Nonreferential

Describing something that does not refer to a specific object, concept, or idea in the real world. A nonreferential statement or element lacks a direct connection to an external reality. It may exist solely within a particular system, such as a mathematical equation, a work of fiction, or an abstract art piece. This contrasts with referential content, which aims to represent, describe, or point to something existing outside of itself. The meaning of nonreferential content is often derived from its internal structure, relationships to other elements, or the subjective experience it evokes in a viewer or reader.

Nonreferential meaning with examples

• The artist's minimalist canvas was entirely nonreferential, composed only of lines and shapes without any recognizable depiction of objects or scenes. Its meaning was not tied to any external reality, inviting the viewer to interpret the work based on its formal qualities and the emotions it stirred. Critics often debated the success of such purely nonreferential art, focusing on its aesthetic impact rather than its illustrative value. This allows a more subjective interaction with the art.
• In formal logic, a symbol like 'x' in an algebraic equation (e.g., x + 2 = 5) might be considered nonreferential until it is assigned a specific value. Before the solution is obtained, 'x' doesn't point to a particular number. Its meaning is defined solely by its relationship within the equation and the rules of algebra, but it does not have a concrete, real-world value. It awaits to be defined to give meaning to the equation.
• The poet's use of nonsense words and abstract imagery created a nonreferential poem that focused on sounds, rhythms, and emotional evocations rather than a concrete narrative or the representation of the world. Readers could derive personal meaning from the arrangement of these elements, since it allowed them to assign their own meaning to the work. This allows the audience to take a different perspective from the author.
• The characters and events in a dream are often experienced as nonreferential, existing solely within the dreamer's subconscious. While dreams may contain symbols, their meanings are subjective and not directly linked to real-world occurrences. A dream's internal logic and emotional atmosphere construct a reality independent of external referents, which makes the experience more visceral than a real memory.