Definition
Recitation refers to the act of orally reciting or repeating something, such as a poem, speech, or lesson.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Noun
Synonyms
Declamation, delivery, rendition, narration, reading
Antonyms
Improvisation, extemporization
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | recital, recitation, recitalists, recitals, recitalist, recitations |
| Verb | recites, recited, recite, reciting |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The student impressed his teacher with his flawless recitation of the Shakespearean sonnet.
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The religious ceremony involved the recitation of sacred verses from the holy book.
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The public speaking coach emphasized the importance of clear and confident recitation in delivering a speech.
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The poetry recitation contest drew a large audience of literature enthusiasts.
Usage
Recitation is often associated with memorization and repetition. In educational settings, recitation is a common method used to help students remember and understand material. In some traditional classrooms, teachers may call on students to recite memorized passages or answer questions out loud to reinforce concepts. Recitation can also be used as a performance art form, such as in poetry slams, where individuals compete to recite their own original or pre-existing works.
Recitation can be done in a variety of settings, from formal ceremonies to casual gatherings. Religious rituals often involve recitation of prayers, hymns, or verses from sacred texts. In theater and film, actors may recite lines from a script, while public speakers may recite speeches or presentations.
The word “recitation” comes from the Latin word “recitare,” which means “to read out loud.” The suffix “-tion” is used to indicate a process or action, and is often added to verbs to create nouns. In this case, the noun “recitation” refers to the action of reciting or reading out loud.
Overall, recitation is an important aspect of human communication and education, as it allows us to share ideas, stories, and knowledge with others through the power of oral expression.