B1verbeducationlanguage
US/rɪˈsaɪt/
UK/rɪˈsaɪt/
to say aloud something you have learned by heart, such as a poem
In context
Each student had to recite a short poem in front of the class.
My grandfather can still recite the whole poem from memory.
He recited the names of all the planets without a single mistake.
Words that go with recite
verb + noun
- recite a poemShe recited a poem at the ceremony.
- recite the alphabetThe toddler can recite the alphabet.
- recite a listThe clerk recited a list of rules.
- recite a prayerThey recited a prayer before the meal.
verb + preposition
- recite from memoryHe recited the speech from memory.
- be asked to recitePupils were asked to recite their times tables.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
She recited me a poem.Correct: She recited a poem to me.