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Synonyms

recount

American  
[ri-kount] / rɪˈkaʊnt /

verb (used with object)

recounts, present (3rd person singular) recounted, past participle, past recounting present participle
  1. to relate or narrate; tell in detail; give the facts or particulars of.

    Synonyms:
    describe
  2. to narrate in order.

  3. to tell one by one; enumerate.


recount British  
/ rɪˈkaʊnt /

verb

  1. (tr) to tell the story or details of; narrate

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Synonym Usage

See relate.

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Conjugated Forms

Present

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Etymology

Origin of recount

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English recounten, from Middle French reconter, equivalent to re- + conter “to tell, count.” See re-, count 1

Explanation

As a verb, recount can mean either "tell the story of" or "add up again." As a noun, recount usually refers to the second (or third or fourth) tallying of votes in a close election. The word count comes from the old French conter, which means "add up" or "tell a story." Here's a story to recount (narrate): In an election featuring Count Dracula and Count Johnson, Dracula wins by two votes, so Johnson demands a recount (an adding up of the votes again). The officials recount (count again) the votes, and this time find Count Johnson the winner. Dracula threatens to bite the officials and they quickly change their minds.

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Vocabulary lists containing recount

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Recount identified the two protesters as Parkland parents Patricia and Manuel Oliver, who lost their son, Joaquin "Guac" Oliver, in a 2018 Florida school shooting.

From Salon • Mar. 23, 2023

The News Movement advises brands on how to reach young consumers and has bought the Recount, which makes video content about American politics for social media and continues to operate as a separate unit.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 3, 2023

He was played by the actor Kevin Spacey in the movie Recount, which was about the presidential election of 2000.

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2023

Recount the moment Tuesday when Bellinger turned the series around.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 20, 2021

Recount to me in full detail The circumstances of the war.

From Apu Ollantay A Drama of the Time of the Incas by Markham, Clements R. (Clements Robert), Sir

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