What does "cite" mean?

1. (to mention as evidence) to mention something as a reason or an example to support what you are saying. 2. (to reference a source) to write or say which book, article, or person an idea or quote came from. 3. (to summon to court) to officially order someone to appear in a court of law. 4. (a citation) a short name for a formal note that says where information came from.

How do you use "cite"?

Often used with 'as' to introduce the reason or evidence. Transitive verb taking a direct object of the source or author. Often used in the passive voice in legal contexts.

Is it correct to say "You must cite to the original author."?

No — say "You must cite the original author.". The verb 'cite' is transitive and takes a direct object without the preposition 'to'.

cite

v. · n.

US //ˈsaɪt// UK //sˈaɪt// cite

1 to mention as evidence (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

to mention something as a reason or an example to support what you are saying.

to mention or refer to something as an example or as proof in an argument.

Example

The report cited a lack of funding as the main reason for the project's failure.

Example

The economist cited several recent studies to support her claim that inflation would likely stabilise by the end of the fiscal year.

Usage

Often used with 'as' to introduce the reason or evidence.
- ignore
- disregard
2 to reference a source (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

to write or say which book, article, or person an idea or quote came from.

to provide a formal reference to a source of information in a piece of academic work.

Example

You must cite all your sources at the end of your essay.

Example

Students are required to cite their sources using a consistent style to avoid any accusations of academic dishonesty.

Usage

Transitive verb taking a direct object of the source or author.
- plagiarise
Pitfall

You must cite to the original author.

You must cite the original author.

The verb 'cite' is transitive and takes a direct object without the preposition 'to'.

Show 2 more sensesShow fewer

3 to summon to court (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal Technical Law

to officially order someone to appear in a court of law.

to summon a person officially to appear before a court or tribunal.

Example

The witness was cited to appear in court next Tuesday.

Example

The defendant was cited for contempt of court after repeatedly interrupting the judge during the preliminary hearing.

Usage

Often used in the passive voice in legal contexts.
- summon
- subpoena
4 a citation (n.)
C2 Proficiency Informal Academic

a short name for a formal note that says where information came from.

an informal shortening of 'citation', referring to a reference in a text.

Example

Check your paper to make sure every cite is formatted correctly.

Example

The professor noted that several cites in the bibliography were missing the publication dates.

Teacher's tip

This noun form is much less common than the full word 'citation' and is mostly used by students or researchers in casual conversation.
- citation
- reference

Etymology 1

From Old French citer, from Latin citare (“to cause to move, excite, summon”), frequentative of ciēre (“to rouse, excite, call”). Sense 4 is the original one.

Etymology 2

From the first syllable of citation. Analogous to quote, from quotation.