citing

/saɪt/ (bre, ipa) · [sˈaɪtɪŋ] /saɪt/ (ame, ipa) · [sˈaɪtɪŋ] /ˈsīt/ (ame, mw)

citing — verb

  • citingpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • citings3rd person singular
  • citinging-ing form
  • citingedpast simple

1. To mention a fact, study, or example as evidence to support an argument or expla

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

To mention a fact, study, or example as evidence to support an argument or explain a situation.

例句

Caio cited three recent studies to back up his argument about climate change.

cite + noun phrase as evidence

The report cited poor training as the main reason for low test scores.

cite + noun phrase + as + noun phrase

同義詞
  • mention

    less formal; does not imply providing evidence

  • reference

    similar register; often used for pointing to a specific source

  • refer to

    slightly less formal; often used with 'as'

反義詞
  • ignore

    to deliberately not mention a relevant fact

  • overlook

    to fail to mention, accidentally or deliberately

文法句型

cite + noun phrase

cite + noun phrase + as + noun phrase

用法筆記

Common in academic and formal writing. The object is typically a source of information (study, report, data) or a reason.

常見錯誤

❌He cited about the study to prove his point.
✅He cited the study to prove his point.
💡cite is transitive and takes a direct object with no preposition.
❌She cited her professor as a reference in her essay.' (when meaning she named her professor as a referee — that sense is more like 'mention as authority')
✅She cited her professor's research in her essay.
💡cite refers to evidence or information, not a person acting as a referee.

2. To repeat the exact words from a book, article, speech, or other written or spok

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

To repeat the exact words from a book, article, speech, or other written or spoken source.

例句

Olivia cited a long passage from Dr. Kim's book on early childhood education.

cite + a passage / line / phrase + from + [source]

The politician cited Churchill's famous wartime speech during the debate.

同義詞
  • quote

    more common in everyday speech; interchangeable in many contexts

  • repeat

    less formal; can mean saying something again without implying a written source

文法句型

cite + noun phrase + from + noun phrase

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1 (CITE AS PROOF): this sense involves repeating exact wording, whereas sense 1 involves referring to a source as evidence without necessarily quoting exact words.

3. To summon a person by legal order to appear before a judge, or to name a person

3.動詞及物B2
釋義

To summon a person by legal order to appear before a judge, or to name a person or fact within legal proceedings.

例句

Talia was cited as a witness in the trial against the energy company.

be cited as a witness

The judge cited the factory owner for several safety violations.

cite + someone + for + offence

同義詞
  • summon

    more general; can be used outside of legal contexts

  • subpoena

    specifically means ordering someone to appear in court with a legal document

文法句型

cite + noun phrase + as + noun phrase

be cited + for + noun phrase

be cited + to-infinitive

用法筆記

Common in legal contexts. Frequently used in the passive voice when describing someone being called to court.

常見錯誤

❌The lawyer cited him to the court.
✅The lawyer cited him as a witness.' or 'He was cited to appear in court.
💡the structure without 'as' or 'to appear' sounds unnatural.

4. To give official public praise to a member of the armed forces for their courage

4.動詞及物C1
釋義

To give official public praise to a member of the armed forces for their courageous actions.

例句

Léa was cited for bravery after rescuing two wounded soldiers under heavy fire.

be cited for bravery / courage / heroism

The general cited the entire unit for their heroic actions during the rescue mission.

同義詞
  • commend

    more general; used in both military and civilian contexts

  • praise

    less formal; not restricted to official recognition

反義詞
  • reprimand

    to officially criticise someone for wrongdoing — the opposite of citing

文法句型

be cited + for + noun phrase

用法筆記

This sense is specific to military contexts. Outside the military, use 'commend' or 'praise' instead.