cite
B2Formal
Definition
Meaning
To refer to something as an example, evidence, or authority to support an argument or claim.
1. To formally summon someone to appear in court (legal). 2. To officially commend or praise someone, especially for bravery (military/formal).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary meaning relates to providing a reference. The legal meaning ('summon') is specific and distinct. The commendation meaning is now rare and formal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The legal meaning ('to summon') is equally used in both. The commendation meaning is more prevalent in US military contexts than in UK.
Connotations
In academic/professional contexts, 'cite' carries a neutral-to-positive connotation of rigor. In legal contexts, it is neutral/negative for the person summoned.
Frequency
More frequent in academic, legal, and professional registers in both dialects; common in news reporting on court cases.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
cite + object (source/evidence)cite + object + as + noun phrasebe cited + for + noun (reason)cite + object + in + location (report/court)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Cite chapter and verse (to give precise details or sources).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
You must cite market research to justify the budget increase.
Academic
Always cite your sources to avoid plagiarism.
Everyday
He cited the bad weather as his reason for being late.
Technical
The engineer cited the relevant safety standard.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The report fails to cite its primary sources.
- He was cited for contempt of court.
American English
- She cited three studies to back her claim.
- The soldier was cited for bravery.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher asked us to cite one reason for our answer.
- In your essay, remember to cite the author and page number.
- The lawyer cited a previous court ruling to support her argument.
- The researcher meticulously cited every relevant precedent to fortify her thesis against critique.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'site' (a place). You 'cite' a source to point to its 'site' or location in a text.
Conceptual Metaphor
CITING IS POINTING (to evidence).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'site' (место) или 'sight' (зрение).
- Перевод 'цитировать' чаще подходит для 'quote'. 'Cite' шире — это 'ссылаться на'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'cite' (refer to) with 'site' (location) or 'sight' (vision).
- Incorrect: 'He cited the book word for word.' (Use 'quoted' for direct speech).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'cite' used in its primary academic sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Quote' means to reproduce someone's exact words. 'Cite' means to refer to a source as evidence, which may or may not involve a direct quotation.
It's uncommon. In everyday speech, people more often say 'mention' or 'point to' ('He pointed to the rain as the cause').
Yes, all three are homophones, pronounced /saɪt/.
It means to be officially ordered to appear in a court of law, often for a minor offence.