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Quotation
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 Related Terms
• Chiasmus
• Quote
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Definition:
A phrase or a sentence from a book or a speech that reflects the author's profound thoughts. Quotations can be amusing, interesting, thought provoking, sad, inspiring or emotional.

Often the word quote is used as a substitute for the word quotation. Strictly speaking, this is incorrect. Quote is a verb and Quotation is a noun. So, in effect, you quote a quotation.

Despite that, using quote instead of quotation is so prevalent that it is sometimes considered acceptable. In deference to popular usage, the Quotations site on About.com uses these words interchangeably.

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