'recite' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'recitare,' where 're-' meant 'again' and 'citare' meant 'to summon or call.'

'recitare' transformed into the Old French word 'reciter,' and eventually became the modern English word 'recite' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to call or summon again,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to repeat aloud from memory.'