WordGarden.iorecount
A2Pronunciation
UK
US
- /ˌriˈkaʊnt/
Meanings
Verb
to tell or describe what happened
to count votes again to check an election result
Noun
a second counting of votes to verify an election result
Beyond the definition
Imagine your grandmother asking about your day. When you recount it for her, you're not just saying "It was good!" You're telling her the whole story—what happened, in what order, with all the little details that made it special (or maybe a bit chaotic!).
To recount something is to tell it as a story, often from memory. A witness might recount events to the police, carefully describing everything they saw. Historians recount past events based on evidence and research. It's more than just listing facts; it's about putting them into a clear story. The word can also mean counting something again, such as votes in an election.
To recount means to tell someone about something that happened, usually in detail and often from memory. It implies a narrative—a telling of events in the order they occurred. For example: "The journalist recounted the harrowing experience of being trapped in the earthquake," or "She recounted her childhood summers spent at the beach."
Recount isn't just about relaying information; it's about how you tell it. It suggests a careful and thorough retelling, often with attention to specific details. A detective might ask a witness to recount their movements on the night of the crime, seeking a precise account. Historians recount past events by piecing together evidence and creating a coherent narrative.
Interestingly, recount also has a more specific meaning in political contexts. It refers to the act of re-examining ballots to verify election results. "The losing candidate requested a recount of the votes" means they wanted the ballots counted again to ensure accuracy.
So whether you're sharing a personal story, reporting on events, or verifying an election outcome, recount is about carefully and thoroughly telling—or re-telling—what happened. It's bringing the past back to life through words.
Examples
- 1
Personal conversation
She recounted the whole conversation to her sister on the walk home.
- 2
Court testimony
In court, the witness recounted how the fire had started.
- 3
Military stories
He loves to recount stories from his time in the army.
- 4
Documentary
The documentary recounts the rise and fall of the company.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Election challenge
When the result was close, the losing side demanded a recount.
- 6
Election result
The recount confirmed that the mayor had won by just 43 votes.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- recountnounverb
Forms
- recountspluralnounverb
- recountedpast tenseverbnoun
- recounting-ing formverbnoun