Meaning
To recite means to say aloud something that has been learned or memorized, such as a poem, list, or speech. It can also mean to list or mention things one by one.
Grammar and Usage
- Part of speech: Verb (transitive or intransitive)
- Transitive: “recite something” (to say something from memory)
- Intransitive: “recite” (to perform or repeat words aloud)
Common patterns:
- recite + poem / speech / prayer / story
- recite something from memory
- recite something to someone
Example structure:
[Subject] + recite + [object] + (from memory / to someone)
Common Phrases
- recite a poem – to say a poem aloud from memory
- recite from memory – to recall and speak something without reading
- recite the alphabet – to say each letter in order
- recite the Quran / Bible verses – to speak religious texts aloud
- recite a list of names – to mention names one after another
Collocations
- recite fluently / beautifully / perfectly
- recite lines / verses / prayers / formulas / facts
- recite to the class / audience / teacher
Examples
- The child recited a poem at the school festival.
- She can recite all the U.S. presidents in order.
- He recited the prayer softly before going to bed.
- The student nervously recited her lines on stage.
- The witness recited the events of that night in detail.
- We were asked to recite a short passage from memory.
- The monk recited a verse from the scriptures.
- He recited the alphabet backward just for fun.
Synonyms or Related
- repeat
- deliver
- rehearse
- enumerate
- chant
Antonym
- forget
- ignore
- silence