quotation - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
quotation Word Meanings
- a repetition of someone else's statement or thoughts
- a formal statement of the price of a service or product
- a passage quoted from a book, author, or speech
quotation Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
quotation Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/kwəˈteɪʃən/
US
/kwoʊˈteɪʃən/
quotation Word Etymology
Root: 'quote' (to cite), suffix: '-ation' (process). Origin: Latin 'quotare' → Old French 'quoter' → Middle English 'quotioun'. Memory image: Imagine a scholar in a library surrounded by open books, carefully selecting quotes to support their arguments, like puzzle pieces coming together.
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 tilt my notebook and move a page closer, the spine creaks as I pull the corner to read. A single line catches my eye, I decide how to place it into my own sentence, letting the other voice sit in my throat. I push a breath out and practice the rhythm, watching my tongue turn the words into a quotation without losing the tone. The room quiets as I finish, and the meaning settles not as a rule but as a moment I chose to carry.
Real Context
Quotation is a noun with three common senses. First, a repetition of someone else's exact words or thoughts, usually presented with quotation marks and cited to support a point. Second, a formal statement of the price of a service or product, provided to a potential customer before work begins. Third, a passage quoted from a book, author, or speech, cited to illustrate or defend an argument. Learners often confuse quotation with quote, or mix up the price quote with a casual estimate. Remember that a quotation emphasizes attribution, exact wording, and a verifiable source, while quote can function as a verb as well as a noun.
Usage Reminders
- Use quotation for exact words; distinguish the three senses; place quoted text near the point it supports; enclose direct quotes in quotation marks; cite the source; avoid overquoting and paraphrase when needed
Common Misconceptions
- Quotation and quote are always interchangeable
- Quotation only refers to price estimates
- You can omit the source when quoting
- Every quoted phrase must be long
- Quotation marks are optional in formal writing
Thinking Differences
For English learners, the challenge is recognizing quotation as a formal noun with three distinct senses and not collapsing it with the verb-like use of quote. In everyday speech, quote is far more common; quotation appears in writing, legal, or business contexts.
Learning Tips
- Study the three senses of quotation and note contexts
- Practice placing quotation marks around direct quotes
- Differentiate quotation from quote and from a price quote
- Cite sources clearly for any quoted material
- Limit quotes; paraphrase when possible to show understanding
- Use authentic examples from articles or books
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'quotation'?
A.A statement of prices
B.A legal document
C.A repetition of someone else's statement or thoughts
D.A description of a picture
Step 2: Usage
Identify the correctly used sentence containing 'quotation'.
A.She described her trip in a lengthy quotation.
B.I asked for a quotation on the window repairs.
C.The book's main character is based on a famous quotation.
D.He gave a quotation before the deadline.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'quotation'?
A.Commentary
B.Rendition
C.Citation
D.Analysis
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'quotation'?
A.Source
B.Version
C.Original
D.Excerpt
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context in which someone might use a quotation?
A.He wrote an original poem for the competition.
B.She created a poster featuring a famous saying.
C.They discussed the theme of the novel.
D.The report summarized the author's main ideas.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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