recite
B1Formal and neutral. Common in educational, religious, legal, and literary contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To say a piece of writing, such as a poem, speech, or list, aloud from memory or from a text, often to an audience.
To state or enumerate a series of items, facts, or arguments formally or in detail; to describe or narrate.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Focuses on the accurate oral delivery of prepared or memorized material. Can imply a lack of spontaneity or emotional connection when used critically. Often overlaps with 'recount' for narration and 'enumerate' for listing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. Spelling and pronunciation are the only minor variants.
Connotations
Identical connotations. Can sound formal or old-fashioned in everyday contexts in both varieties.
Frequency
Equal frequency. Slightly more common in educational/legal contexts than casual speech in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
recite somethingrecite something to someonerecite from somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “recite chapter and verse (to give exact details)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly 'recite the quarterly figures' in a formal presentation.
Academic
Common. 'The student was asked to recite the theorem.'
Everyday
Moderate. Associated with school ('recite your lines for the play') or religious practice.
Technical
In linguistics/literature: the study of oral performance traditions.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Each pupil must recite a poem from the anthology.
- He could recite the entire roster of railway stations from London to Edinburgh.
- The barrister began to recite the relevant case law to the court.
American English
- The kids will recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
- She recited a list of complaints to the manager.
- Can you recite the Gettysburg Address from memory?
adverb
British English
- N/A for the base form 'recite'.
American English
- N/A for the base form 'recite'.
adjective
British English
- A recitative passage in the opera.
- N/A for the base form 'recite'.
American English
- N/A for the base form 'recite'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The child can recite the alphabet.
- We recite a prayer before dinner.
- He was nervous about reciting the poem in front of the class.
- Can you recite your phone number?
- The witness proceeded to recite the events of that evening in precise detail.
- She recited a litany of reasons why the project had failed.
- The actor's ability to recite lengthy monologues with nuanced emotion was widely praised.
- He could recite from Milton's Paradise Lost with astonishing accuracy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SITE (place) where you RE-hearse. You RE-CITE on the stage SITE.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEECH IS A PERFORMED RITUAL; KNOWLEDGE IS A REPRODUCIBLE TEXT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'рассказывать' (to tell/narrate) for simple listing. Use 'рассказывать наизусть' or 'декламировать'.
- Do not confuse with 'цитировать' (to quote). Reciting is longer and often from memory.
Common Mistakes
- Reciting *about* something (incorrect; use 'recite something' or 'recount something').
- Confusing 'recite' with 'cite' (to reference a source).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'recite' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Recite' emphasizes the verbatim or formalized delivery of pre-existing text, often from memory. 'Narrate' focuses on telling a story or describing events in one's own words, often spontaneously.
Not typically for playing music. It is specific to verbal delivery. You might 'recite lyrics' but you would 'play' or 'perform' a piece of music.
It is neutral but can sound formal in casual contexts. In educational, religious, or legal settings, it is standard and not overly formal.
The most common noun is 'recitation'. A person who recites is a 'reciter'.