Quotability Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฃ๏ธ
quotability
[kwoสหtษหbษชlษชti ]
Definition
literary quality
Quotability refers to the quality of a statement or expression that makes it suitable for being quoted. This could be due to its wit, wisdom, or emotional resonance. Quotable phrases often encapsulate profound ideas in a compelling manner, making them memorable and impactful. A high level of quotability can enhance the influence of an author, speaker, or public figure, as their words gain traction in popular culture.
Synonyms
memorableness, noteworthiness, quotableness.
Examples of usage
- Her speeches are known for their quotability.
- The book is full of quotable lines.
- His comments lacked any real quotability.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- Famous authors like Shakespeare and Mark Twain have high quotability scores due to their impactful language.
- Quotability often captures the essence of a character or theme, making literature more relatable.
- Poetry often contains highly quotable lines because of its emotional depth and artistic expression.
Pop Culture
- Memorable movie lines, like 'I'll be back' from 'Terminator', demonstrate how quotable phrases become part of cultural identity.
- Infamous quotes from political figures often circulate in social discourse, especially during elections.
- Social media platforms amplify quotability, where phrases can go viral quickly, leading to widespread recognition.
Communication
- In persuasion studies, quotes from recognized authorities improve message reception and memorability.
- Quotable phrases can simplify complex ideas, making them digestible for broader audiences.
- Learning environments value quotability as it encourages critical thinking and discussion among students.
Psychology
- People are more likely to remember an impactful quote than a lengthy piece of text due to cognitive biases.
- Quotability taps into emotional resonance, making certain phrases stick in our minds longer.
- Research shows that succinct, witty remarks are often repeated more than longer, detailed explanations.
Origin of 'quotability'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'quote' comes from Latin 'quotare', meaning 'to mark'. 'Ability' comes from Latin 'habilitas', meaning 'fitness or suitability'.
- Quotability combines these roots to highlight the special nature of certain sayings or phrases.
- The term is relatively modern, gaining popularity in the 20th century as public speaking and media grew.
The term 'quotability' derives from the root word 'quote,' which comes from the Latin 'quotare,' meaning 'to mark a number.' The evolution of the term can be traced back to the early 20th century, as literature and speeches became more accessible to the public, especially with the rise of print media. As communication evolved, so did the recognition of phrases that encapsulate popular thoughts, ideas, or sentiments in a way that they can be easily shared and remembered. The blending of quotability with cultural phenomena highlights how language not only aids expression but also influences societal thoughts and movements.