Word
recite
Phoneticsre·cite, stress on the second syllable
US/ɹəˈsaɪt/
UK/ɹɪsˈaɪt/
Definitions
01to say from memory
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to say a poem, story, or prayer out loud after you have learned it by heart.
v. to repeat a memorized text aloud, typically for an audience or as part of a ritual.
“The young girl stood up and recited a short poem for her grandparents.”
“Each student was required to recite a passage from Shakespeare, focusing on clear articulation and emotional resonance.”
02to list facts
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to say a list of things or facts one by one.
v. to enumerate or list a series of items, events, or facts in a systematic way.
“He could recite the names of every king and queen in history.”
“The witness proceeded to recite a long list of grievances, detailing every interaction with the defendant over the past three years.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and typically takes a direct object representing the text or information being spoken.
Real-World Examples
“He recited his home address," Mr Holt told jurors.” “They’re going to feel pretty silly someday when a stranger stops us on the street and asks if we can recite the first 20 digits of pi.” Etymology
From Middle English reciten, from Old French reciter, from Latin recitō.
From re- + cite.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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