verb · academic

cite

/saɪt/CITE

Band 6-7task2task1speaking

to mention something (especially an example or source) as proof or support

Examples

In Task 2 you should cite studies to support your argument when appropriate.

The author cited several recent experiments to back up her claims.

Make sure you cite the full reference at the end of your essay.

Band 8 sentence

When proposing a novel theory, researchers must cite relevant literature to situate their contribution within the existing body of work.

Collocations

  • cite sources/cite evidence
  • cite as evidence

Word family

cites verbcited verbcitation nouncitable adjective

Common mistakes

mention the sourcecite the source

cite tocite

Say it for a higher band

5mention6refer to7+cite

Synonyms

refer to

Easily confused

cite vs sight vs site

The archaeologists returned to the site to gather more evidence.

Related words

Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.

In Sublist 8

Learn it with its set