Cite — A Vocabulary Story
Ali Versus Bedtime
Ali marched into the kitchen holding a clipboard, a pencil tucked behind his ear like a very serious businessman.
"Mum," he announced, "tonight there is a meteor shower, and I request permission to stay up until ten o'clock."
His mum raised one eyebrow. "Bedtime is half past seven."
Ali had prepared for this. "Allow me to cite the school newsletter." He tapped his clipboard grandly. "Page two says, and I quote, 'The meteor shower will be a spectacular sight for all families.' All families, Mum. That includes ours."
Cite means to mention or refer to as an example or proof.
"Impressive," said Mum, stirring the soup. "But I can cite something too. The fridge chart, which says grumpy mornings follow late nights."
Ali flipped a page. "I also cite Grandpa Yusuf, who told me, 'A boy should look at the stars sometimes.' His exact words. Tuesday. By the bins."
His dad wandered in and whistled. "He's citing Grandpa now? This is serious."
Mum tried not to smile. "Anything else, Professor Ali?"
"One final source." Ali cleared his throat. "Last month you said, 'Some things only happen once, so we should see them.' You were talking about the hot air balloon, but it still counts."
Mum put down her spoon. Being cited back at yourself, she had to admit, was rather hard to argue with.
"Half past nine," she said. "With a blanket. And a hat."
Ali bowed deeply, knocking the pencil off his ear.
That night, wrapped up like a woolly caterpillar on the garden bench, he counted eleven shooting stars, and one very proud mum counting them with him.
Word Definition
cite
meaning
to mention or refer to as an example or proof
synonyms
quote · mention · refer · specify · recount
antonyms
ignore · neglect · overlook
example sentence
The professor asked the students to cite their sources in the essay.