cite

cite — verb

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

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

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

例句

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.

同義詞
  • 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

文法句型

cite + noun phrase + as + noun phrase

cite + noun phrase + to-infinitive

用法筆記

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

常見錯誤

❌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.動詞及物B2
釋義

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

例句

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.

同義詞
  • 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

文法句型

cite + noun phrase

cite + noun phrase + from + noun phrase

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

❌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.動詞及物C1
釋義

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

例句

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.

同義詞
  • summon

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

  • subpoena

    strictly legal term for a written order to appear in court

文法句型

be cited + for + noun phrase

cite + noun phrase + in + noun phrase

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

❌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.動詞及物C1
釋義

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

例句

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.

同義詞
  • 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

文法句型

be cited + for + noun phrase

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

❌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.