recourse
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C1 noun /ˈriːkɔːrs/

recourse

Meaning
a source of help or protection in a difficult situation
Example
The students had no recourse but to appeal to the principal.
C2 noun /rɪˈpruːf/

reproof

Meaning
An expression of blame or disapproval.
Example
His careless words drew a sharp reproof from his mother.
B2 adjective /ˈrɪɡ.ər.əs/

rigorous

Meaning
Extremely thorough and demanding in analysis or practice.
Example
A rigorous study plan helps students achieve better results.
C2 noun /ˈrɪɡməˌroʊl/

rigmarole

Meaning
a long, complicated, and confusing process or story
Example
Getting a visa was such a rigmarole of paperwork and interviews.
A2 noun /rɒk/

rock

Meaning
a large, solid piece of mineral matter
Example
The mountain was made of solid rock.
C1 adjective /ˈrɛtroʊˌɡreɪd/

retrograde

Meaning
moving backward or returning to a worse condition
Example
The policy was seen as a retrograde step for human rights.
B2 noun, verb /ˈrætəl/

rattle

Meaning
to make a rapid series of short, sharp sounds; a device or object that makes such a sound
Example
The loose window began to rattle in the strong wind.
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.
B2 adverb /ruːˈtiːnli/

routinely

Meaning
as part of a regular procedure; habitually
Example
The staff routinely checks the equipment for safety.
C1 verb /ˈrɪdɪkjuːl/

ridicule

Meaning
To make fun of someone or something in a cruel or dismissive way.
Example
He was ridiculed for his strange ideas.
C1 noun /rɪdʒ/

ridge

Meaning
a long, narrow hilltop, mountain range, or raised strip
Example
We walked along the mountain ridge.
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.
B2 noun /ˈraɪdər/

rider

Meaning
A person who rides a horse, bicycle, motorcycle, or other vehicle.
Example
The rider fell off the horse.
C1 noun /rɪˈsaɪtl/

recital

Meaning
A performance of music, dance, or poetry, usually by a soloist.
Example
She gave a piano recital at the concert hall.
B1 adjective /rɪˈdɪk.jə.ləs/

Ridiculous

Meaning
extremely silly or unreasonable; deserving or causing laughter
Example
The idea of building a house without tools is ridiculous.
A1 verb /raɪd/

ride

Meaning
to travel on or in a vehicle; to sit on and control a horse
Example
She likes to ride her bicycle to work.
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.
B2 verb /rɪˈzɛnt/

resent

Meaning
to feel bitterness or displeasure about something or someone
Example
She began to resent the constant criticism from her boss.
B2 noun /ˈrɛnəˌsɑːns/

renaissance

Meaning
a revival of art, culture, or learning; a period of renewed interest and growth
Example
The city experienced a cultural renaissance during the 1990s.
C1 noun /rɛnˈdɪʃən/

rendition

Meaning
a performance or interpretation of a piece of art, music, or text
Example
The singer gave a moving rendition of the classic song.
C1 adjective /raɪf/

rife

Meaning
widespread or common, often in a negative sense
Example
Corruption was rife in the old government system.
B2 noun /ˈriːzənɪŋ/

reasoning

Meaning
the process of thinking about something in a logical way in order to form a conclusion or judgment
Example
Her reasoning for leaving was clear and logical.
A1 adjective /ˈreɪ.di.əʊ/

radio

Meaning
Relating to radio waves or broadcasting.
Example
FAST is the largest radio telescope in the world.
C2 verb /ˈræm.ɪ.faɪ/

ramify

Meaning
to spread or branch out into divisions or subdivisions.
Example
The river ramifies into several smaller streams.
C1 noun /ˌrɛs.ɪˈprɒs.ɪ.ti/

reciprocity

Meaning
The practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit.
Example
Business relationships thrive on reciprocity.
C1 noun /rɪˌsɛptɪˈvɪti/

receptivity

Meaning
The ability or willingness to receive something, especially signals or stimuli.
Example
Her receptivity to new ideas helped improve the project.
C1 noun/verb /rɪˈpoʊz/

repose

Meaning
a state of rest, sleep, or tranquility; to rest or lie in a peaceful position
Example
After the long journey, she sought repose in the quiet garden.
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.
B2 verb /reɪp/

rape

Meaning
to force someone to have sexual intercourse without their consent
Example
The law strictly punishes those who commit rape.
B2 noun rɪˈpʌb.lɪk

republic

Meaning
A state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, with an elected or nominated president rather than a monarch.
Example
A republic is governed by representatives of the people.
B1 noun /rɪˈkʌvəri/

recovery

Meaning
the process of recovering or returning to a normal state
Example
The patient is in recovery after the surgery.
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 /rɪˈpæst/

repast

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

refract

Meaning
To bend light, sound, or heat as it passes through a medium.
Example
The water refracts light, making the straw look bent.
B2 noun /ˈræŋkɪŋ/

ranking

Meaning
a position in a list or hierarchy, especially in terms of performance or importance
Example
His ranking in the competition improved after each round.
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.
C1 adjective /rɪˈdʌn.dənt/

redundant

Meaning
Not or no longer needed or useful; superfluous.
Example
The report contained redundant information.
C1 noun /ˈraɪtʃəsnəs/

righteousness

Meaning
the quality of being morally right or justifiable
Example
His life was dedicated to righteousness and truth.
B2 noun /ˌrɛfəˈriː/

referee

Meaning
a person who oversees a game or match to ensure the rules are followed
Example
The referee stopped the game after a foul.
C2 noun /rɪˈfɛktəri/

refectory

Meaning
a dining hall, especially in a monastery, convent, or school
Example
Students had lunch in the refectory.
B2 noun /rɪˈfɔːr.mər/

Reformer

Meaning
a person who works to bring about positive changes in society or institutions
Example
The social reformer dedicated her life to improving education for all children.
C1 noun /ˌræʃəˈnæl/

rationale

Meaning
the underlying reason or explanation for something
Example
The rationale behind his decision was clearly explained.
B2 verb /rɪˈzɑlv/

resolve

Meaning
to solve a problem; to decide firmly
Example
The manager resolves the conflict between employees.
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.
B1 noun /ruːt/

Root

Meaning
the part of a plant that grows underground; the basic cause, source, or origin of something
Example
We need to find the root of this problem to solve it permanently.
C1 adjective /ræpt/

Rapt

Meaning
completely fascinated or absorbed by what one is seeing or hearing
Example
The children listened with rapt attention to the storyteller.
C2 noun /ˈrɛlɪkwɛri/

reliquary

Meaning
a container for holy relics
Example
The ancient reliquary was decorated with gold and precious stones.
B2 noun /rɪˈstreɪnt/

Restraint

Meaning
the action of keeping someone or something under control; self-control
Example
She showed great restraint in not responding to the criticism.
A2 noun /ˈrɛkɔːd/

record

Meaning
a written or spoken account of something
Example
I kept a record of all the meetings.
C1 adjective /rɪˈvenʒ.fəl/

Revengeful

Meaning
seeking or desiring revenge; vindictive
Example
He became revengeful after being betrayed by his friend.
B2 adjective /ˌrez.ɪˈden.ʃəl/

residential

Meaning
Designed for people to live in.
Example
The institution was fully residential.
B2 noun /ˈruːmər/

rumor

Meaning
a currently circulating story or report of uncertain or doubtful truth.
Example
There’s a rumor that the company will merge next year.
C1 verb /ˈrɪvɪt/

rivet

Meaning
to fasten or secure with a rivet; to hold someone’s attention firmly
Example
The craftsman riveted the metal plates together.
B2 noun /ˈraɪfəl/

Rifle

Meaning
a gun with a long barrel that is fired from the shoulder
Example
The soldier carried a rifle during the mission.
B1 noun /ˈreɪn.dɪər/

Reindeer

Meaning
a large deer with branched horns that lives in cold northern areas
Example
Santa's reindeer pulled his sleigh across the sky.
C1 adjective /rɪˈpres.ɪv/

Repressive

Meaning
restraining freedom or preventing self-expression; oppressive
Example
The repressive government banned all forms of protest.
B2 noun /rɪˈfreʃ.mənt/

Refreshment

Meaning
food and drink that is served as a light meal; something that refreshes
Example
We served light refreshments after the meeting.
B2 noun /rɪˈzembləns/

Resemblance

Meaning
the state of being alike or similar; similarity in appearance or character
Example
There's a strong resemblance between the two sisters.
B2 adverb /ˈræp.ɪd.li/

Rapidly

Meaning
at a fast speed; quickly
Example
The company is rapidly expanding into new markets.
C1 adjective /ˈraɪtfəl/

rightful

Meaning
having a legitimate or just claim; proper or lawful
Example
She is the rightful owner of the property.
C2 noun /ˌrɛv.əˈkeɪ.ʃən/

revocation

Meaning
The act of officially canceling or withdrawing something.
Example
The court ordered the revocation of his license.
B1 noun rɪˈzɪs.təns

resistance

Meaning
The refusal to accept or comply with something; the attempt to prevent something by action or argument.
Example
The resistance fought bravely against colonial forces.
B2 verb /ˈræm.bəl/

ramble

Meaning
to talk or write at length in a confused or inconsequential way; to walk for pleasure without a fixed route.
Example
He rambled on about his childhood for hours.
C1 noun /ˈreɪdiəns/

radiance

Meaning
the quality of shining with bright light; a glowing or beaming quality
Example
Her face was filled with radiance after hearing the good news.
B1 adverb /ˈruːdli/

Rudely

Meaning
in an impolite or discourteous manner
Example
He rudely interrupted the speaker during the presentation.
C1 noun, adjective /ˈrɛvərənd/

reverend

Meaning
A title of respect used for members of the clergy; deserving deep respect.
Example
The Reverend gave an inspiring sermon at the church.
A2 noun /rɪˈzʌlt/

result

Meaning
a consequence, effect, or outcome of something
Example
The result of the test was excellent.
C2 adjective /rɪˈfræɡəbəl/

refragable

Meaning
Capable of being refuted or disproved.
Example
His argument was weak and easily refragable.
C2 noun /ˌræproʊʃˈmɑːn/

rapprochement

Meaning
The establishment or resumption of harmonious relations.
Example
The two countries signed an agreement that marked a new rapprochement.
C1 adjective, noun /rɪˈsiːvəbl/

receivable

Meaning
Money that is owed to a company and is expected to be paid.
Example
The company's receivables increased significantly this quarter.
C2 noun /rɪˈfræk.tər/

refractor

Meaning
A type of telescope that uses lenses to focus light.
Example
Refractor telescopes use lenses to focus light.
C1 noun /ˈræʃən/

ration

Meaning
a fixed amount of something, especially food, officially allowed to each person
Example
During the war, each family received a weekly ration of rice.
C2 noun /rɪˈdʒɔɪndər/

rejoinder

Meaning
a quick or witty reply; a response to a remark or argument
Example
His sharp rejoinder silenced the crowd.
B1 noun /ˈrɛntəl/

rental

Meaning
an arrangement in which something is rented, or the amount paid for renting
Example
The car rental was more expensive than we expected.
C1 verb/noun /ˈrɛlɪʃ/

relish

Meaning
to greatly enjoy; also a condiment or sauce
Example
She relished the opportunity to travel abroad.
C1 noun /ˈrɪpəl/

Ripple

Meaning
a small wave on the surface of water; a spreading effect or influence
Example
The stone created ripples across the calm pond.
C2 noun /rɪˈfrɪndʒənsi/

refringency

Meaning
The ability of a substance to bend light; refractive power.
Example
Glass has a higher refringency than water.
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.
B1 verb /rɪˈviːl/

reveal

Meaning
to make known or show something that was hidden
Example
The investigation revealed the truth.
C1 adjective /ˈrɔːkəs/

raucous

Meaning
loud, harsh, and unpleasant sound or behavior
Example
The crowd became raucous after the team scored.
A2 adverb /ˈriː.sənt.li/

Recently

Meaning
in the recent past; not long ago
Example
I recently moved to a new apartment.
A1 noun ˈræbɪt

rabbit

Meaning
A small mammal with long ears, long hind legs, and a short tail
Example
The rabbit ran quickly into the forest.
B2 noun /ˈraɪvəl/

Rival

Meaning
a person or thing competing with another for the same objective or for superiority in the same field
Example
The two companies have been business rivals for decades.
C1 verb /ˌriːɪnˈtɪɡreɪt/

reintegrate

Meaning
To bring someone or something back into a group or society after being separated.
Example
The program helps prisoners reintegrate into society.
C1 adjective /rɪˈpen.tənt/

Repentant

Meaning
feeling or expressing sincere regret and remorse; sorry for one's actions
Example
The repentant thief returned the stolen money.
B2 noun rɪsk ˈfæktər

risk factor

Meaning
Something that increases the likelihood of developing a disease or condition
Example
Water pollution is a significant risk factor for health.
B1 adjective ˈriː.dʒən.əl

regional

Meaning
Relating to or characteristic of a region.
Example
Regional hubs support localized industries.
B2 verb /rɪˈzɜːv/

reserve

Meaning
to keep something for future use; to book in advance
Example
I want to reserve a table for dinner.
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.
C1 noun ˌræʃ.ən.əl.ɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

rationalization

Meaning
The practice of finding reasons for behavior or actions that are not the real reasons.
Example
His rationalization of the mistake was not convincing.
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.
B2 noun /ˈreb.əl/

Rebel

Meaning
a person who resists authority or control
Example
The young rebel refused to follow the school rules.
C1 verb rɪˈpel

repel

Meaning
To push away or force apart due to similar charges or properties.
Example
Protons repel each other.
A2 verb /ˈrɛkəɡnaɪz/

recognize

Meaning
To identify someone or something seen before; to acknowledge or accept.
Example
She did not recognize him in the crowd.
C1 noun /ˈrɛspɪt/

respite

Meaning
A short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant.
Example
The weekend provided a welcome respite from work.
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 /rɪˈsɪʒən/

rescission

Meaning
the cancellation or annulment of a law, contract, or agreement
Example
The rescission of the contract left both parties disappointed.
B2 adjective /ˈrɪtʃ.u.əl/

Ritual

Meaning
relating to religious or ceremonial practices
Example
The wedding ceremony included many traditional ritual elements.
B2 adjective /rɪˈsɔːrsfəl/

resourceful

Meaning
Having the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.
Example
She is very resourceful when it comes to solving unexpected problems.
C1 adjective /rɪˈstreɪnd/

restrained

Meaning
characterized by reserve or self-control; held back
Example
Her restrained reaction surprised everyone.
A1 adverb /ˈriː.ə.li/

Really

Meaning
actually; truly; very much
Example
I really enjoyed the concert last night.
C1 noun /rɑk sɔlt/

Rock Salt

Meaning
natural salt crystals formed from evaporated ancient seas; unrefined salt
Example
Rock salt is considered healthier than table salt.
C1 noun ˌrɛk.əˈlɛk.ʃən

Recollection

Meaning
Remembering past events or information
Example
His recollection of childhood memories was vivid.
B1 noun /roʊp/

rope

Meaning
a strong, thick cord made of twisted fibers or strands
Example
The climbers used a rope to scale the mountain.
C1 noun ˈrəʊvə

rover

Meaning
A vehicle for driving over rough terrain, especially one driven by remote control over extraterrestrial terrain.
Example
The rover landed on Mars to begin its exploration.
A2 verb /ˌrɛkəˈmɛnd/

recommend

Meaning
to suggest or advise something as being good or suitable
Example
I recommend trying the new restaurant downtown.
C2 verb /rɪˈspaɪər/

respire

Meaning
To breathe in and out; to inhale and exhale.
Example
Plants also respire to release energy.
C1 verb /ˌrevəˈluːʃənaɪz/

revolutionize

Meaning
Change (something) radically or fundamentally.
Example
Artificial intelligence is set to revolutionize the healthcare sector.
B2 adjective ˌrev.əˈluː.ʃən.ər.i

revolutionary

Meaning
Involving or causing a complete or dramatic change.
Example
Revolutionary ideas are reshaping the industry.
C1 verb /rɪˈsʌsɪteɪt/

resuscitate

Meaning
to revive someone from unconsciousness or apparent death
Example
The doctors tried to resuscitate the patient after the heart attack.
B2 noun ˌreɪ.di.oʊ.ækˈtɪv.ə.ti

radioactivity

Meaning
The emission of ionizing radiation or particles caused by the spontaneous disintegration of atomic nuclei.
Example
Radioactivity is used in medical treatments like cancer therapy.
C1 noun /ˈrɒndɪvuː/

rendezvous

Meaning
a meeting or appointment at an agreed time and place
Example
They arranged a secret rendezvous at the café.
B1 verb /rɪˈdʒekt/

reject

Meaning
to refuse to accept or consider something
Example
The committee decided to reject the proposal.
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.
C1 noun/verb /rɪˈproʊtʃ/

reproach

Meaning
An expression of disapproval or disappointment; to criticize someone for doing wrong.
Example
She reproached him for arriving late to the meeting.
C1 noun /rəˈviːn/

ravine

Meaning
A deep, narrow valley with steep sides.
Example
The river carved a deep ravine through the mountains.
A2 verb /rɪˈmuːv/

remove

Meaning
to take something away; to eliminate or delete
Example
Please remove your shoes before entering the house.
C2 verb /rɪˈkwaɪt/

requite

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

runic

Meaning
relating to or consisting of runes; mysterious or magical
Example
The old stone had strange runic carvings on it.
C1 adjective /rɪˈsɛptɪv/

receptive

Meaning
Willing to listen to or accept new ideas, suggestions, or experiences.
Example
She was receptive to feedback from her colleagues.
C1 noun /raɪt/

rite

Meaning
a religious or ceremonial act
Example
The wedding rite was performed with great solemnity.