noun

recitation

res-ih-TAY-shun/ˌresɪˈteɪʃn/

The speaking aloud of prepared or memorized material.

Her clear recitation of the poem holds everyone's attention.

A school student stands upright reciting a poem from memory, empty hands, closed book on desk.

Etymology

reLatinback; again

+citaLatinsummon

+tionLatinact or process

Re- ('again') and citare ('summon') combine in recitare, meaning 'read aloud' or 'repeat from memory.' The noun's memory sense developed from the broader practice of reading or reciting aloud.

In context

It's True Crime0:38

People are messy. They forget things. They make tiny errors. This guy, his story was a flawless recitation. Like he'd memorized a script.

When A Perfect Alibi Becomes The Perfect Evidence | True Crime

More examples

The children practice their recitations before the assembly.
His speech is little more than a recitation of familiar facts.
Daily recitation helps me memorize the verses.

Forms

recitation · recitations

recite verb — Say prepared or memorized material aloud.

Similar words

reading: Emphasizes speaking from written text, not necessarily from memory.
declamation: Emphasizes forceful, dramatic speaking, often for an audience.