Cite vs Quote
Difference between cite and quote is explained as much clearly as possible in this article due to the fact that quote and cite are two words that are often confused. The confusion is no doubt caused by their similar meanings. Strictly speaking there is a thick line of difference between the two words, quote and cite, as far as their meanings are concerned. When speaking about the two words, quote and cite, one can see that both of these words are used as verbs as well as nouns. Both quote and cite have their origins in late middle English.
What does Quote mean?
The word quote is often used in the sense of repeating a passage or a phrase from a book or an essay. It is done by way of proof or to give an illustration. In other words, there is an element of proof in the action of quoting. On the other hand, the word quote is used in the sense of brief excerpts from a book or work. It is interesting to note that the word quote has a different meaning in the subject of commerce. It is, in fact, used to state a price or usually current price. The noun form of the verb quote is quotation.
What does Cite mean?
On the other hand, the word cite is used in the sense of repeating a passage or a phrase from a book especially as an authority. In other words, it can be said that there is an element of authority in the action of citing. The word cite is used to confirm something as in the sentence,
The teacher cited many instances of hunger for power from history.
The word cite is used in the sense of to commend for outstanding service or hard work as in the word citation. In Military, the word is used to mention a soldier or a unit in orders as for gallantry.
Moreover, the noun form of cite is citer. It is used as an adjective with the form citable. The word cite is said to have originated from Latin citare that means ‘summon before a church court’.
What is the difference between Cite and Quote?
• The word quote is often used in the sense of repeating a passage or a phrase from a book or an essay. It is done by way of proof or to give an illustration. On the other hand, the word cite is used in the sense of repeating a passage or a phrase from a book especially as an authority. This is the main difference between the two words.
• In other words, it can be said that there is an element of authority in the action of citing whereas there is an element of proof in the action of quoting.
• The word cite is used in the sense of to commend for outstanding service or hard work as in the word citation.
• In commerce, quote is used to state a price or usually current price.