Quote vs. Quotation: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Published on November 20, 2023
"Quote" is both a verb (to repeat words) and a noun (a repeated phrase), while "quotation" is primarily a noun referring to a repeated segment of text or speech.
Key Differences
The terms quote and quotation are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct usages. "Quote" is versatile, functioning as both a verb (meaning to repeat or copy out words from a text or speech) and a noun (referring to the repeated phrase itself). "Quotation," on the other hand, is primarily a noun, specifically referring to a group of words taken from a text or speech and repeated by someone other than the original author or speaker.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
In casual usage, "quote" is more commonly used, especially in spoken English, due to its brevity and familiarity. For example, someone might say, "I love that quote from the movie." In contrast, "quotation" is more formal and often used in academic or professional contexts. An example would be, "The author begins with a quotation from Shakespeare."
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
The verb form of "quote" is widely used in journalism, where reporters quote sources to give credibility to their articles. For instance, a journalist might write, "The mayor was quoted as saying…" In comparison, "quotation" as a noun is used in academic writing to denote a direct citation from a source, as in, "This paper will analyze the quotation from Plato's Republic."
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
"Quote" can also be used informally to refer to an estimate or a price, such as in, "Can you give me a quote for the repair work?" "Quotation" doesn’t share this usage; it remains specific to the context of repeating words from a text or speech.
Harlon Moss
Nov 20, 2023
In digital communication, "quote" is commonly used in reference to quoting someone’s words on social media or in messaging, often abbreviated as "qt." In contrast, "quotation" would be used in more formal or academic digital contexts, like citing a source in an online article.
Harlon Moss
Nov 20, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Context
More informal, common in spoken and casual writing
More formal, often used in academic and literary contexts
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Example Usage
"I quoted her exact words." / "That's a great quote."
"The book begins with a famous quotation."
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Additional Meanings
Can refer to an estimate or price
Strictly refers to a passage from text or speech
Janet White
Nov 20, 2023
Digital Usage
Often seen in social media and informal digital contexts
Used in more formal or academic digital contexts
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
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Quote and Quotation Definitions
Quote
To provide an estimated price or value.
The contractor quoted a high price for the renovation.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Quotation
A segment of dialogue or text used in literary analysis.
The professor analyzed a significant quotation from the play.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Quote
To repeat or copy out words from a text or speech.
She quoted a famous line from the poem in her speech.
Huma Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Quotation
A group of words taken from a text or speech and repeated by someone other than the original author.
The essay began with a quotation from Shakespeare.
Huma Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Quote
A phrase taken from a text or speech and repeated.
That quote from the novel perfectly captures the character's dilemma.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 10, 2023
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Quotation
A formal citation from a text used in academic writing.
The student carefully selected a quotation for her thesis.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Quote
To cite someone as evidence for or justification of an argument.
The lawyer quoted a precedent to support her case.
Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023
Quotation
Use of a direct citation to support an argument or viewpoint.
The article used a quotation from the report to argue its point.
Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023
Quote
To mention or refer to someone or something to provide an example or evidence.
He quoted several studies in his article on health.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Quotation
A reference to a famous saying or piece of dialogue.
His speech was filled with quotations from historical figures.
Janet White
Nov 10, 2023
Quote
To repeat or copy (words from a source such as a book), usually with acknowledgment of the source
Quoted lines from Shakespeare in his lecture.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
Quote
To repeat or copy the words of (a person or a book or other source)
Likes to quote Shakespeare when giving advice.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
Quotation
An explicit reference or allusion in an artistic work to a passage or element from another, usually well-known work
"Direct quotations from other paintings are fairly sparse" (Robert Hughes).
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
FAQs
Are "quote" and "quotation" interchangeable?
They can be used interchangeably in the context of repeating words from a text or speech.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Is "quote" appropriate in academic writing?
"Quote" can be used, but "quotation" is more formal and preferred in academic writing.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 20, 2023
What is a digital quote?
A digital quote refers to quoting someone's words on social media or digital platforms.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Is "quotation" used in informal contexts?
"Quotation" is more formal and less common in informal contexts.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
What is an example of "quote" as a noun?
"That quote from the president was surprising."
Janet White
Nov 20, 2023
Do journalists use "quote" or "quotation" more often?
Journalists often use "quote" both as a noun and a verb.
Harlon Moss
Nov 20, 2023
Can "quote" refer to a price estimate?
Yes, "quote" can refer to a price estimate.
Huma Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Can "quotation" be used as a verb?
No, "quotation" is not typically used as a verb.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Are "quotes" used in social media?
Yes, "quotes" are commonly used and shared in social media contexts.
Harlon Moss
Nov 20, 2023
Is "quotation" ever abbreviated?
"Quotation" is not commonly abbreviated, unlike "quote."
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
How is "quote" used in journalism?
In journalism, "quote" is used to refer to the exact words spoken by someone.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 20, 2023
Can "quote" be a command?
Yes, "quote" can be used as a command to instruct someone to repeat words verbatim.
Janet White
Nov 20, 2023
Can "quotation" refer to a saying?
Yes, "quotation" can refer to a famous saying or an excerpt from a speech or text.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 20, 2023
What does it mean to quote someone?
To quote someone means to repeat their exact words.
Harlon Moss
Nov 20, 2023
What's an example of "quotation" in a sentence?
"The professor used a quotation from Hemingway in her lecture."
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
How is "quotation" used in literary analysis?
"Quotation" is used to refer to a specific passage or line from a text being analyzed.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 20, 2023
Can "quote" be used in official documents?
"Quote" can be used, but "quotation" might be more appropriate in very formal documents.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
What is a "direct quotation"?
A direct quotation is a word-for-word repetition from a source.
Janet White
Nov 20, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
