Etymology of Quotation
The term “quotation” has its etymological roots in the Latin word “quot,” meaning “how many” or “as many as.” The verb “quotare” emerged in medieval Latin, signifying the action of citing or enumerating a specific number of lines or verses. This evolved into the Old French term “quoter,” which meant to estimate or calculate.
By the late Middle English period, “quotation” had taken on its modern sense of citing or repeating someone else’s words. The etymology of “quotation” reflects its historical development from a numerical counting context to its contemporary usage, highlighting the act of reproducing or referencing specific phrases, sentences, or passages from other sources in written or spoken discourse.
Meanings of Quotation
| Aspect | Meaning |
| Citation and Reference | The primary meaning of a quotation is the act of citing or referencing a specific excerpt from a text, speech, or other sources. It serves as a way to credit the original author or speaker and provide evidence or support for one’s own statements. |
| Repetition of Words | A quotation involves the literal repetition of someone else’s words. This can be done to capture a particular phrasing, emphasize a point, or convey a specific tone that the original source expressed. |
| Illustration or Example | Quotations are often used to illustrate or provide examples of ideas, concepts, or experiences. By incorporating a relevant quote, writers can enhance the clarity and depth of their own arguments or narratives. |
| Inspiration and Motivation | Quotations are frequently employed to convey inspiration, wisdom, or motivation. Well-known quotes from notable figures are often shared to encapsulate profound thoughts or offer encouragement. |
| Dialogue in Literature | In literary works, quotations are utilized to present characters’ speech directly. This adds authenticity to dialogue and allows readers to engage with characters’ voices in a more immediate manner. |
| Epigraphs | Quotations, often placed at the beginning of a book or chapter as epigraphs, can set the tone, theme, or provide a key insight into the content that follows. Epigraphs serve as literary signposts or thematic markers. |
| Cultural References | Quotations become cultural references when certain phrases or lines from literature, speeches, movies, or other sources are widely recognized and incorporated into everyday language, demonstrating the enduring impact of certain expressions. |
| Legal and Formal Documentation | In legal and formal writing, quotations play a crucial role in accurately representing laws, regulations, precedents, or specific contractual terms. This ensures precision and clarity in conveying legal information. |
| Historical Documentation | Quotations are used in historical writing to preserve and convey the language, sentiments, and perspectives of individuals from specific time periods. They provide a window into the thoughts and expressions of the past. |
| Rhetorical Device | Employed as a rhetorical device, quotations can enhance persuasive writing or speeches by borrowing the authority, expertise, or emotional resonance of the quoted source, reinforcing the author’s argument or appeal. |
Definition of Quotation as Literary Device
A quotation, as a literary device, refers to the intentional inclusion of a specific excerpt or statement from another source within a text. It serves various purposes such as providing evidence, emphasizing a point, or conveying the author’s respect for or engagement with external ideas.
The use of quotations contributes to the richness of the narrative by incorporating external voices, adding depth, authority, and nuance to the author’s own expression.
Quotation: Types
Quotations come in various types, serving different purposes and reflecting diverse styles of expression. Here are some common types of quotations:
- Inspirational Quotes:
- Designed to motivate and uplift, often attributed to famous figures or thinkers.
Example: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs
- Humorous Quotes:
- Intended to evoke laughter, wit, or cleverness.
Example: “I’m writing a book. I’ve got the page numbers done.” – Steven Wright
- Wisdom Quotes:
- Conveying deep insights and philosophical reflections.
Example: “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” – Socrates
- Motivational Quotes:
- Encouraging action and positive change.
Example: “Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.” – Sam Levenson
- Love Quotes:
- Expressing sentiments related to love, relationships, and emotions.
Example: “Love is not about how many days, months, or years you have been together. Love is about how much you love each other every single day.” – Unknown
- Literary Quotes:
- Extracted from literature, showcasing the power of language and storytelling.
Example: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” – Charles Dickens, “A Tale of Two Cities”
- Political Quotes:
- Reflecting opinions or statements made by political figures.
Example: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
- Movie Quotes:
- Memorable lines from films that capture a character’s essence or a significant moment.
Example: “May the Force be with you.” – Star Wars
- Religious Quotes:
- Passages from sacred texts or attributed to religious leaders.
Example: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – The Bible, John 3:16
- Proverbs and Sayings:
- Traditional, short expressions of wisdom or advice.
Example: “Actions speak louder than words.”
These categories are not mutually exclusive, and many quotations can belong to multiple types depending on interpretation and context.
Quotation: Uses
| Use | Explanation | Example |
| Inspiration | Quotations motivate and inspire individuals, encapsulating powerful thoughts that encourage positive action or change. | “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs |
| Communication | Quotations effectively convey complex ideas or emotions in a concise and impactful way, serving as a form of shorthand for expressing thoughts. | “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson |
| Persuasion | In speeches, essays, or debates, quotations add authority to an argument by citing respected figures or sources, enhancing credibility. | “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela |
| Humor | Witty or humorous quotations add levity to conversations, presentations, or written pieces, making content more engaging. | “I’m writing a book. I’ve got the page numbers done.” – Steven Wright |
| Reflection | Quotations are used for personal reflection, providing succinct expressions of profound ideas for individuals to ponder and internalize. | “The unexamined life is not worth living.” – Socrates |
| Education | Quotations are valuable in educational settings, illustrating points, prompting discussions, and inspiring students. | “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” – Martin Luther King Jr. |
| Memorialization | Quotations on monuments, memorials, or plaques commemorate events, individuals, or ideals, serving as enduring reminders of history. | “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed.” – Martin Luther King Jr. |
| Entertainment | In literature, film, and entertainment, quotations convey a character’s personality, add depth to dialogue, or emphasize a theme. | “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” – William Shakespeare |
| Social Media and Communication Platforms | Quotations are widely shared on social media platforms to express personal beliefs, emotions, or experiences as captions, status updates, or tweets. | “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt |
| Cultural Expression | Quotations become part of a culture’s shared language, woven into everyday communication, and contribute to cultural identity. | “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” – The Bible |
| Condensation of Ideas | Quotations condense complex ideas into a few words, making them memorable and easy to recall, particularly useful for summarizing key points. | “In three words, I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.” – Robert Frost |
| Artistic Expression | In creative works like poetry or songwriting, quotations evoke moods, convey messages, or provide cultural references. | “Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” – Dylan Thomas |
Quotation: Suggested Readings
- Knowles, Elizabeth. The Oxford Book of Quotations. Oxford University Press, 2009.
- Bartlett, John. Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations. Little, Brown, and Company, 2012.
- McCarthy, Edward H. Speechwriting: A professional step-by-step guide for executives. Executive Speaker, 1989.
