1
Core action
Quote, mention, or refer to a source or example as evidence or support.
Example
The article cites three contemporary letters as evidence.
cite
/saɪt/ · SYTEverb
Quote, mention, or refer to a source or example as evidence or support.
Use cite to express this relationship precisely: quote, mention, or refer to a source or example as evidence or support.
What cite Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common construction
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
Researchers frequently cite the experiment when discussing memory.
3
Reasoning effect
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
The court cited the earlier ruling in support of its decision.
Use cite Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The article cites three contemporary letters as evidence.
Researchers frequently cite the experiment when discussing memory.
The court cited the earlier ruling in support of its decision.
Precision Matters
Cite overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
cite
vs.Means quote, mention, or refer to a source or example as evidence or support.
provide evidence for
Means supply observations or information that support a claim, explanation, or conclusion.
cite
vs.Means quote, mention, or refer to a source or example as evidence or support.
lend support to
Means provide evidence or reasoning that makes a claim more credible without necessarily proving it.
cite
vs.Means quote, mention, or refer to a source or example as evidence or support.
corroborate
Means confirm or support a statement with additional evidence.
cite
vs.Means quote, mention, or refer to a source or example as evidence or support.
set forth
Means present, state, or explain ideas, rules, or arguments clearly and formally.
Test cite in Context
She refers to a specific source as evidence for her interpretation.
1
To support her interpretation, the historian chose to ___ a dated entry from the ship's log.