Definition

Noun: The inherent quality or characteristic of a statement, phrase, or text that makes it worthy of being quoted or repeated by others. It refers to the memorability, aptness, wit, or profoundness that compels someone to cite it.

Usage

The noun "quotability" is used to describe an abstract quality. It is typically used in formal or analytical contexts, such as literary criticism, political analysis, or discussions of public speaking. * When evaluating a speech, one might assess its quotability. * The quotability of an author's prose often contributes to their lasting fame.

Examples

• The politician's clever turn of phrase greatly increased the quotability of her entire address.
• Shakespeare's enduring popularity is partly due to the remarkable quotability of his lines.
• The tweet went viral not just for its sentiment but for its sheer quotability.

Advanced Usage

• Conceptual Use: The term can be used to discuss the potential for future citation, not just past instances. "We need to craft a message with high quotability to ensure media pickup."
• Comparative Use: It is often used in comparative or superlative forms. "Of all the authors in that period, his work demonstrates the greatest quotability."

Variants and Related Words

• Quote (v/n): To repeat or copy out a passage from a text or speech; a passage quoted.
• Quotable (adj): Worthy of being quoted. ("He is known for his quotable remarks.")
• Quotation (n): A group of words taken from a text or speech and repeated by someone other than the original author.

Synonyms

• Memorability
• Aptness (in the context of being aptly phrased)
• Epigrammatic quality

Antonyms

• Unremarkableness
• Forgettability
• Banality

Related Phrases/Idioms

• A sound bite: A short clip of speech or music extracted from a longer piece, often chosen for its quotability in news media.
• To coin a phrase: To invent a new phrase, which may gain quotability if it becomes widely adopted.

Noun

1. the quality of being worthy of being quoted