raffish
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C2 adjective /ˈræfɪʃ/

raffish

Meaning
unconventional and slightly disreputable but attractive
Example
He had a raffish charm that made him popular in the city.
C2 adjective /ˈrɛstɪv/

restive

Meaning
unable to stay still or silent; restless and impatient
Example
The crowd grew restive as they waited for the concert to begin.
C2 noun /ˌrækənˈtɜːr/

Raconteur

Meaning
a person who tells anecdotes in a skillful and amusing way
Example
The old man was a gifted raconteur who entertained everyone with his stories.
C2 verb (archaic/rare) /rɛk/

reck

Meaning
To care about or be concerned with (something); to have regard for.
Example
He does not reck the dangers of his actions.
C2 noun /ˈrɛk.tɪ.tjuːd/

rectitude

Meaning
Morally correct behavior or thinking; righteousness and integrity.
Example
His rectitude earned him respect in society.
C2 noun /ˌrɛtroʊˈɡrɛʃən/

retrogression

Meaning
a return to a worse or less developed state
Example
The country experienced economic retrogression after the crisis.
C2 verb /ˌriːkruːˈdɛs/

recrudesce

Meaning
to break out or appear again after a period of dormancy or decline
Example
After months of calm, violence recrudesced in the region.
C2 adjective /roʊn/

roan

Meaning
denoting an animal, especially a horse, having a coat of mixed colors, typically reddish-brown and white
Example
The rider mounted a roan horse with a speckled coat.
C2 noun /ˈruː.mɪ.nənt/

ruminant

Meaning
a cud-chewing mammal, such as a cow or sheep
Example
Cows are ruminants that chew cud.
C2 noun /ˈræʃənəlɪzəm/

rationalism

Meaning
a belief or theory that opinions and actions should be based on reason and knowledge rather than religious belief or emotion
Example
Rationalism emphasizes logic and reasoning over faith.
C2 noun /ˈreɪdɪks/

radix

Meaning
the base or root of something; the number on which a system of numeration is built
Example
In mathematics, the decimal system has a radix of ten.
C2 noun /ˈræpsədi/

rhapsody

Meaning
an expression of great enthusiasm or an epic musical composition
Example
The singer’s performance was a rhapsody of emotions.
C2 adjective /rɪˈfræktəri/

refractory

Meaning
Stubborn or resistant to control, authority, or treatment.
Example
The refractory child refused to follow the teacher's instructions.
C2 noun /rɪˈdʒɔɪndər/

rejoinder

Meaning
a quick or witty reply; a response to a remark or argument
Example
His sharp rejoinder silenced the crowd.
C2 noun /rɪˈpæst/

repast

Meaning
A meal or the food eaten during a meal.
Example
They enjoyed a delicious repast by the riverside.
C2 noun /ˈreɪləri/

raillery

Meaning
good-humored teasing or joking
Example
Their friendship was full of light-hearted raillery.
C2 noun /rɪˈfræk.tər/

refractor

Meaning
A type of telescope that uses lenses to focus light.
Example
Refractor telescopes use lenses to focus light.
C2 noun /rɪˈkɒɡnɪzəns/

recognizance

Meaning
A legal obligation or bond entered into before a court, especially to ensure future appearance.
Example
He was released on his own recognizance.
C2 adjective rɪˈtɛn.tɪv

retentive

Meaning
Having strong memory or the ability to retain information for a long time.
Example
Students with a retentive memory excel in academics.
C2 noun /ræpˈskæliən/

rapscallion

Meaning
A mischievous or cheeky person; a rascal.
Example
The little rapscallion hid his brother’s shoes as a prank.
C2 noun /roʊˈtʌn.də/

rotunda

Meaning
a large circular building or hall, often with a dome
Example
Tourists gathered inside the grand rotunda of the capitol.
C2 noun /ˌrep.ɑːˈtiː/

Repartee

Meaning
conversation or speech characterized by quick, witty comments or replies
Example
The dinner party was filled with brilliant repartee between the guests.
C2 noun /ˌræproʊʃˈmɑːn/

rapprochement

Meaning
The establishment or resumption of harmonious relations.
Example
The two countries signed an agreement that marked a new rapprochement.
C2 noun /ˈriːdʒənt/

regent

Meaning
a person who rules in place of a monarch when the monarch is absent or too young
Example
The prince acted as regent until the king came of age.
C2 noun /rɪˈɡætə/

regatta

Meaning
A sporting event consisting of a series of boat or yacht races.
Example
The annual regatta attracted competitors from around the world.
C2 noun /rɪˈfrækʃən/

refraction

Meaning
The bending of light, sound, or other waves when they pass from one medium to another of different density.
Example
The refraction of light in water makes objects appear bent.
C2 verb /ˈræpsəˌdaɪz/

rhapsodize

Meaning
to speak or write with great enthusiasm and admiration
Example
He would often rhapsodize about his travels to Europe.
C2 adjective /rɪˈsplɛndənt/

resplendent

Meaning
Shining brilliantly; dazzling in appearance or effect
Example
The bride looked resplendent in her wedding gown.
C2 noun /rɪˈmɒnstrəns/

remonstrance

Meaning
A forceful protest or objection.
Example
The workers’ remonstrance against unfair treatment was ignored.
C2 noun, adjective, verb /ˈrɛprəˌbeɪt/

reprobate

Meaning
A person of immoral character; to express disapproval of; morally corrupt.
Example
The old reprobate spent his days gambling and drinking.
C2 adjective /rɪˈkʌmbənt/

recumbent

Meaning
lying down or in a resting position
Example
He was found recumbent on the sofa after a long day.
C2 noun /ˈrɛv.ər.i/

reverie

Meaning
A state of being pleasantly lost in one's thoughts; a daydream.
Example
Lost in reverie, he didn't hear his name being called.
C2 verb /rɔɪl/

roil

Meaning
to make a liquid muddy or disturbed; to cause agitation or disorder
Example
The constant protests roiled the city streets.
C2 verb /ˌriː.kəˈpɪtʃ.ə.leɪt/

recapitulate

Meaning
To summarize and state again the main points of something.
Example
The teacher asked the student to recapitulate the lesson.
C2 verb /rɪˈtrɛntʃ/

retrench

Meaning
to reduce costs, spending, or staff to save resources
Example
The company had to retrench employees due to financial difficulties.
C2 noun /ˈræp.aɪn/

rapine

Meaning
the violent seizure of someone's property
Example
The war was marked by rapine and destruction.
C2 noun /ˈrɛkluːsəri/

reclusory

Meaning
A place for seclusion or retreat, especially for a recluse or hermit.
Example
The monk spent years in the reclusory away from society.
C2 verb /rɪˈmɒnstreɪt/

remonstrate

Meaning
To make a forceful protest or objection.
Example
Citizens remonstrated against the new tax policy.
C2 verb /ˌriː.kəˈnɔɪ.tər/

reconnoiter

Meaning
to make a preliminary inspection or survey, especially of an area for military or strategic purposes
Example
The soldiers reconnoitered the area before advancing.
C2 noun /ˈræɡəmʌfɪn/

ragamuffin

Meaning
A person, typically a child, in ragged, dirty clothes.
Example
The little ragamuffin begged for food on the street.
C2 verb /rɪˈɡeɪl/

regale

Meaning
To entertain or amuse someone with stories, food, or drink.
Example
He regaled us with stories of his travels around the world.
C2 adjective /ˈrɛkriənt/

recreant

Meaning
cowardly or unfaithful to duty
Example
The recreant soldier abandoned his post in fear.
C2 verb /ˈrɔɪstər/

roister

Meaning
to revel noisily; to engage in loud, boisterous celebration
Example
The fans roistered in the streets after the victory.
C2 adjective /rəˈkoʊkoʊ/

rococo

Meaning
characterized by ornate detail and elaborate decoration, especially in art, architecture, and design
Example
The palace was decorated in a lavish rococo style.
C2 verb /raɪv/

rive

Meaning
to tear apart violently
Example
The earthquake rived the ground in several places.
C2 adjective /ˈroʊziət/

roseate

Meaning
Having a pink color; optimistic or idealistic.
Example
She looked at the future with roseate optimism.
C2 noun /riːm/

ream

Meaning
A large quantity of paper (typically 500 sheets); informally, a large amount of something.
Example
The office ordered ten reams of paper.
C2 adjective /ræpˈtɔːriəl/

raptorial

Meaning
Relating to birds of prey or predatory behavior.
Example
The eagle is a raptorial bird with sharp talons.
C2 adjective /ˈrɛd.ələnt/

redolent

Meaning
having a strong pleasant smell; strongly reminiscent or suggestive of something
Example
The kitchen was redolent of spices and fresh herbs.
C2 noun /rɪˈpruːf/

reproof

Meaning
An expression of blame or disapproval.
Example
His careless words drew a sharp reproof from his mother.
C2 noun /ˈrɛkjʊzənt/

recusant

Meaning
a person who refuses to submit to authority or comply with rules
Example
The recusant opposed the new law.
C2 adjective /ˌriːkruːˈdɛsənt/

recrudescent

Meaning
reviving or breaking out again after a period of abatement
Example
Recrudescent tensions threatened the fragile ceasefire.
C2 noun /ˈrɛdʒɪsaɪd/

regicide

Meaning
the act of killing a king
Example
The conspirators were executed for committing regicide.
C2 adjective /ˈrɛkənˌdaɪt/ or /ˈrɛkəndaɪt/

recondite

Meaning
Little known or difficult to understand.
Example
The professor’s lecture was full of recondite theories.
C2 noun /rɪˈvaɪ.zəl/

revisal

Meaning
The act of revising, reviewing, or making changes to something.
Example
The revisal of the contract took longer than expected.
C2 adjective /rɪˈfrɪndʒənt/

refringent

Meaning
Capable of refracting light or other waves.
Example
The refringent properties of the crystal bent the light into a spectrum.
C2 noun /ˈrɪp.lɪt/

ripplet

Meaning
a small or tiny ripple
Example
Tiny ripplets appeared on the lake as the fish moved.
C2 verb /ˈrʌmpəl/

rumple

Meaning
to make something untidy or wrinkled by creasing or crumpling
Example
She accidentally rumpled her dress while packing.
C2 noun /ˌrɛprɪˈhɛnʃən/

reprehension

Meaning
The act of rebuking or criticizing severely.
Example
The teacher’s reprehension of the student’s behavior was justified.
C2 noun /rɪˌdʒuːvəˈnɛsəns/

rejuvenescence

Meaning
the action or process of becoming young or fresh again
Example
The forest showed signs of rejuvenescence after the rains.
C2 verb /rɪˈkænt/

recant

Meaning
to withdraw or renounce a statement or belief formally
Example
He recanted his previous statement in court.
C2 noun /rɪˈpoʊst/

riposte

Meaning
a quick and clever reply to criticism or an insult
Example
Her sharp riposte left everyone in silence.
C2 adjective /rɪˈtɪkjʊlət/

reticulate

Meaning
Having a net-like pattern or structure.
Example
The leaf had a reticulate pattern of veins.
C2 verb /rɛtʃ/

retch

Meaning
to make the sound and movement of vomiting without bringing anything up
Example
The smell of spoiled food made him retch violently.
C2 verb /ˈræm.ɪ.faɪ/

ramify

Meaning
to spread or branch out into divisions or subdivisions.
Example
The river ramifies into several smaller streams.
C2 adjective /ˈrɛkənˌsaɪləbl̩/

reconcilable

Meaning
Capable of being resolved or made consistent.
Example
Their differences are reconcilable with honest communication.
C2 adjective /ˈræŋ.kər.əs/

rancorous

Meaning
Characterized by bitterness or resentment.
Example
Their rancorous debate lasted for hours.
C2 noun /ˈrɛkwiəm/

requiem

Meaning
A mass, music, or ceremony for the repose of the souls of the dead.
Example
The choir performed a requiem in memory of the late leader.
C2 noun /ˈrɛvəlri/

revelry

Meaning
Lively and noisy festivities, especially involving drinking and dancing.
Example
The sound of revelry could be heard throughout the night.
C2 adjective /ˈrɪz.ə.bəl/

risible

Meaning
so absurd or ridiculous that it deserves to be laughed at
Example
The idea of flying pigs is completely risible.
C2 noun /ˈræŋ.kər/

rancor

Meaning
A feeling of deep and bitter anger or resentment.
Example
There was a rancor between the two rivals that never faded.
C2 noun /ˌriːkruːˈdɛsəns/

recrudescence

Meaning
a new outbreak or revival of something that had subsided, especially an undesirable condition
Example
Health officials warned of a recrudescence of measles in several districts.
C2 adjective /rɪˈprɛsəbl̩/

repressible

Meaning
Capable of being restrained or suppressed.
Example
The movement proved to be hardly repressible.
C2 noun /red ˌəʊ.liˈæn.dər/

Red oleander

Meaning
a poisonous flowering shrub with bright red or pink flowers
Example
The red oleander blooms throughout the summer months.
C2 noun /rɪˈpʌɡ.nəns/

repugnance

Meaning
intense disgust or strong aversion towards something
Example
She felt deep repugnance at the cruelty of the act.
C2 verb /ˌrɛprɪˈhɛnd/

reprehend

Meaning
to express disapproval or criticism of someone or something
Example
The teacher reprehended the student for being dishonest.
C2 adjective /rɪˈdjuːsəbl̩/

reducible

Meaning
capable of being simplified, lessened, or made smaller
Example
The problem is complex but reducible to a few basic principles.
C2 adjective /rɪˈflɛksəbl/

reflexible

Meaning
Capable of being reflected or bent back.
Example
The surface was highly reflexible, bouncing light in different directions.
C2 adjective /ˈrɪbɔːld/

ribald

Meaning
Referring to sexual matters in a humorous or vulgar way.
Example
The comedian’s ribald jokes made the audience laugh uncomfortably.
C2 adjective /ˈrʌdi/

ruddy

Meaning
Having a healthy red color in the face.
Example
She had a ruddy complexion from working outdoors.
C2 verb /ruː/

rue

Meaning
To feel regret or sorrow about something.
Example
She will rue the day she trusted him.
C2 noun /rɪˈsɪʒən/

rescission

Meaning
the cancellation or annulment of a law, contract, or agreement
Example
The rescission of the contract left both parties disappointed.
C2 noun /ˈrɛd.ə.ləns/

redolence

Meaning
a pleasant smell or the quality of suggesting something strongly
Example
The redolence of jasmine filled the evening air.
C2 adjective /ˈruːmi/

rheumy

Meaning
Watery, especially referring to the eyes.
Example
His rheumy eyes showed signs of age and fatigue.
C2 noun /ruːd/

rood

Meaning
a crucifix, especially one positioned above the entrance to the chancel of a church
Example
The old church displayed a carved rood above the altar.
C2 noun /rɪˌkrɪmɪˈneɪʃən/

recrimination

Meaning
an accusation made in response to an accusation; mutual blaming
Example
The debate quickly descended into mutual recriminations.
C2 noun /rɪˈsɪdɪˌvɪzəm/

recidivism

Meaning
The tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend or relapse into criminal behavior.
Example
The government introduced new programs to reduce recidivism among former inmates.
C2 noun /ˌrɛprəˈbeɪʃən/

reprobation

Meaning
Strong disapproval or condemnation; rejection by God as beyond salvation.
Example
The teacher’s face showed clear reprobation at the student’s rude remark.
C2 adjective /raɪˈpɛə.ri.ən/

riparian

Meaning
Relating to or situated on the banks of a river or other watercourse.
Example
Riparian vegetation helps prevent soil erosion along rivers.
C2 adjective /rɪˈfɛrəbəl/

referable

Meaning
able to be related or directed to something
Example
The issue is referable to the new policy changes.
C2 adjective /rɪˈkæl.sɪ.trənt/

recalcitrant

Meaning
Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline.
Example
The recalcitrant student refused to follow rules.
C2 adjective /ˈrævənɪŋ/

ravening

Meaning
Extremely hungry and greedy; voracious.
Example
The ravening wolves circled the camp.
C2 adjective /rəˈʃɛrʃ/

recherche

Meaning
Rare, exotic, or obscure, often in a sophisticated or refined way.
Example
The gallery displayed many recherche artworks from unknown artists.
C2 noun /ruːˈeɪ/

roue

Meaning
A man devoted to a life of sensual pleasure; a debauched man.
Example
The old roue squandered his fortune on gambling and women.
C2 noun /ˌrɛv.əˈkeɪ.ʃən/

revocation

Meaning
The act of officially canceling or withdrawing something.
Example
The court ordered the revocation of his license.
C2 noun /rɪˈfɛkʃən/

refection

Meaning
a meal or the act of taking food and drink
Example
The monks gathered for their evening refection.
C2 verb /ˈrʌstɪkeɪt/

rusticate

Meaning
To go to the countryside or to suspend someone from university.
Example
He decided to rusticate in the village to escape the busy city life.
C2 noun /rɪˈfrɪndʒənsi/

refringency

Meaning
The ability of a substance to bend light; refractive power.
Example
Glass has a higher refringency than water.
C2 verb /rɪˈvaɪl/

revile

Meaning
to criticize in an abusive or angrily insulting manner
Example
The politician was reviled by the public for his corruption.
C2 noun /rɪˈvaɪlər/

reviler

Meaning
a person who criticizes or insults others abusively
Example
He was known as a reviler of all who opposed him.
C2 noun /ˈræbəl/

Rabble

Meaning
a disorderly crowd; the common people regarded as socially inferior
Example
The politician dismissed the protesters as mere rabble.
C2 verb /rɪˈkwaɪt/

requite

Meaning
to return or repay a favor, service, or feeling
Example
She requited his kindness with a thoughtful gift.
C2 verb /rɪˈpruːv/

reprove

Meaning
to criticize or correct someone gently or disapprove of their actions
Example
The teacher reproved the student for being late.
C2 noun /ˈrɒndoʊ/

rondo

Meaning
a musical composition with a recurring leading theme
Example
The pianist ended the recital with a lively rondo.
C2 adjective /ˈruːbɪkənd/

rubicund

Meaning
Having a healthy reddish complexion.
Example
The old man’s rubicund face showed he was in good health.
C2 verb /rɛnd/

rend

Meaning
to tear something apart violently or forcefully
Example
The explosion rent the air with a deafening noise.
C2 adjective /rɪˈfjuː.tə.bəl/

Refutable

Meaning
capable of being proven wrong or false; able to be disproved
Example
His theory was refutable because it could be tested experimentally.
C2 verb /rɪˈpaɪn/

repine

Meaning
To feel or express discontent or to long for something.
Example
She did not repine at her misfortune but worked harder to improve her life.
C2 noun /ˈrɛtɪnjuː/

retinue

Meaning
A group of attendants or followers accompanying an important person.
Example
The king entered the hall followed by his retinue.
C2 noun /rɪˈfɛktəri/

refectory

Meaning
a dining hall, especially in a monastery, convent, or school
Example
Students had lunch in the refectory.
C2 noun /rʌmp/

Rump

Meaning
the hindquarters or buttocks; the lower back area
Example
The horse injured its rump during the fall.
C2 verb /ˈreə.rɪ.faɪ/

rarefy

Meaning
To make something less dense or more refined.
Example
The air rarefies as you climb higher into the mountains.
C2 adjective /rɪˈmɪs/

remiss

Meaning
Negligent in performing a duty or responsibility.
Example
The manager was remiss in not checking the financial reports carefully.
C2 adjective /rɪˈfʌldʒənt/

refulgent

Meaning
Shining brightly; radiant.
Example
The refulgent sun lit up the entire valley.
C2 noun /ˌrɛtəˈrɪʃən/

rhetorician

Meaning
A person who is skilled in the art of rhetoric or persuasive speaking/writing.
Example
The rhetorician captivated the audience with his eloquence.
C2 noun /ˈreɪmənt/

raiment

Meaning
clothing, especially fine or formal wear
Example
The king wore royal raiment during the ceremony.
C2 adjective /ˈruːnɪk/

runic

Meaning
relating to or consisting of runes; mysterious or magical
Example
The old stone had strange runic carvings on it.
C2 verb /ˈrævəl/

ravel

Meaning
to tangle or complicate; to untangle or unravel depending on context
Example
She began to ravel the loose threads of the sweater.
C2 adjective /rɪˈdaʊ.tə.bəl/

redoubtable

Meaning
formidable, especially as an opponent; inspiring fear or respect
Example
She was a redoubtable leader who commanded respect from all.
C2 noun/adjective /rɪˈmɒnstrənt/

remonstrant

Meaning
A person who makes a forceful protest (noun); protesting or objecting (adjective).
Example
He was a remonstrant voice in the assembly.
C2 noun /ˈrʊkəri/

rookery

Meaning
a place where rooks or other birds breed and nest in colonies
Example
We saw a rookery full of noisy birds near the forest.