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View synonyms for cite

cite

1

[sahyt]

verb (used with object)

cited, citing 
  1. to quote (a passage, book, author, etc.), especially as an authority.

    He cited the Constitution in his defense.

  2. to mention in support, proof, or confirmation; refer to as an example.

    He cited many instances of abuse of power.

  3. to summon officially or authoritatively to appear in court.

  4. to call to mind; recall.

    citing my gratitude to him.

  5. Military.,  to mention (a soldier, unit, etc.) in orders, as for gallantry.

  6. to commend, as for outstanding service, hard work, or devotion to duty.

  7. to summon or call; rouse to action.



cite

2

[sahyt]

cite

/ saɪt /

verb

  1. to quote or refer to (a passage, book, or author) in substantiation as an authority, proof, or example

  2. to mention or commend (a soldier, etc) for outstanding bravery or meritorious action

  3. to summon to appear before a court of law

  4. to enumerate

    he cited the king's virtues

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • citable adjective
  • citeable adjective
  • citer noun
  • noncitable adjective
  • nonciteable adjective
  • uncitable adjective
  • unciteable adjective
  • uncited adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of cite1

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin citāre “to hurry, set in motion, summon before a court,” frequentative of ciēre “to move, set in motion”

Origin of cite2

An Americanism dating back to 1940–45; by shortening
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Word History and Origins

Origin of cite1

C15: from Old French citer to summon, from Latin citāre to rouse, from citus quick, from ciēre to excite
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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The vast majority of cord-cutters cite the high cost of cable, but a preference for streaming comes in second.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Dickinson has cited inspiration from a substantial slate of heavy hitters, Mike Leigh’s “Naked,” Leos Carax’s “The Lovers on the Bridge” and Agnès Varda‘s “Vagabond” — all of which sculpted his approach.

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She cited the Gospel of Matthew: “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”

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“Public education is irreplaceable,” he said, citing its commitment to serve every child regardless of their background or circumstance.

Read more on Salon

The report cited a delay in communicating evacuation orders, which resulted in spontaneous evacuations without structured traffic control, causing people to block routes to the fire, the report said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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citation formCITES