kota
B1Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
to repeat or copy out words from a text or speech, typically with acknowledgment of the source.
to state or mention a price for goods or a service; to cite someone or something as evidence or justification; to give someone (the estimated price of a job or service); in finance, to offer (a security) for sale on the stock market.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, 'quote' refers to a passage or remark repeated by someone other than the original author or speaker. As a verb, it can involve precise repetition or a rough estimation (as in pricing). In informal speech, 'quote' is sometimes used to mean 'quotation mark'. The distinction between 'quote' (verb/noun) and 'quotation' (primarily a noun) is less strict in modern usage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'quotation' is more common as a noun for a cited passage, though 'quote' is widely used informally. In American English, 'quote' as a noun is fully standard. In both, the verb is 'quote'.
Connotations
Both share core meanings. Differences are minor and related to formality.
Frequency
The noun 'quote' is more frequently used in all registers in AmE. In BrE, 'quotation' retains a stronger presence in formal writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
quote somebody (as saying something)quote something (from somebody/something)quote (somebody) + speechquote (somebody) a price (for something)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “quote, unquote (used to indicate ironic or skeptical distance from a quoted word)”
- “chapter and verse (to quote precisely and in detail)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Common for pricing and tenders: 'Please quote for the refurbishment work.'
Academic
Essential for referencing sources: 'The study quotes several key theorists.'
Everyday
Used when repeating something someone said: 'She quoted her mother's advice.'
Technical
In finance: 'The system displays live stock quotes.' In publishing: 'Check the accuracy of all quotes.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He was quoted in The Guardian as calling for reform.
- Could you quote me for a new kitchen, please?
- She began her speech by quoting Churchill.
American English
- The article quotes several experts who disagree.
- The contractor quoted $5000 for the job.
- He loves to quote lines from old movies.
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable)
American English
- (Not applicable)
adjective
British English
- (Not a primary adjective; used in compounds like 'quote-driven market')
American English
- (Not a primary adjective; used in compounds like 'quote-unquote')
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I like this quote from my favourite book.
- The painter will quote a price tomorrow.
- To support your argument, you should quote a reliable source.
- I need to get three quotes before I choose a builder.
- The journalist was careful to quote her interviewees accurately to avoid misrepresentation.
- The share price fell sharply after the company's profit warning, which was widely quoted in the press.
- Critics have frequently quoted the author's early, more polemical works to challenge his current, conciliatory stance.
- The viability of the project hinges on the quotes we receive from sub-contractors in the coming week.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a QUOTE as a QUEST for the exact original words. QU-OTE sounds like 'note' - you're making a note of someone's precise words.
Conceptual Metaphor
WORDS ARE OBJECTS THAT CAN BE BORROWED AND REPRODUCED (He borrowed a line from Shakespeare). PRICES ARE STATEMENTS THAT CAN BE OFFERED (The builder stated his price).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'цитировать' (to quote) и 'предлагать цену' (to quote a price).
- Неправильно: 'He made a quote from the poem'. Правильно: 'He gave/made a quotation from the poem' или 'He quoted from the poem'.
- В русском 'котировка' часто относится только к финансам, в английском 'quote' шире.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect verb pattern: 'She quoted me that...' (usually 'She quoted me a price of...' or 'She quoted that...').
- Informal noun use in very formal writing where 'quotation' is expected.
- Misspelling as 'qoute'.
- Confusion with 'quota' (a share).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'quote' used CORRECTLY as a noun?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern English, especially in American English and informal British English, 'quote' as a noun is completely standard and common (e.g., 'a stock quote', 'a price quote'). In very formal British academic writing, 'quotation' might still be preferred for cited passages.
To 'cite' is to refer to a source, which can be done by paraphrasing or summarising. To 'quote' is to reproduce the source's exact words, usually within quotation marks. You often cite a source by quoting from it.
You can say: 'Could you please provide a quote/quotation for...?' or 'Could you quote me for...?' The first is slightly more formal.
It's a verbal substitute for quotation marks, often used to express skepticism, irony, or distance from the term you're about to say or have just said. E.g., 'He's a, quote, expert, unquote, on the subject.'