What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
recount
Example
She recounted her experience of traveling to Europe last summer. [recounted: verb]
Example
He gave a detailed recount of the events leading up to the accident. [recount: noun]
recite
Example
The student recited a poem in front of the class. [recited: verb]
Example
She had to recite the multiplication table in front of the teacher. [recite: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Recite is more commonly used than recount in everyday language. Recite is often used in academic or religious contexts, while recount is less common and used more in storytelling or personal narratives.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between recount and recite?
Recite is typically associated with a more formal tone, while recount is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.