recitation
UK: ˌresɪˈteɪʃn | US: ˌresɪˈteɪʃn
n. the act of reciting something from memory, often in a formal or public setting
n. a detailed account or repetition of facts, events, or ideas
n. (education) a classroom session where students repeat or explain learned material
recitation = re<again> + cit<call> + ation<noun suffix>
- re: Prefix meaning "again" (from Latin re-).
- cit: Root meaning "to call" or "to summon" (from Latin citare, derived from ciere "to set in motion").
- ation: Noun-forming suffix indicating an action or process (from Latin -atio).
Etymology Origin:
The word recitation traces back to Latin recitatio ("a public reading"), from recitare ("to read aloud, repeat"). The root cit (as in cite, excite) originally conveyed the idea of "calling forth," which evolved into the modern sense of verbal repetition or performance. The prefix re- emphasizes repetition, aligning with its educational and performative uses today.
She gave a flawless recitation of the poem at the competition.
The professor’s recitation of historical dates impressed the class.
Daily recitation of vocabulary helps improve language retention.
His recitation of the legal text revealed his deep understanding.
The monk’s morning recitation of prayers was a calming ritual.