Cite vs Site vs Sight
What’s the difference between them?
Cite
Meaning:
To cite means to mention or refer to as an example, authority, or proof.
Examples:
1. The teacher asked the student to cite the source of the information he used in his paper.
2. The judge asked the lawyer to cite evidence to support his argument.
3. The professor asked the student to cite the relevant passages from the textbook.
Site
Meaning:
Site can refer to a physical location, usually with an address or specific geographic coordinates, or to an online location, such as a website.
Examples:
1. The construction crew had to survey the site before they could begin work.
2. We found a great camping site near a secluded lake.
3. I am having difficulty navigating the website, it's not easy to find the page I'm looking for.
Sight
Meaning:
The ability to see; vision.
Examples:
1) The sight of the ocean was breathtaking.
2) He had the fortune to witness an amazing sight.
3) Taking in the sight, she smiled.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cite
Quote
reference
There are no direct antonyms for this word.
Site
Location
place
There are no direct antonyms for this word.
Sight
Vision
view
Blindness
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Cite", "Site", "Sight".
1. Remember that 'cite' means to quote or refer to a source; think of 'reference' or 'mention'.
2. Remember that 'site' means a particular location; think of 'site plan' or 'building site'.
3. Remember that 'sight' means the act of seeing; think of 'vision' or 'view'.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
When to use the first word 'Cite'?
Cite is a verb that means to quote, acknowledge, or refer to (a person, book, or source of information) as an authority for a statement. For example, you might cite a person by name or cite a book by title or author. It is important to cite your sources when writing a paper or article so that the reader can find and check the accuracy of your information.
When to use the second word 'Site'?
Site is a noun that refers to a specific place or location. It can also be used as a verb to mean to locate or position something at a particular place. For example, you might site a house on a plot of land or you could site a factory in a congested urban area.
When to use the third word 'Sight'?
Sight is a noun that means the faculty or power of seeing, or something that is seen. It can also be used as a verb to mean to catch sight of or to perceive with one’s eyes. For example, you might sight an old friend across a crowded room or you could sight a beautiful landscape while driving in the countryside.
Do the words have the same pronunciation?
All three words have similar pronunciation /sait/, so you have pay attention to the context to use the correct word.
What are common mistakes associated with words 'Cite,' 'Site,' and 'Sight'?
A common mistake is to use the words interchangeably. It is important to understand the definitions of each word and when to use them appropriately.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. Always remember to ___ your sources in a research paper.
2. The construction ___ was fenced off for safety.
3. The Grand Canyon is a breathtaking ___ to behold.
4. She had to ___ several studies to support her argument.
5. The ___ of the accident was cordoned off by the police.
6. It was love at first ___ when he saw her across the room.
7. For more information, please visit our official ___.
8. Tourists flock to this ___ for its historic significance.
9. Can you ___ any examples from the text to prove your point?
1. Always remember to cite your sources in a research paper.
Explanation: Cite means to mention as an example or to support an argument. In academic writing, its essential to give credit to the sources of information.
2. The construction site was fenced off for safety.
Explanation: Site refers to an area or place where something is, was, or will be situated.
3. The Grand Canyon is a breathtaking sight to behold.
Explanation: Sight is the ability to see or the act of seeing something. The Grand Canyon is described as a visual wonder.
4. She had to cite several studies to support her argument.
Explanation: Cite is used here to mean providing evidence or reference from studies to support a claim or argument.
5. The site of the accident was cordoned off by the police.
Explanation: Site refers to a location or place. In this case, its the location of an accident.
6. It was love at first sight when he saw her across the room.
Explanation: Sight refers to the act of seeing. The phrase love at first sight is a common idiom describing instant romantic attraction upon first seeing someone.
7. For more information, please visit our official site.
Explanation: Site is used here to mean a location on the internet, commonly referred to as a website.
8. Tourists flock to this site for its historic significance.
Explanation: Site refers to a specific location or place, in this case, a place of historical importance that attracts tourists.
9. Can you cite any examples from the text to prove your point?
Explanation: Cite means to mention or refer to, especially as an example or to support an argument. In this context, its about referencing examples from a text.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.