rə̇ˈsīt, rēˈ-, usu -īd.+V verb
Etymology: Middle English reciten, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French reciter to narrate, recite, from Latin recitare to read aloud, repeat from memory, recite, from re- + citare to call, cite — more at cite
transitive verb
1. : to state formally in a deed or legal document
all representations and agreements required by this section shall be recited in the instrument of transfer — U.S. Code
2. : to repeat from memory or read aloud especially before an audience
still sing the folksongs and recite the charms of their childhood — American Guide Series: Minnesota
recited ballads in public — W.P.Eaton
recited his poems from manuscript
3.
a. : to give a detailed narration of : relate in full
the other gabblers who recite dull anecdotes, in fullest detail, of relatives and friends unknown to the hearer — Sophie Kerr
b. : to list in detail : set out : enumerate
recited with indignation … a catalog of illegalities and atrocities — F.L.Paxson
4. : to repeat or answer questions about (a school assignment or lesson)
could only recite what they had copied from the blackboard — Americas
intransitive verb
1. : to repeat or read aloud especially before an audience something memorized or prepared
who recites aloud with a dramatic art that she has made her own — H.V.Gregory
2. : to reply to a teacher's question on a lesson or assignment
the teacher called on him to recite
Synonyms: see relate