recite

recite Definition

re·cite (ri sīt′)

transitive verb -·cit′ed, -·cit′·ing

to repeat or say aloud from or as from memory, esp. in a formal way; give a recitation on (a lesson) in class or of (a poem, speech, etc.) before an audience
to tell in detail; give an account of; narrate; relate
to enumerate

Etymology: ME reciten < OFr reciter < L recitare: see re- & cite

intransitive verb

recite Related Forms

re·cit′er noun

recite Synonyms

To repeat formally
declaim, address, read, render, quote, discourse, hold forth, enact, dramatize, deliver from memory, interpret, soliloquize, chant.
To report on a lesson
answer, give a report, explain, reel off, reply to questions, give a verbal account; see also discuss, report 2.
To relate in detail
report, narrate, relate, recount, expatiate, enumerate, enlarge on, describe, account for, give an account of, explain, impart, convey, quote, communicate, utter, state, tell, mention, retell, picture, delineate, portray; see also describe, narrate, tell 1.

recite Usage Examples

Object

litany: My aim in reciting this litany -- which could be extended indefinitely -- is not to tell you what choices you should make.
incantation: The apprentice then had to close his ( or her ) eyes and recite an incantation.
mantra: I have recited the mantra for one whole year " .
rosary: Whoever shall recite the Rosary devoutly, applying himself to the consideration of its sacred mysteries shall never be conquered by misfortune.
creed: Or did he have a greater experience of the Holy, than many who piously recite the creeds?
verse: No sooner did the apostle of Allah recited a verse than a knot loosened.

Preposition: at

Adjective complement

Modifying Another Word

aloud: Here's how: you cover your notes, then recite aloud the covered material.
quietly: He began quietly reciting verses in Arabic, pausing occasionally to spit lightly on the boy's head.
merely: What is the use of merely reciting the written parts for the drum?
simply: He simply recited what was put into his mouth, without any input of his own.
daily: Bahá'u'lláh revealed an Obligatory prayer, which Bahá'ís should recite daily.
then: Here's how: you cover your notes, then recite aloud the covered material.

Used with why or when

what: He simply recited what was put into his mouth, without any input of his own.

Preposition: in

name: Now the first Sura revealed to Mahomet was the 96th, Recite in the name of the Lord, &c.
public: He used it first to cure himself of a habit of throwing his head back when reciting in public.

Preposition: from

memory: Each student had to recite from memory a Burn's poem of their own choice to a team of three judges.
book: They loved to hear him talk, sing, or recite from the holy books.

Preposition: by

heart: There is one Surah ( Chapter 112 ) which even a seven year old child would recite by heart.

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