recounted
UK[rɪˈkaʊntɪd]US[rɪˈkaʊntɪd]
v
to tell someone about something, especially in detail
v
to count something again
Morpheme Breakdown
re
count
ed
re
again
count
number, relate
ed
verb suffix
Etymology
the verb 'recount' is built upon the latin root 'computare', which meant both to calculate and to think over or consider, a semantic duality preserved in english. the prefix 're-', meaning "again", was attached to the anglo-french derivative 'conter' (to tell, count). this combination created a word that logically means to "tell again" or "count again". over time, 'recounted' specialized in english to primarily signify the detailed narration of events, while retaining the secondary, more literal meaning of enumerating items a second time.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + count (number, relate) + ed (verb suffix)
- re: latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back".
- count: latin origin (via anglo-french), from 'computare' meaning "to sum up, calculate, or relate a story". in this word, it carries the dual sense of numbering and narrating.
- ed: old english origin, a suffix used to form the past tense and past participle of regular verbs.
Examples
she recounted the story of her adventure with great enthusiasm.
the votes had to be recounted due to a narrow margin.
he calmly recounted the sequence of events to the police officer.