cite

UK: saɪt | US: saɪt

Definition
  1. vt. to quote or refer to as evidence or justification

  2. vt. to mention formally in commendation or praise

  3. vt. (law) to summon officially to appear in court

Structure
cit <summon, call>e <verb suffix>cit <summon, call>e <verb suffix>
Etymology

cite = cit<summon, call> + e<verb suffix>

  • cit<summon, call>: From Latin citare ("to set in motion, summon"), frequentative of ciere ("to stir, call").
  • e<verb suffix>: A common verbal ending in English, often derived from Latin infinitive forms.

Etymology Origin:
The word "cite" traces back to Latin citare, meaning "to rouse, summon, or call forth." This root reflects its dual modern meanings: legally summoning someone to court and "calling upon" a source as evidence. The core idea of "activating" or "bringing forward" persists in both contexts. Over time, the term expanded from physical summons (e.g., court citations) to abstract references (e.g., citing a book).

Examples
  1. The researcher will cite several studies to support her theory.

  2. The judge cited the defendant for contempt of court.

  3. He was cited for bravery during the ceremony.

  4. Always cite your sources to avoid plagiarism.

  5. The article cites climate change as the primary cause.