Same sound, different use
cite vs site vs sight
Same sound, different meaning and spelling
Cite means quote or name a source, site is a place or website, and sight concerns seeing or something seen. All three are homophones.
Context decides
Match sources, places, and seeing
Each spelling connects visibly to a related word: citation, situation, or vision and seeing.
Quote a source: cite
Use cite for naming evidence, an authority, an example, or an official recognition.
Cite the report in your final paragraph.
A place or website: site
Use site for a physical location or an internet destination.
The project site includes a map of the building site.
Vision or view: sight
Use sight for the ability to see, something visible, or the act of noticing visually.
The lighthouse came into sight at dusk.
Direct answer
What is the difference?
Use cite when referring to evidence, authority, an example, or an official commendation. Use site for a physical location or website. Use sight for vision, a view, or the act of noticing something visually. The shared pronunciation makes these meanings and the sentence’s grammatical structure the only reliable guides.
Optional listening · American English
Hear the shared pronunciation
These terms share a standard pronunciation. Use the recordings to learn the sound, then use meaning and context to choose the spelling.
Word 1
cite
verb
To quote, name as evidence, mention as an example, or officially commend.
US pronunciation
/saɪt/
UK IPA
/saɪt/
Hear three samples
How to pronounce it
Begin with S, use the vowel in “my,” and finish with T. The final E is silent.
Word 2
site
noun or verb
A physical place or website; to position something in a particular place.
US pronunciation
/saɪt/
UK IPA
/saɪt/
Hear three samples
How to pronounce it
Use the same one-syllable sound as cite and sight, ending cleanly with T.
Word 3
sight
noun or verb
The ability to see, something seen, or the act of noticing visually.
US pronunciation
/saɪt/
UK IPA
/saɪt/
Hear three samples
How to pronounce it
The GH is silent. Say one syllable exactly like cite and site.
Listen in context
9 example sentences
Context makes meaning, grammar, and natural rhythm easier to understand. Every sentence has its own playback.
Examples with
cite
- Please cite two independent sources.
- The judge cited an earlier decision.
- Researchers cite the study frequently.
Examples with
site
- The school chose a new site for the library.
- Visit the official site for current information.
- The turbines will be sited away from homes.
Examples with
sight
- The mountains were an impressive sight.
- Keep the entrance in sight as you walk.
- We sighted the first whale near the island.