Word
cite
To cite means to mention something as evidence or to give the source of information.
Meanings
To mention something as evidence or as an example to support an argument.
To give the source of information in writing, especially in academic work.
To officially summon someone to appear in court or to receive an official notice.
Definition
To cite is to refer to a book, article, law, or example to support what you are saying. In academic writing, it also means to name the source of a quotation, idea, or data so readers can find it. You can cite an authority, a fact, or a reference in a document.
Examples
- Please cite your sources at the end of the report.
- The lawyer cited several previous cases to support her argument.
- In your essay, cite at least two academic articles.
- The article cited new research on sleep and memory.
- He was cited for speeding on the highway.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse cite with site, but cite means to reference or mention a source, not a place.
More verbs
- analyze To examine something carefully in order to understand it or explain it.
- scrutinize To scrutinize something is to examine it very carefully and in detail.
- affect To affect something is to influence it or cause it to change.
- allude To allude means to mention or suggest something indirectly without saying it clearly.
- elude To elude someone or something is to avoid being caught, understood, or remembered.