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Synonyms

recite

American  
[ri-sahyt] / rɪˈsaɪt /

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 British  
/ 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)

"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

Related Words

See relate.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of recite

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

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 rest of our new classmates sat down, and Elliot began to recite the schedule with perfect accuracy.

From Literature

Magic then recited the speech she had practiced with all the dramatic flair that Duane had attempted earlier.

From Literature

I set him down and recited my message.

From Literature

On “Rules,” a danceable tune with a Western swing beat and a charming clarinet solo, she begins by reciting numbers and then launches into what the guidelines will be for her relationships.

From The Wall Street Journal

At 7 Alfred could recite by heart Horace’s Odes—in Latin.

From The Wall Street Journal