recita

Recita is a feminine noun in Italian with two closely related senses. It commonly denotes a short dramatic or musical performance, especially in educational or community settings. It can also refer to the act of reciting a text aloud, such as a poem, a prayer, or a chant. In everyday use, phrases like una recita scolastica (a school play) or la recita di Natale (the Christmas nativity play) illustrate the performance sense, while la recita di una poesia or la recita del rosario illustrate the recitation sense.

Etymology and usage progressively connect the noun to the verb recitare, from which it ultimately derives. Recitare means to perform, act, or recite, and recita serves as its nominalized form in everyday Italian. The word is used primarily in domestic and educational contexts, but may also appear in religious or ceremonial language to indicate the recital of prayers or liturgical texts.

As a verb form, recita also appears as the third-person singular present indicative of recitare (he/she recites). It can also occur as the informal singular imperative recita, meaning “Recite!” when addressing someone directly.

In summary, recita centers on performance and recitation, embodying both the act of presenting a piece of drama and the act of delivering words from a text aloud. Its usage spans school activities, religious practices, and everyday descriptions of any recited material.