The word "quotation" refers to a repetition of someone else's statement or thoughts. It is often used to share the exact language used by someone, usually in a written or spoken format. Quotations can come from books, speeches, interviews, or any source where someone expresses an idea, opinion, or piece of information. In academic and professional settings, quoting others can help to support your own arguments or provide evidence for your claims.
The word "quotation" comes from the Latin word "quotare," meaning "to mark a number." The term evolved in the late Middle Ages (around the 14th century) to denote the act of repeating or referencing someone else’s words.