cite

When you cite something—like a source in an essay or a famous case in a legal argument—you’re pointing to it as evidence or support for what you’re saying, and often giving credit to where the information came from. Historians cite primary sources to back up their claims, and scientists cite previous research when building on existing knowledge. In everyday speech, you might cite a personal story or a statistic simply as an example to make your point clearer.

In more official settings, to cite someone can also mean to issue a formal notice or charge (like a traffic ticket), or to name someone formally for praise or recognition.

To cite something means to refer to it—sometimes by quoting it—as evidence, support, or illustration for a statement or argument. It’s a crucial practice in academic writing, legal proceedings, and journalism—anywhere accuracy and accountability are important. When you write a research paper, you cite the books, articles, and websites you used to gather information, using specific formats like MLA or APA. This not only gives credit to the original authors but also allows readers to verify your sources.

However, citing isn’t limited to formal writing. You can cite an example from personal experience to illustrate a point ("I once saw a similar situation…"), or cite someone's opinion as evidence of a broader trend ("Many experts cite climate change as the primary cause…").

The word comes from the Old French "citer," meaning "to summon"—originally, it meant to bring someone before a court. This sense of calling upon something for support remains at the heart of its modern usage. A judge might cite a defendant for contempt of court, or an officer can cite you for a traffic violation.

There’s also a “praise” sense: a person or group can be cited for bravery or good service, meaning they’re officially mentioned and recognized.

So whether you’re backing up your arguments with evidence, acknowledging sources, issuing an official notice, or recognizing someone’s actions, to cite is to bring something forward as relevant and authoritative.