Referential theories are philosophical concepts that focus on how language relates to the world. They suggest that the meaning of words and sentences is determined by the objects or concepts they refer to. For example, when someone uses the word dog, they are referring to a specific type of animal, which helps convey meaning. These theories emphasize the importance of context in understanding language. The reference of a term can change based on the situation or the speaker's intent. For instance, the word bank can refer to a financial institution or the side of a river, depending on how it is used in conversation.