verb B1 Intermediate Uncommon

recite

rih-SYT

Recite (verb) means to say a piece of writing aloud from memory, often to an audience. Example: “The child recited the alphabet perfectly.”

verb

To say a piece of writing aloud from memory, often to an audience.

"The child recited the alphabet perfectly."

"He can recite entire scenes from his favorite film."

To list or state a series of facts one by one.

"She recited all the reasons the plan wouldn't work."

How to Use Recite

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo say something (usually memorized) out loud, or to list things one after another.

Common pairings

recite a poem recite from memory recite the facts

Word Forms

recited past tense, recites singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The child _____ the alphabet perfectly.

Etymology

From Old French reciter, from Latin recitare, "to read out" — built from re- ("again") and citare ("to summon, call out").

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for recite

rite bite lite kite cite mite site Vite white write trite smite

See all rhymes for recite →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “recite” mean?

The word “recite” means to say a piece of writing aloud from memory, often to an audience. In plain terms, to say something (usually memorized) out loud, or to list things one after another.

How do you pronounce “recite”?

“Recite” is pronounced rih-SYT (/ɹɪˈsaɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “recite” in a sentence?

Here is “recite” used in a sentence: “The child recited the alphabet perfectly.”

What part of speech is “recite”?

“Recite” is a verb.

Where does the word “recite” come from?

The word “recite” comes from Latin. From Old French reciter, from Latin recitare, "to read out" — built from re- ("again") and citare ("to summon, call out").

Is “recite” a common word?

“Recite” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “recite” have?

“Recite” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to say a piece of writing aloud from memory, often to an audience.