quotation etymology

Etymology

The word "quotation" is derived from the Latin verb "quoto," meaning "to mark" or "to quote." It entered the English language in the 14th century, originally meaning "a passage that has been marked or cited."

Meaning

In modern usage, a quotation is a passage or statement taken from another source and repeated by someone else. Quotations can be used for various purposes, such as:

• To provide evidence or support for an argument
• To illustrate a point or make a comparison
• To emphasize or add authority to a written or spoken passage
• To convey the words or ideas of someone else accurately

Origin

The practice of using quotations dates back to ancient times. In ancient Greece, philosophers and scholars often quoted from the works of Homer, Plato, and Aristotle to support their arguments. In the Roman Empire, lawyers and politicians frequently quoted from the law code and speeches of famous orators.

During the Middle Ages, quotations were often used in sermons and other religious writings to support theological claims. In the Renaissance, the use of quotations became increasingly common in academic and literary works.

By the 18th century, the use of quotations had become an integral part of written and spoken discourse in many cultures around the world. Today, quotations are an essential tool for communication, research, and scholarship.

quotation relate terms

• quote

  Etymology The word quote originates from the Latin verb cotare which means to mark

• unquote

  Etymology and Meaning of Unquote Etymology Unquote is a blend of the prefixes un

• citation

  Etymology The word citation originates from the Latin word citare which means to ca

• citation

  Etymology The word citation originates from the Latin word citare which means to ca

• cite

  Etymology Cite derives from the Middle English word cite which in turn comes from the

• abandon

  Etymology Origin Middle English abandonar from Old French abandoner from Late Latin

• close

  Etymology Middle English cloosen from Old English lūcan Proto Germanic lūkaną P

• authority

  Etymology The word authority comes from the Latin word auctoritas which means inf

• excerpt

  Etymology The word excerpt comes from the Latin word excipere which means to take

• epigraph

  Etymology Derived from the Greek word epigraphē meaning inscription or superinsc

• pattern

  Etymology The word pattern is derived from the Middle French word patron meaning