recite
verb (used with object)
to repeat the words of, as from memory, especially in a formal manner.
had been reciting
-
past perfect progressiveof recite.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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.
Spectators watched her walk to the throne talking earnestly to her escort, later discovered that she had been reciting the Declaration of Independence to steady her nerves.
From Time Magazine Archive
My father stopped in the middle of the monologue he had been reciting for me and gave an irritated sigh.
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
Parts of his story had been awkward and stumbling, but some were stately and grand, as if he had been reciting them from some half-forgotten memory.
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
The Rare and Costly Cup Trove had been reciting the history of his trouble and had finished with bitter words.
From Darrel of the Blessed Isles by Irving Bacheller
Rose let drop the arithmetic, from which she had been reciting, and exclaimed, in glad excitement, "That's Rufie, I know it is!"
From Rufus and Rose Or, The Fortunes of Rough and Ready by Horatio Alger
