The word "quote" refers to the act of repeating or citing someone else's statement, phrase, or written work, usually to provide evidence, support an argument, or convey a particular idea. It can also refer to the actual words that are cited. In everyday usage, people often quote famous people, literature, or even friends' words to emphasize a point or share wisdom.
The term "quote" comes from the Latin word "quotare," meaning "to mark a number," which evolved to mean "to cite" in English. It first appeared in the late 16th century, initially in the context of accounting.