Citable

Citable describes something that can be referenced or quoted, typically in academic or legal contexts, to support an argument, fact, or claim. It implies the information is verifiable, reliable, and originates from an authoritative source. A citable source allows for the proper attribution of ideas and data, upholding intellectual honesty and facilitating further research by others. The quality of being citable relies heavily on factors like accuracy, objectivity, and the existence of a clear origin. The ability to be cited distinguishes information considered credible and integral for building a trustworthy basis for research. It also allows for the verification of the provided information, which contributes to scientific rigor and establishes the validity of the source material.

Citable meaning with examples

• In her research paper, Sarah meticulously compiled a list of citable sources, including peer-reviewed journals and respected books. This thoroughness greatly strengthened her argument, showcasing a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Without citable evidence, her claims would have lacked weight, reducing their validity. The numerous well-chosen citations enhanced the paper’s credibility.
• The lawyer presented a range of citable precedents to the judge, arguing that similar cases had been decided in his client’s favor. These precedents provided compelling legal grounding for the client's defense. By referring to previous rulings that shared the same circumstances, the lawyer hoped the judge would be swayed by these clear and citable examples and the authority behind them.
• A Wikipedia article, although informative, is often not considered a citable source for academic papers due to its potential for inaccuracies and the lack of rigorous peer review. Journals and other official publications generally get more credibility, being citable to support your statements. While useful for general knowledge, its inherent unreliability disqualifies it from high-level scholarly research or legal applications.
• The historian used primarily citable primary sources such as original letters, diaries, and government documents, to support his conclusions about the era. These records were valuable, and allowed readers to explore the basis for his insights and inferences. This direct evidence lent authenticity to his narrative, as opposed to relying on secondary interpretations.