What does quotability mean?
Quotability is the quality of being suitable for quotation, especially because a statement is memorable, vivid, witty, or culturally striking. The word is commonly used when writers, speakers, or public figures produce lines that are likely to be repeated and attributed to them. A sentence may have high quotability because of its concision, originality, or emotional force, while a person or event may gain quotability by producing a particularly memorable remark. The noun can also refer to the person or thing itself: a politician might suddenly acquire quotability through an unusual or humorous comment. In general usage, quotability suggests that a statement has the qualities of a good quotation without necessarily indicating that it is being formally quoted.
nounThe quality of being quotable, especially of being memorable, striking, or suitable for quotation. It can also refer to a person or thing that is notable enough to be quoted.
- The quality of being memorable, striking, or suitable for quotation.
- A person or thing regarded as noteworthy or suitable for quotation.
"The speech gained quotability through its memorable opening line."
"The author's aphorisms have considerable quotability."
"That remark became famous for its quotability rather than its originality."
The plural is rare but is used when referring to multiple people or things that are notable enough to be quoted.
"The article collected the quotabilities of several leading figures."
Some sentences are remembered for what they say; quotability is the quality that makes them quotable.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does quotability come from?
Quotability is formed within English from the adjective quotable, meaning able or suitable to be quoted, plus the noun-forming suffix -ity. Quotable derives from quote, ultimately from Latin quot, meaning how many, which originally referred to a number or a market price. In English, quote developed meanings connected with repeating a passage from a text or citing a person's words. The formation quotability is therefore a modern English extension expressing the quality or state of being quotable.
Related word forms
How quotability is actually used
This is a relatively uncommon, usually literary or journalistic noun. It is often used in discussions of writing, public figures, quotations, and memorable language.
Easily confused with quotability
A quotation is the quoted passage itself, whereas quotability is the quality of being suitable or memorable enough to be quoted.