often-cited
UK[ˈɒf.ən ˈsaɪ.tɪd]US[ˈɔːf.ən ˈsaɪ.t̬ɪd]
adj
Frequently mentioned or referred to, especially as an example or piece of evidence.
Morpheme Breakdown
often
cited
often
frequently
cited
quoted
Etymology
The compound adjective 'often-cited' is a modern English formation combining two distinct elements. The first, 'often', has a Germanic lineage, evolving from Old English 'oft' to signify repeated occurrence. The second, 'cited', derives from Latin 'citare', meaning to rouse, call, or summon, which evolved through legal and scholarly contexts to mean referencing an authority. When combined, the literal sense of 'frequently summoned or called upon' logically evolved into the modern abstract meaning of being a common reference point in discussion or evidence.
Analysis
Structure: often (frequently) + cited (quoted)
- often: From Middle English, of Germanic origin, related to 'oft'. It functions as an adverb meaning 'many times; frequently'.
- cited: From the past participle of the verb 'cite', from Old French 'citer', from Latin 'citare' meaning 'to summon, urge, call'. It functions as a participial adjective meaning 'quoted or referred to'.
Examples
This often-cited study changed the way we understand climate change.
He used an often-cited passage from Shakespeare to support his argument.
Despite being an often-cited example of success, the model is difficult to replicate.