n.
Pronunciation: ˌ re-s ə -t ə - ' t ē v, ˌ res-t ə -
Function: noun
Etymology: Italian recitativo, from recitare to recite, from L
Date: 1656
1 : a rhythmically free vocal style that imitates the natural inflections of speech and that is used for dialogue and narrative in operas and oratorios also : a passage to be delivered in this style
2 : RECITATION 2
– recitative adjective