cite, sight, site

The words cite, sight and site are homophones: words that sound alike but are spelled differently and have different meanings.

On this page

• Definition of “cite”
• Definition of “sight”
  • “Sight” as a noun
  • “Sight” as a verb
• Definition of “site”
• Additional information

Definition of “cite”

The verb cite means to quote or to mention as proof:

• In her article on human rights, the author cites Carrie M. Best, founder of The Clarion, Nova Scotia's first Black-owned and Black-published newspaper.
• The scientist cited several research papers to back up his argument.
• The speakers cited heavy traffic as the reason for their late arrival.

It can also mean to praise in a formal or official way (especially in a military context):

• The officer was cited for her courage.

Definition of “sight”

The word sight can be used as a noun or a verb.

“Sight” as a noun

As a noun, sight has several definitions related to seeing.

One common meaning is the ability to see:

• The elderly man’s sight had not diminished with age.

The noun sight can also refer to something that is seen:

• The tulips in bloom were a beautiful sight.

“Sight” as a verb

As a verb, sight primarily means to catch sight of:

• We sighted the tower rising through the mist.

Definition of “site”

The word site is used mainly as a noun and refers to a location.

• Hamilton’s Dundurn Castle is a popular tourist site.
• What site (website) did you find this information on?

Additional information

• homographs, homonyms, homophones