much-quoted
UK[ˈmʌtʃˌkwəʊtɪd]US[ˈmʌtʃˌkwoʊtɪd]
adj
Frequently cited or referred to, especially in speech or writing.
Morpheme Breakdown
much
quoted
much
to a great degree
quoted
cited
Etymology
The compound adjective 'much-quoted' is a modern English formation following a productive pattern of combining an intensifying adverb with a past participle. The adverb 'much' originates from the Old English word for 'great' or 'large', which itself has Proto-Germanic roots. The participle 'quoted' derives from the Latin verb related to numbering and referencing. The logic of the word is transparently literal: something that is 'quoted' (repeated or cited from a source) to a 'great degree' (much). This straightforward combination creates a term specifically describing ideas, phrases, or passages that are widely and repeatedly referenced in discourse, literature, or media.
Analysis
Structure: much (to a great degree) + quoted (cited)
- much: From Old English micel, mycel (great in amount or degree). In this compound, it functions as an intensifying adverb modifying the participle.
- quoted: From the past participle of the verb quote, from Medieval Latin quotare (to mark with numbers, cite), from Latin quotus (of what number). It functions as the core participial adjective meaning 'cited'.
Examples
The author's much-quoted line on freedom has inspired generations.
The study's findings became a much-quoted source in subsequent policy debates.
Her speech contained several much-quoted passages that were widely shared on social media.