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reference group
noun phrase
Reveal meaning and examples
A group used as a standard for evaluating one's own attitudes, abilities, or circumstances.
The novel's young professional treats a wealthy circle of friends as her reference group.
Nolan wanted to mount a solo exhibition, but an aspirational gap separated that goal from his current access to space, materials, and preparation time. His reference group consisted of former classmates whose public portfolios he used to assess his own progress.