cite - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
cite Word Meanings
- to mention as an authority or example
- to summon officially (as to appear in court)
- to quote someone's words or ideas
cite Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
cite Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/saɪt/
US
/saɪt/
cite Word Etymology
From Latin 'citare' (to summon, call forth) + '-e' (verb ending). Originates from Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a speaker pointing to a book and saying, 'I cite this work as evidence!'
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I set a notebook on the desk and move the pen to a line I want to record. My eyes shift to a source, and I decide which sentence to pull in. I feel a small push of responsibility, a tighten in the chest as I choose to hold the point I want to cite. In writing, this quiet act becomes how I name a source or voice in my thinking, and how I show where ideas come from when I present them.
Real Context
Cite means to mention a source as an authority or example, to bring in evidence from someone else, and to refer to a text in support of a claim. It can also mean to summon someone officially to appear in court, a usage common in legal English and court documents. In academic writing you cite sources to give credit and to show the chain of reasoning; in journalism you cite quotes to attribute ideas. The verb comes from Latin citare (to summon, call forth) via Old French into English; it is distinct from quote in that cite emphasizes the act of referencing or summoning, not simply repeating words.
Usage Reminders
- - Use reliable sources only
- - Distinguish cite from quote in meaning and form
- - Cite sources to support claims, not to misrepresent them
- - Use proper citation style and include publication details
- - When in doubt, cite the source you consulted, not the author’s opinion alone
- - Avoid over-citation; cite only what is relevant to your argument
Common Misconceptions
- Cite = copy text without permission
- Cite always means a legal summons
- Cite and quote are exactly the same thing
- You only cite if you wrote the source yourself
- Cite can replace a bibliography
Thinking Differences
English learners often treat cite as a general word for mentioning sources, but it also carries a legal sense not found in everyday usage; learners may misuse 'cite' with 'cite to' vs 'cite for' or confuse it with 'quote' when the exact wording is needed.
Learning Tips
- Practice using cite with both sources and legal contexts
- Distinguish cite from quote and from reference
- Always pair cite with full bibliographic details
- When citing a court document, check exact phrasing
- Write notes on why a source is cited (authority, relevance)
- Review common collocations like cite to, cite as
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is the word 'cite' used correctly?
A.She traveled to a new country.
B.The team succeeded in the competition.
C.He quoted a famous author in his essay.
D.They were enthusiastic about the new project.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following is a synonym for 'cite'?
A.Ignore
B.Deny
C.Promise
D.Paraphrase
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'cite'?
A.Confuse
B.Misquote
C.Summarize
D.Ignore
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life situation would someone 'cite' a source?
A.Writing a research paper
B.Cooking dinner
C.Running a marathon
D.Watching a movie
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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