1. Directly Quoted Speech or Writing:
This is the most basic definition. Quotes are used to reproduce someone else's exact words, whether spoken or written.
* Example: "The only way to do great work is to love what you do," said Steve Jobs.
2. Citation:
Quotes are used to cite sources and give credit to the original author or speaker.
* Example: In his famous essay, "Civil Disobedience," Thoreau argued, "That government is best which governs least."
3. Emphasis:
Quotes can be used to emphasize a particular word or phrase, often to make it stand out or to convey a specific tone.
* Example: He was "shocked" by the news.
4. Irony or Sarcasm:
Quotes can be used to convey sarcasm or irony, often by highlighting the absurdity or incongruity of the quoted words.
* Example: She said, "I'm so happy to be here," but her voice and expression betrayed her true feelings.
5. Quotation Marks as Part of a Title:
Quotes are often used in titles to highlight a particular phrase or to indicate that the title is a quote from a source.
* Example: "The Great Gatsby" is a novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
6. Technical Terminology:
In some contexts, quotes are used to indicate a specific technical term or abbreviation.
* Example: "CPU" stands for Central Processing Unit.
7. Dialogue in Fiction:
In fiction, quotes are used to represent dialogue between characters.
* Example: "Hello," said the man. "Can you help me find the library?"
8. Attribution:
Quotes can be used to attribute a specific idea or belief to someone else.
* Example: The theory of evolution is attributed to Charles Darwin.
9. Metaphor:
Quotes can be used as a metaphor or simile, comparing something to a quoted phrase.
* Example: His words were like a "kick in the teeth," leaving me speechless.
The meaning of a quote can depend on the context, so it's important to pay attention to the surrounding words and phrases to understand its intended meaning.