cite

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive

   To mention a source, a fact, or an example as proof or support for what you are saying.

   Grammar: Takes an object: cite a study. It can be followed by as: cited as the main cause.

   Patterns

   • cite something as something
   • cite something in something
   • cite someone as evidence

   The author cites three studies to support her argument.

   Several residents cited noise as their main complaint.

   Please cite your sources at the end of the essay.

2. 2verbtransitivelegal

   To name someone in an official order requiring them to appear in court, or to charge someone with a minor offense.

   Grammar: Used mostly in law and by police: cite someone for speeding.

   Patterns

   • cite someone for something
   • be cited for something

   The officer cited him for driving without a seat belt.

   She was cited for failing to keep her dog on a leash.

3. 3verbtransitiveformal

   To mention someone by name in an official report as deserving praise, especially for bravery.

   Grammar: Often passive and formal: he was cited for bravery.

   Patterns

   • cite someone for something
   • be cited for bravery

   The sergeant was cited for bravery during the rescue.

   The report cites two nurses for their quick thinking.

Word forms

Common combinations

cite a source

You must always cite a source when you quote a book.

cite evidence

The lawyer cited evidence from the earlier trial.

cite an example

He cited the Roman roads as an example of good engineering.

cite a reason

She cited health reasons for her resignation.

cited as

Stress is often cited as a cause of poor sleep.

cite for speeding

Two drivers were cited for speeding on the highway.

Synonyms and how they differ

quote

Quote means to repeat someone's exact words, while cite only points to the source and may paraphrase it.

mention

Mention is casual and brief, whereas cite is used when giving a reference as evidence.

reference

Reference as a verb is a bit looser, and it can mean to simply refer to something in passing.

invoke

Invoke means calling on a rule, law, or authority to justify an action, which is stronger than citing.

Word family

citation noun

a reference to a source, or an official notice of a minor offense

citable adjective

able to be cited as a source

citing noun

the act of referring to a source

incite verb

to urge people to act, a different word from the same Latin source

recite verb

to say aloud from memory

Commonly confused: cite or site? cite or sight?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “cite”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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