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Citation

Meaning:

A citation is a formal reference to a source of information or a legal document, acknowledging the origin of ideas, facts, or quotations used in research, writing, or legal proceedings. It provides details necessary to locate the source and give credit to the original creator.

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History and Origins:

The term “citation” comes from the Latin word citare, meaning “to summon” or “to call forth,” which evolved into its current academic and legal usage. It has been used since the early 15th century to refer to legal references and gradually became a common term in academic and scholarly writing.

Definitions and Meaning in English:

1. Reference to a source: A formal mention or acknowledgment of a source used in writing, research, or academic work.
2. Legal citation: A formal reference to legal documents, court cases, or statutes used as evidence or precedent in legal contexts.
3. Recognition of achievement: In some contexts, a citation refers to an official acknowledgment of someone’s achievement, particularly in military or public service.

Detailed Explanation:

In academic and professional writing, a citation serves as a means of giving credit to the sources of information or ideas used in a piece of work. It typically includes the author’s name, title of the work, publication date, and other relevant details. Proper citation ensures intellectual honesty by avoiding plagiarism and allows readers to verify the sources of information. In legal contexts, a citation refers to the identification of specific laws, statutes, or case law that supports an argument or decision. Additionally, in military or public service, a citation may be awarded to recognize exemplary conduct or achievement.

Example Sentences:

1. The researcher provided a citation for every article used in the study to support the validity of the findings.
2. The lawyer presented a citation to a previous ruling to strengthen the case in court.
3. She received a citation for bravery during her military service.

Synonyms with Short Explanation:

1. Reference: A mention of a source used to support a claim or argument.
2. Quotation: A repetition of someone’s words or ideas, often within quotation marks, with a citation to the original source.
3. Attribution: The act of giving credit to the original author or creator of an idea or work.

Related Words with Short Explanation:

1. Bibliography: A list of all sources referenced in a work, usually included at the end of an academic paper or book.
2. Footnote: A note at the bottom of a page providing additional information or citation details for a reference.
3. Endnote: A reference or citation placed at the end of a document, similar to a footnote but collected at the conclusion.

More Matches with Short Explanation:

1. Acknowledgment: The act of recognizing the contribution or influence of a source or individual.
2. Source: The original work or individual from which information or ideas are derived and cited.
3. Quotation: A direct reproduction of a statement or idea from a source, often cited to attribute credit.

Antonyms:

1. Plagiarism: The act of using someone else’s work or ideas without giving proper citation or credit.
2. Omission: The failure to cite or acknowledge a source, either intentionally or unintentionally.
3. Disregard: The act of ignoring the need to properly cite sources or give credit.