verb
cite
syt
verb
1
To quote or refer to a source as evidence or support for a statement.
"The lawyer cited an earlier ruling to support her argument."
"Make sure to cite your sources in the bibliography."
2
To officially order someone to appear in court.
"He was cited for failing to appear at the hearing."
How to Use Cite
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo quote a source as evidence, or to formally summon someone to court.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "site" (a location) or "sight" (vision) — all three sound alike.
Common pairings
cite a source
cite as evidence
Word Forms
cited past tense, cites plural, cites singular
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The lawyer _____ an earlier ruling to support her argument.
Etymology
From Old French citer, from Latin citare ("to summon, to call"), a frequentative of ciere ("to rouse, to call").