umpire is more specific to baseball and cricket.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ref and umpire?
Both ref and umpire are informal terms used in sports contexts. However, umpire may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its association with traditional sports like baseball and cricket.
