recite

[ri-sahyt]

verb (used with object)

recited, reciting 

1. to repeat the words of, as from memory, especially in a formal manner.

   to recite a lesson.

2. to repeat (a piece of poetry or prose) before an audience, as for entertainment.

3. to give an account of.

   to recite one's adventures.

   Synonyms: describe, narrate

4. to enumerate.

   Synonyms: detail, number, count

verb (used without object)

recited, reciting 

1. to recite a lesson or part of a lesson for a teacher.

2. to recite or repeat something from memory.

recite

/ rɪˈsaɪt /

verb

1. to repeat (a poem, passage, etc) aloud from memory before an audience, teacher, etc

2. (tr) to give a detailed account of

3. (tr) to enumerate (examples, etc)

Other Word Forms

• recitable adjective
• reciter noun
• prerecite verb (used with object)
• unrecited adjective
• well-recited adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of recite¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English reciten, from Latin recitāre “to read aloud,” equivalent to re- + citāre “to summon”; re-, cite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of recite¹

C15: from Latin recitāre to cite again, from _re- + citāre to summon; see _cite

Synonym Study

See relate.

Example Sentences

The words of my father, a second-generation submariner, often recited when I was a child, drifted through my head: “Rocked in the cradle of the deep, I lay me down in peace to sleep.”

From Los Angeles Times

In their previous performance of the song, Urban could be heard reciting the original lyrics.

From Los Angeles Times

But first you must write and recite, 1,000 times, the Act of Contrition.

From Los Angeles Times

When Jun recited an ancient Chinese poem in another instance, viewers criticised what they viewed as her wonky accent.

From BBC

As in many of her stump speeches and media interviews, she tends to recite her accomplishments as if reading from a resume, which sometimes reads as defensive.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• chant 
• communicate 
• declaim 
• deliver 
• enumerate 
• explain 
• interpret 
• mention 
• perform 
• recount 
• reel off 
• rehearse 
• repeat 
• reply 
• speak 
• utter