Recounted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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recounted

[rษชหˆkaสŠntษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

in storytelling

Telling someone about something that happened in the past. Recounted stories can be based on personal experiences, historical events, or fictional tales. It involves narrating events in a sequential manner to convey a specific message or entertain the audience.

Synonyms

narrate, recount, relate, tell.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
recounted

The same as the first entry 'recounted' because it was duplicated.

  • She recounted her stories from childhood dinners
  • The witness recounted the incident to the police
narrate

Often used when talking about providing a spoken commentary for a film, story, or documentary. Frequently used in a formal or structured setting.

  • Morgan Freeman is often hired to narrate documentaries
  • She will narrate the new audiobook
recount

Similar to 'recounted', but generally used in present tense, focusing on detailed description of past events.

  • He will recount his adventures in the Amazon
  • Please recount everything that happened at the meeting
relate

Generally used when someone is explaining how two situations or concepts are connected, or describing their understanding of someone's experience. Could also be used in a formal context to tell a story.

  • Can you relate your experience to what happened today? He relates much better to children due to his teaching background
tell

Commonly used in everyday conversation and is more general. Involves informing or giving an account of something to someone else. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • Can you tell me the story of how you met? She told her friends about her new job

Examples of usage

  • He recounted the thrilling adventure he had while traveling in South America.
  • She recounted the details of the meeting with such precision that it felt like we were there.
  • The historian recounted the events leading up to the war with great clarity.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Many famous novels and plays use recounting as a technique to reveal characters' pasts, enhancing the narrative.
  • Fiction often uses a narrator to recount events, creating an emotional connection between the reader and the story.
  • Recounting past events can lead to introspection and deeper understanding for both characters and readers.

Psychology

  • People often recount memories differently based on their feelings at the time of the event, showing how emotions influence memory.
  • The act of recounting experiences can aid in processing trauma, promoting healing through verbalization.
  • Recounting is a key method used in therapeutic settings to help individuals understand and reframe their experiences.

Cultural Practices

  • Storytelling traditions around the world often involve recounting historical events, ensuring cultural heritage is passed down.
  • In some cultures, elders recount tales to teach moral lessons, preserving wisdom for younger generations.
  • Festivals often include recounting significant historical or mythical events to strengthen community bonds and identity.

Media and Communication

  • Journalism frequently involves recounting facts and events for reliable reporting, shaping public perception.
  • Podcasts and documentaries often feature individuals recounting personal stories or historical events for educational purposes.
  • Social media has popularized the practice of recounting everyday experiences in a more relatable and engaging way.

Origin of 'recounted'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Recounted' comes from the prefix 're-' meaning 'again' and 'counted', which also hints at telling or narrating events anew.
  • The word has been used in English since the late 14th century, reflecting the longstanding tradition of storytelling.
  • Related terms include 'recount', which maintains the focus on narrating events in storytelling contexts.

The word 'recounted' originated from the Old French word 'reconter' which means 'to relate, recount'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century during the Middle English period. Over time, 'recounted' has been used in various literary works, speeches, and everyday conversations to describe the act of narrating past events or stories.


See also: count, countable, countenance, counter, counting, countless, county, discount, encounter, recount, uncountable.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,605, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.