Word
citing
Phoneticscit·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsaɪtɪŋ/
UK/sˈaɪtɪŋ/
Definitions
01referring to a source
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
v. mentioning a book, author, or study to support your ideas.
v. referencing a specific source, such as a text or author, to provide evidence or authority for a claim. Transitive; requires a direct object.
“She is citing several famous scientists in her research paper to prove her point.”
“The student was careful about citing every primary source used in the dissertation to avoid any accusations of academic dishonesty.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02giving a reason
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
v. mentioning something as a reason why something else happened.
v. mentioning or bringing forward something as a reason, justification, or example. Often used in formal reporting or legal contexts.
“The company closed the factory, citing high costs and low sales.”
“The judge dismissed the case, citing a lack of physical evidence and inconsistent witness testimony.”
Synonyms
03a reference
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law Formal · Technical
n. the act of naming a source or a specific mention of a rule.
n. the act of citation or a specific instance of referencing a source or legal authority.
“The lawyer's citing of previous cases helped the jury understand the law.”
“The constant citing of obscure regulations made the contract difficult for the average person to read.”
Real-World Examples
“Workers arrived to remove the graffiti, the Washington Post reported , citing Park Police officers at the site.” “Citing people familiar with the matter, it claimed that recordings of dialogue between the pilots suggested it was the Captain, Sumeet Sabharwal, who had flipped the fuel switches.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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