recitation
gb/ɹˌɛsɪtˈeɪʃən/ us/ɹˌɛsɪtˈeɪʃən/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
action
1
saying something aloud from memory
Saying a text out loud, often from memory.
Usage pattern:
recitation of [text]
Common mistake:
Often confused with citation (a reference to a source).
Synonyms
rote repetition (Emphasizes repeating without deep understanding.)
|
memorized speech (Highlights that the words are learned in advance.)
Antonyms
improvisation (Speaking without a prepared text or memorization.)
Collocations
a recitation of a poem
|a recitation of the Lord's Prayer
|memorize for recitation
|oral recitation
|a perfect recitation
|a stumbling recitation
|practice recitation
|recitation skills
|recitation competition
|recitation from memory
Themes
education
|language
|performance
Examples
- Her recitation of the poem was clear and confident.
- The children practiced their recitation every afternoon.
- He forgot a line during the recitation and had to start again.
Learner examples
- I have a recitation tomorrow in class.
- She practiced her recitation at home.
Noun
C1
event
2
public performance of spoken text
A public event where someone reads or says a text aloud.
Usage pattern:
a recitation of [poems/stories] (at/in [place])
Common mistake:
Do not confuse with recital, which is especially common for music performances.
Synonyms
reading (More general; may not imply memorization or performance style.)
|
performance (Broader; can include acting or staging beyond spoken delivery.)
Antonyms
silent reading (Reading to yourself rather than aloud for an audience.)
Collocations
a poetry recitation
|a dramatic recitation
|a public recitation
|an evening recitation
|a recitation performance
|a recitation at the festival
|a recitation by a guest speaker
|a recitation of Shakespeare
|a recitation of excerpts
|attend a recitation
Themes
arts
|performance
|culture
Examples
- The library hosted a recitation of classic poems.
- Her recitation of the monologue brought the audience to tears.
- We went to an outdoor recitation in the park.
Learner examples
- We watched a recitation at school.
- He gave a recitation on stage.
Noun
C1
event
3
class meeting for oral answers
A class meeting where students give spoken answers or practice material.
Usage pattern:
in/at recitation; a recitation for [course]
Common mistake:
In many universities, recitation is separate from lecture; learners may assume it means a performance.
Synonyms
discussion section (Common university term; emphasizes discussion more than reciting.)
|
tutorial (Often smaller-group teaching; not necessarily based on reciting.)
Antonyms
lecture (Mainly one-way teaching rather than student participation.)
Collocations
go to recitation
|miss recitation
|recitation section
|recitation class
|weekly recitation
|math recitation
|chemistry recitation
|recitation instructor
|recitation leader
|recitation attendance
Themes
education
|university
Examples
- We cover problem sets in recitation on Fridays.
- She missed recitation, so she didn’t know about the quiz.
- Ask the TA during recitation if you’re stuck on the homework.
Learner examples
- I have recitation after the lecture.
- Recitation helps me practice the problems.
Noun
formal
C2
abstract
4
formal listing of facts or terms
A formal list of details in speech or writing.
Usage pattern:
a recitation of [facts/events/terms]
Common mistake:
In this sense, recitation does not mean a performance; it means a detailed listing.
Synonyms
account (More general; may include interpretation, not just listing.)
|
statement (Neutral term; does not always imply a detailed list.)
Antonyms
summary (A condensed version rather than a detailed listing.)
Collocations
a recitation of facts
|a recitation of events
|a recitation of terms
|a lengthy recitation
|a detailed recitation
|a brief recitation
|a recitation in the contract
|a recitation in the report
|a recitation of the background
|mere recitation
Themes
writing
|law
|business
Examples
- The report began with a recitation of the key facts.
- The judge rejected the motion as a mere recitation of allegations.
- The contract includes a recitation of the parties’ responsibilities.
Grammar
Dictionary form
recitation
IPA
GB/ɹˌɛsɪtˈeɪʃən/
US/ɹˌɛsɪtˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
re - cit - a - tion (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (a)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: recitation
- Plural: recitation, recitations
Expressions
recitation class
1/ɹˌɛsɪtˈeɪʃən klˈæs/
fixed phrase
class focused on oral practice
A class where students say answers or practice material aloud.
Examples
- The course has two lectures and one recitation class each week.
- In recitation class, students present their solutions at the board.
- The teacher used recitation class to review the chapter.
recitation section
1/ɹˌɛsɪtˈeɪʃən sˈɛkʃən/
fixed phrase
small class linked to lecture
A small class where you practice what you learned in lecture.
Examples
- My recitation section meets on Wednesdays with the TA.
- You can switch to a different recitation section if there’s space.
- We solve extra problems in recitation section after the lecture.