Cite vs. Sight — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 25, 2024
Cite involves referencing or quoting sources, while sight is the ability to see or a visual perception.
Difference Between Cite and Sight
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Cite primarily refers to the act of mentioning or referring to a source, often to support an argument or idea. This is common in academic and legal contexts, where providing evidence or authority for claims is crucial. On the other hand, sight pertains to the sense of vision, which is one of the five main senses in humans and many animals. It involves the ability to perceive the environment through light that enters the eyes, enabling the identification, location, and analysis of objects.
While cite involves the intellectual process of acknowledging sources in discourse, sight is a physiological process involving the eyes and brain to interpret visual information. This fundamental difference highlights the distinct nature of each term, one being an action related to communication and scholarship, and the other a sensory experience.
Cite is also used in legal contexts to summon someone to a court of law or to point out officially for some form of misconduct. Whereas sight, beyond the basic sense of vision, can refer to something that is seen, such as a tourist sight or a distressing sight, emphasizing its role in experiences and perceptions.
Cite's use is largely metaphorical, symbolizing the act of bringing attention to or acknowledging something, while sight's usage is more literal, directly relating to the physical act of seeing or the thing being seen. This distinction underscores the different realms each term operates in - one in the domain of ideas and communication, the other in the realm of sensory experience.
Comparison Chart
Definition
To mention as support, example, or proof
The ability to see; visual perception
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Context
Academic, legal
Everyday life, biology
Purpose
To provide credibility, reference
To perceive, navigate, interact
Additional Meanings
Summon to court, point out
A thing that is seen
Process
Intellectual, communicative
Physiological, sensory
Compare with Definitions
Cite
Academic Reference.
Scholars often cite previous studies to build upon existing knowledge.
Sight
Visual Perception.
The breathtaking sight of the mountains filled him with awe.
Cite
Legal Summoning.
The individual was cited for a court appearance next month.
Sight
Landmark.
The Eiffel Tower is a famous sight in Paris.
Cite
Indication.
The report cites several reasons for the economic downturn.
Sight
Ability to See.
After hours in the dark, their sight slowly returned.
Cite
Recognition.
The firefighter was cited for bravery in the line of duty.
Sight
Observation.
The guard kept the intruders in sight to monitor their movements.
Cite
Quoting.
In her essay, she cites several prominent authors to strengthen her argument.
Sight
Visual Experience.
The play offered a feast for the sight with its vibrant costumes.
Cite
Refer to (a passage, book, or author) as evidence for or justification of an argument or statement, especially in a scholarly work
Authors who are highly regarded by their peers tend to be cited
He does not cite any source for this assertion
Sight
The faculty or power of seeing
Joseph lost his sight as a baby
A sight test
Cite
Praise (someone, typically a member of the armed forces) in an official report for a courageous act
He has been cited many times for his contributions in the intelligence area
Sight
A thing that one sees or that can be seen
John was a familiar sight in the bar for many years
He was getting used to seeing unpleasant sights
Cite
Summon (someone) to appear in court
The writ cited only four of the signatories of the petition
Sight
A device on a gun or optical instrument used for assisting a person's precise aim or observation
There were reports of a man on the roof aiming a rifle and looking through its sights
Cite
A citation.
Sight
Manage to see or observe (someone or something); catch an initial glimpse of
Tell me when you sight London Bridge
Cite
To quote or refer to (a book or author, for example) as an authority or example in making an argument.
Sight
Take aim by looking through the sights of a gun
She sighted down the barrel
Cite
(Law) To refer to (a previous court decision or other legal precedent), as when arguing a case.
Sight
The ability to see.
Cite
To mention or bring forward as support, illustration, or proof
Cited several instances of insubordinate behavior.
Sight
Field of vision
Out of my sight.
Cite
To commend officially for meritorious action in military service.
Sight
The act or fact of seeing
Hoping for a sight of land.
Caught sight of a rare bird.
Cite
To honor formally.
Sight
Something seen
That bird is a rare sight around here.
Cite
To issue a notice of violation to
Was cited by the police for jaywalking.
Sight
Something worth seeing; a spectacle
The sights of London.
Cite
To make reference to a previous court decision. Often used with to
The lower court cited to the Supreme Court decision issued last year.
Sight
(Informal) Something unsightly or ridiculous
Looked a sight after crossing the swamp.
Cite
A citation or quotation.
Sight
The foreseeable future; prospect
No solution in sight.
Cite
To quote; to repeat, as a passage from a book, or the words of another.
Sight
Mental perception or consideration
We lost sight of the purpose of our visit.
Cite
To list the source(s) from which one took information, words or literary or verbal context.
Sight
Often sights A device used to assist aim by guiding the eye, as on a firearm or surveying instrument.
Cite
To summon officially or authoritatively to appear in court.
Sight
An aim or observation taken with such a device.
Cite
(informal) a citation
We used the number of cites as a rough measure of the significance of each published paper.
Sight
To perceive with the eyes; get sight of
Sighted land after 40 days at sea.
Cite
To call upon officially or authoritatively to appear, as before a court; to summon.
The cited dead,Of all past ages, to the general doomShall hasten.
Cited by finger of God.
Sight
To observe through a sight or an optical instrument
Sight a target.
Cite
To urge; to enjoin.
Sight
To adjust the sights of (a rifle, for example).
Cite
To quote; to repeat, as a passage from a book, or the words of another.
The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose.
Sight
To take aim with (a firearm).
Cite
To refer to or specify, as for support, proof, illustration, or confirmation.
The imperfections which you have cited.
Sight
To direct one's gaze; look carefully.
Cite
To bespeak; to indicate.
Aged honor cites a virtuous youth.
Sight
To take aim
Sighted along the barrel of the gun.
Cite
To notify of a proceeding in court.
Sight
(in the singular) The ability to see.
He is losing his sight and now can barely read.
Cite
Make reference to;
His name was mentioned in connection with the invention
Sight
The act of seeing; perception of objects by the eye; view.
To gain sight of land
Cite
Commend;
He was cited for his outstanding achievements
Sight
Something seen.
Cite
Refer to;
He referenced his colleagues' work
Sight
Something worth seeing; a spectacle, either good or bad.
We went to London and saw all the sights – Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and so on.
You really look a sight in that ridiculous costume!
Cite
Repeat a passage from;
He quoted the Bible to her
Sight
A device used in aiming a projectile, through which the person aiming looks at the intended target.
Cite
Refer to for illustration or proof;
He said he could quote several instances of this behavior
Sight
A small aperture through which objects are to be seen, and by which their direction is settled or ascertained.
The sight of a quadrant
Cite
Advance evidence for
Sight
A great deal, a lot; frequently used to intensify a comparative.
A sight of money
This is a darn sight better than what I'm used to at home!
Cite
Call in an official matter, such as to attend court
Sight
In a drawing, picture, etc., that part of the surface, as of paper or canvas, which is within the frame or the border or margin. In a frame, the open space, the opening.
Sight
(obsolete) The instrument of seeing; the eye.
Sight
Mental view; opinion; judgment.
In their sight it was harmless.
Sight
(transitive) To see; to get sight of (something); to register visually.
To sight land from a ship
Sight
(transitive) To observe though, or as if through, a sight, to check the elevation, direction, levelness, or other characteristics of, especially when surveying or navigating.
Sight
(transitive) To apply sights to; to adjust the sights of.
To sight a rifle or a cannon
Sight
To observe or aim (at something) using a (gun) sight.
Sight
The act of seeing; perception of objects by the eye; view; as, to gain sight of land.
A cloud received him out of their sight.
Sight
The power of seeing; the faculty of vision, or of perceiving objects by the instrumentality of the eyes.
Thy sight is young,And thou shalt read when mine begin to dazzle.
O loss of sight, of thee I most complain!
Sight
The state of admitting unobstructed vision; visibility; open view; region which the eye at one time surveys; space through which the power of vision extends; as, an object within sight.
Sight
A spectacle; a view; a show; something worth seeing.
Moses said, I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.
They never saw a sight so fair.
Sight
The instrument of seeing; the eye.
Why cloud they not their sights?
Sight
Inspection; examination; as, a letter intended for the sight of only one person.
Sight
Mental view; opinion; judgment; as, in their sight it was harmless.
That which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
Sight
A small aperture or optical device through which objects are to be seen, and by which their direction is settled or ascertained; - used on surveying instruments; as, the sight of a quadrant.
Thier eyes of fire sparking through sights of steel.
Sight
An optical device or small piece of metal, fixed or movable, on the breech, muzzle, center, or trunnion of a gun, or on the breech and the muzzle of a rifle, pistol, etc., by means of which the eye is guided in aiming. A telescope mounted on a weapon, such as a rifle, and used for accurate aiming at distant targets is called a telescopic sight.
Sight
In a drawing, picture, etc., that part of the surface, as of paper or canvas, which is within the frame or the border or margin. In a frame or the like, the open space, the opening.
Sight
A great number, quantity, or sum; as, a sight of money.
A wonder sight of flowers.
Sight
To get sight of; to see; as, to sight land; to sight a wreck.
Sight
To look at through a sight; to see accurately; as, to sight an object, as a star.
Sight
To apply sights to; to adjust the sights of; also, to give the proper elevation and direction to by means of a sight; as, to sight a rifle or a cannon.
Sight
To take aim by a sight.
Sight
An instance of visual perception;
The sight of his wife brought him back to reality
The train was an unexpected sight
Sight
Anything that is seen;
He was a familiar sight on the television
They went to Paris to see the sights
Sight
The ability to see; the faculty of vision
Sight
A optical instrument for aiding the eye in aiming, as on a firearm or surveying instrument
Sight
A range of mental vision;
In his sight she could do no wrong
Sight
The range of vision;
Out of sight of land
Sight
The act of looking or seeing or observing;
He tried to get a better view of it
His survey of the battlefield was limited
Sight
(often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent;
A batch of letters
A deal of trouble
A lot of money
He made a mint on the stock market
It must have cost plenty
Sight
Catch sight of; to perceive with the eyes;
He caught sight of the king's men coming over the ridge
Common Curiosities
What is the importance of citing sources?
Citing sources is crucial for validating arguments, avoiding plagiarism, and allowing readers to trace the originality of information.
Can cite be used outside of writing?
Yes, one can cite sources in spoken presentations or legal proceedings as well, not just in writing.
What does it mean to cite someone?
Citing someone involves referencing their work or words, usually in an academic or legal context, to support your own arguments or statements.
What are the consequences of not citing sources?
Failure to cite can lead to accusations of plagiarism, which can damage credibility and result in legal or academic penalties.
How does sight work in the human body?
Sight works by light entering the eye, being focused by the lens onto the retina, where it's converted to electrical signals sent to the brain for interpretation.
How is sight used in literature?
Sight is often used metaphorically in literature to denote insight or understanding, beyond mere visual perception.
Can sight refer to something other than vision?
Yes, it can also refer to something witnessed, like a landmark or event, e.g., "a sight to behold."
Is perfect sight possible?
While some individuals have 20/20 vision, truly perfect sight is rare due to individual variations and potential minor imperfections.
What technologies assist those with impaired sight?
Technologies like text-to-speech software, Braille devices, and advanced eyewear help those with impaired vision.
Is citing always formal?
Citing can range from formal academic references to more casual mentions in conversation or informal writing.
What is a common phrase involving sight?
"Out of sight, out of mind," suggesting what is not visible is easily forgotten.
What role does sight play in non-visual arts?
Even in non-visual arts like music or literature, descriptions of sight and visual imagery can play a significant role in evoking emotions and images.
Can animals cite?
While animals cannot cite in the human sense, they can show behaviors that acknowledge or follow the actions of others, especially in social species.
Is sight always linked to light?
Yes, sight is fundamentally linked to light, as vision is the interpretation of light signals by the eyes and brain.
How do citations vary across disciplines?
Citation styles and practices can differ significantly across academic fields, with each discipline having preferred formats.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
