Recite, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Recited; p. pr. & vb. n. Reciting.]
Etymology: [F. réciter, fr. L. recitare, recitatum; pref. re- re- + citare to call or name, to cite. See Cite.]
1. To repeat, as something already prepared, written down, committed to memory, or the like; to deliver from a written or printed document, or from recollection; to rehearse; as, to recite the words of an author, or of a deed or covenant.
2. To tell over; to go over in particulars; to relate; to narrate; as, to recite past events; to recite the particulars of a voyage.
3. To rehearse, as a lesson to an instructor.
4. (Law)
2 more senses
To state in or as a recital. See Recital, 5.
Syn. -- To rehearse; narrate; relate; recount; describe; recapitulate; detail; number; count.
2 other Webster entries under this spelling
Recite, v. i.
To repeat, pronounce, or rehearse, as before an audience, something prepared or committed to memory; to rehearse a lesson learned.
Recite, n.
A recital. [Obs.] Sir W. Temple.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for recite; he lists it under quote.
Where he writes about it:
To recite or repeat is usually to quote orally, tho recite is applied in legal phrase to a particular statement of facts which is not a quotation; a kindred use obtains in ordinary speech; as, to recite one's misfortunes. — from quote