What does quotation mean?
A quotation is a passage, statement, or figure reproduced from another source or supplied as a price. In writing, a quotation may introduce another person's words, provide evidence, illustrate an argument, or mark a striking phrase. The word can also mean the process of quoting, as in a discussion of quotation and paraphrase. In commerce, a quotation is an estimate of the cost of goods or services, usually valid for a stated period. Its close relative, quote, is more informal and flexible: a quote may be the quoted words themselves, the act of quoting, or a price estimate. The word is especially common in academic, literary, journalistic, legal, and commercial contexts, where accuracy and attribution matter. Although quotation often means a short passage, it can refer to a lengthy excerpt, and the term does not itself guarantee that the quoted material is brief or correctly attributed.
nounA passage or statement quoted from another source, especially one introduced as the words of a speaker or writer. It can also refer to a price or rate quoted for goods or services.
- A passage or statement repeated from another source, especially in a speech, essay, or work of literature.
- A statement or price quoted to another person, such as a figure given for goods, services, or a piece of work.
- The act or practice of quoting words from another source.
"The speech contained a memorable quotation from an earlier poet."
"She opened the article with a quotation from Virginia Woolf."
"The contractor submitted a quotation for the roof repairs."
"The article is notable for its frequent quotation of unpublished letters."
The plural is quotations, without an additional apostrophe.
"The article includes quotations from several family members."
A quotation can preserve a writer's words, but its punctuation can change how those words are read—and sometimes how they are understood.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does quotation come from?
Quotation entered English in the late 16th century from medieval Latin quotatio, a noun meaning the act of quoting or a quoted passage. Latin quotatio was derived from quotare, “to quote,” which came from quota, meaning “how many” or “a certain number or proportion.” The same Latin root also underlies quota and quote, while quotient and quotidian developed through related Latin words concerning number and daily occurrence.
Related word forms
How quotation is actually used
In general use, quotation usually means the quoted words or the quoted price. In academic and legal contexts, it may specifically refer to wording taken directly from a source, often in quotation marks.
Easily confused with quotation
A quotation is the quoted passage or statement itself, whereas a quote can also mean the act of quoting or a price estimate.