cite

IPA/saɪt/
KK[sˈaɪt]IPA/saɪt/

cite — verb

  • citepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • citeshe / she / it
  • citedpast simple
  • citing-ing form

1. to mention a specific fact, example, or piece of research as evidence that suppo

1.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

to mention a specific fact, example, or piece of research as evidence that supports an idea or explains why something happened

Example

Ravi cited a recent study to support his argument about climate change.

cite + [source] + to-infinitive purpose

The report cites several cases where the new policy has failed.

Common collocations
  • cite a study
  • cite an example
  • cite evidence
  • cite a case
  • cite a reason
  • cite figures
Synonyms
  • mention

    less formal, does not require supporting evidence

  • reference

    slightly more formal, often used in academic writing

  • point to

    phrasal verb, informal, used when evidence suggests a conclusion

Grammar Patterns

cite + noun phrase + as + noun phrase

cite + noun phrase + to-infinitive

Usage Note

Often followed by a that-clause or an as-phrase explaining how the cited item connects to your point.

Common Mistakes

He cited the book' (without showing why).
He cited the book as evidence for his claim.
cite always needs a clear connection between the source and the point you are making.
She cited to the report.
She cited the report.
cite is transitive and takes a direct object; no preposition is needed.

2. to use someone's exact language from a speech or text and name them as the sourc

2.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

to use someone's exact language from a speech or text and name them as the source of those words

Example

In her essay, Leila cited the author's own words to show her view on education.

cite + [source] + exact words

The journalist cited the president's speech in her article about tax reform.

Common collocations
  • cite a passage
  • cite a line
  • cite a source
  • cite from a book
  • cite an author
Synonyms
  • quote

    more common in everyday English; strongly preferred for exact word-for-word repetition

  • reference

    broader meaning; can mean simply referring to a source without quoting exact words

Grammar Patterns

cite + noun phrase

cite + noun phrase + from + noun phrase

Usage Note

Distinguish from sense 1 (GIVE AS PROOF): this sense involves repeating someone's exact words; sense 1 involves mentioning a fact or study as evidence without necessarily quoting the exact wording.

Common Mistakes

He cited the president's speech' (if he only summarized it).
He cited the president's exact words in his report.
cite in this sense means repeating the words exactly, not paraphrasing.

3. to require a person by law to go before a judge, or to formally mention a person

3.verbtransitiveC1
Definition

to require a person by law to go before a judge, or to formally mention a person or organization in court documents as possibly responsible for an offence

Example

The witness was cited for failing to appear in court on Tuesday.

passive: be cited for [offence]

The judge cited both drivers for their role in the highway accident.

Common collocations
  • cite a driver
  • cite a witness
  • be cited in a lawsuit
  • be cited for an offence
  • cite someone in a case
Synonyms
  • summon

    broader meaning; can apply to any official request, not only courts

  • subpoena

    strictly legal term for a written order to appear in court

Grammar Patterns

be cited + for + noun phrase

cite + noun phrase + in + noun phrase

Usage Note

Frequently used in the passive voice (be cited). This is the only sense used in legal contexts. When citing someone for a driving offence, it means the police have officially recorded the violation.

Common Mistakes

The teacher cited the student for arriving late.' (in school).
The driver was cited for speeding by the police.
this sense is limited to legal and official court contexts.
He was cited to court.
He was cited for his role in the accident.
cite is followed by 'for' + the reason, not 'to' + the location.

4. to publicly praise a member of the armed forces for their courage, skill, or exc

4.verbtransitiveC1
Definition

to publicly praise a member of the armed forces for their courage, skill, or exceptional service, usually in an official military order

Example

The soldier was cited for bravery after rescuing his team under enemy fire.

passive: be cited for bravery

The general cited three officers for their excellent service during the mission.

Common collocations
  • be cited for bravery
  • be cited for courage
  • be cited for service
  • be cited in dispatches
  • cite a soldier
  • cite an officer
Synonyms
  • commend

    more general praise, can be used in any context including work and school

  • honor

    broader meaning; can apply to ceremonies, awards, or general recognition

Grammar Patterns

be cited + for + noun phrase

Usage Note

Only used in military contexts. Do not use this sense for praising someone in a regular job or school setting — use 'commend' or 'praise' instead.

Common Mistakes

The manager cited her employee for good work.' (in a business).
The soldier was cited for bravery in combat.
this sense is restricted to armed forces and official military recognition.