retort
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C1 verb /rɪˈtɔːrt/

retort

Meaning
To reply quickly or sharply, often in a witty or angry manner.
Example
He quickly retorted that he was not to blame.
C1 verb /rɪˈtɑːrd/

retard

Meaning
to delay or slow down the progress of something
Example
Lack of funds may retard the development of the project.
C1 adjective /rɪˈpʌɡ.nənt/

Repugnant

Meaning
extremely distasteful; unacceptable; causing disgust or strong dislike
Example
The idea of lying to his parents was repugnant to him.
C1 noun /rɪˈmɛmbrəns/

remembrance

Meaning
the act of remembering or honoring someone or something
Example
A service was held in remembrance of the fallen soldiers.
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.
C1 noun /rɪˈkɒnɪsəns/

reconnaissance

Meaning
A survey or exploration, especially for military or strategic purposes.
Example
The soldiers conducted a reconnaissance of the enemy camp.
C1 noun /ˈrɛt.ər.ɪk/

rhetoric

Meaning
The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing; skillful use of language to influence others.
Example
Political leaders often use rhetoric to influence people.
C1 adjective /ˈroʊtəri/

rotary

Meaning
Relating to or characterized by rotation; revolving around an axis.
Example
The machine uses a rotary engine to function efficiently.
C1 noun ˌrɛk.əˈlɛk.ʃən

Recollection

Meaning
Remembering past events or information
Example
His recollection of childhood memories was vivid.
C1 noun /rɪˈfɜːrər/

referrer

Meaning
a person who directs someone to another person or service
Example
The referrer earned a bonus for recommending a new client.
C1 noun ˈremnənts

remnants

Meaning
A small remaining quantity of something; a surviving trace.
Example
The remnants of the wall are still visible.
C1 noun /riːk/

Reek

Meaning
to have a very unpleasant smell; to give a strong impression of something unpleasant or undesirable
Example
The garbage can reeks of rotten food.
C1 noun /rəˈviːn/

ravine

Meaning
A deep, narrow valley with steep sides.
Example
The river carved a deep ravine through the mountains.
C1 verb /rɪˈklaɪn/

recline

Meaning
To lean or lie back in a relaxed position.
Example
She reclined on the sofa with a book.
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.
C1 verb /rɪˈsɪprəˌkeɪt/

reciprocate

Meaning
To respond to an action or gesture by making a corresponding one.
Example
She smiled at him, and he reciprocated with a warm hug.
C1 adjective /ˈreɪ.kɪʃ/

Rakish

Meaning
having a dashing, jaunty, or slightly disreputable quality or appearance
Example
He wore his hat at a rakish angle that gave him a charming appearance.
C1 adjective /rɪˈper.ə.bəl/

Repairable

Meaning
able to be fixed or mended; capable of being repaired
Example
The broken phone is repairable with the right parts.
C1 verb /rænt/

rant

Meaning
to speak or shout in an angry, uncontrolled way
Example
He ranted about the unfair treatment at work.
C1 noun /ˈrɛnɪˌɡeɪd/

renegade

Meaning
a person who deserts or betrays an organization, country, or principles
Example
He was labeled a renegade after leaving the party and criticizing its policies.
C1 noun /ˈredʒ.ɪ.mən/

regimen

Meaning
A prescribed course of medical treatment, way of life, or diet for the promotion or restoration of health.
Example
A strict exercise regimen improves overall fitness.
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 /ˌrɛmɪˈnɪsəns/

reminiscence

Meaning
a story or memory about past events
Example
He shared a reminiscence of his childhood days in the village.
C1 verb /riːˈpeɪ.tri.eɪt/

repatriate

Meaning
To return someone to their own country, often after war or imprisonment.
Example
The government worked to repatriate the refugees safely.
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.
C1 noun /ˈraɪtʃəsnəs/

righteousness

Meaning
the quality of being morally right or justifiable
Example
His life was dedicated to righteousness and truth.
C1 verb /ˌriːhəˈbɪlɪteɪt/

rehabilitate

Meaning
to restore someone to health, normal life, or a good condition after illness, injury, or imprisonment
Example
The clinic helps rehabilitate injured athletes.
C1 noun /ˈrɛvərəns/

reverence

Meaning
deep respect for someone or something
Example
The students showed reverence to their teacher.
C1 verb /riˈɪtəreɪt/

reiterate

Meaning
To say something again or repeatedly for emphasis or clarity.
Example
The teacher reiterated the importance of honesty.
C1 verb/noun /ˈrɛlɪʃ/

relish

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

revulsion

Meaning
a strong feeling of disgust or repulsion
Example
She felt revulsion at the sight of the cruel act.
C1 verb /ˈrek.ən.saɪl/

reconcile

Meaning
Restore friendly relations between; cause to coexist in harmony.
Example
They tried to reconcile their differences through open communication.
C1 adjective /rɪˈsɜːrdʒənt/

resurgent

Meaning
Becoming strong, active, or popular again.
Example
The resurgent economy gave hope to many businesses.
C1 noun /ˌræʃəˈnæl/

rationale

Meaning
the underlying reason or explanation for something
Example
The rationale behind his decision was clearly explained.
C1 verb /rɪˈdiːm/

redeem

Meaning
to compensate for faults or mistakes; to exchange something for value
Example
He managed to redeem his reputation after the scandal.
C1 verb /rɪˈpiːl/

repeal

Meaning
To officially cancel or revoke a law or decision.
Example
The government decided to repeal the outdated law.
C1 noun /ˌræm.ɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

ramification

Meaning
a consequence of an action or event, often complex or unwelcome.
Example
The new law has serious social ramifications.
C1 verb /ˈruː.mɪ.neɪt/

ruminate

Meaning
to think deeply about something; to chew cud (for animals)
Example
She sat alone to ruminate on her decision.
C1 noun /ˈrɛɡjəleɪtər/

regulator

Meaning
a person or device that controls or maintains the operation of a system
Example
The government appointed a new regulator for the financial sector.
C1 adjective /ˌruː.dɪˈmen.tər.i/

Rudimentary

Meaning
basic; elementary; undeveloped; in the earliest stage of development
Example
She has only rudimentary knowledge of French.
C1 noun /rɪˈbʌtəl/

rebuttal

Meaning
a statement or argument made to oppose or disprove another
Example
Her rebuttal was clear and convincing.
C1 verb /rɪˈbʌt/

rebut

Meaning
to argue against or prove wrong; to refute
Example
The lawyer rebutted the false accusations with strong evidence.
C1 verb /ˈrɛzəneɪt/

resonate

Meaning
To produce or be filled with a deep, full, and reverberating sound; to evoke a feeling or memory.
Example
Her words resonated with the audience.
C1 noun /ˌrɛtrɪˈbjuːʃən/

retribution

Meaning
punishment inflicted as vengeance for a wrong or crime
Example
The villagers demanded retribution for the crime committed.
C1 noun /rɪˈflɛktər/

reflector

Meaning
A surface or device that reflects light, heat, or sound, often used to direct beams or improve visibility.
Example
The cyclist attached a red reflector to the back of his bike for safety.
C1 verb /ˈrævɪdʒ/

ravage

Meaning
to cause severe and extensive damage or destruction
Example
The hurricane ravaged the coastal villages.
C1 noun /ˈrɒstrəm/

rostrum

Meaning
A raised platform for speakers, performers, or leaders.
Example
The politician delivered a speech from the rostrum.
C1 noun /ˌrɛstɪˈtjuːʃən/

restitution

Meaning
The act of restoring something to its rightful owner or compensating for loss
Example
The court ordered restitution to the victims of the fraud.
C1 verb /rɪˈsiːd/

recede

Meaning
To move back or further away from a previous position.
Example
The floodwaters began to recede after the heavy rain stopped.
C1 adjective /rɪˈzɪstɪv/

resistive

Meaning
tending to resist or oppose; in physics, relating to electrical resistance
Example
The material has resistive properties that slow down current flow.
C1 adjective /ˈruːfəl/

rueful

Meaning
Expressing sorrow, regret, or pity.
Example
He gave a rueful smile after losing the match.
C1 adjective /ˈraʊ.di/

Rowdy

Meaning
disorderly; unruly; noisy and disruptive
Example
The rowdy children were making too much noise.
C1 adjective /rɪˈtaɪərɪŋ/

retiring

Meaning
Shy and reserved; avoiding social contact.
Example
She is a quiet, retiring woman who avoids attention.
C1 adjective /ˈrævənəs/

ravenous

Meaning
Extremely hungry; famished.
Example
After the long hike, she was ravenous and ate quickly.
C1 noun /ˈræftər/

rafter

Meaning
One of the sloping beams that supports a roof.
Example
The old barn’s rafters were exposed.
C1 verb /ˈrɛlɪɡeɪt/

relegate

Meaning
to assign to a lower rank, position, or category
Example
The manager decided to relegate the player to the bench.
C1 noun /rɪˈpɔːrtɪʒ/

reportage

Meaning
the act of reporting news or describing events in the media
Example
The magazine is known for its detailed reportage of political issues.
C1 noun /ˈruːbrɪk/

rubric

Meaning
A set of instructions, rules, or a heading in a document, often used for grading criteria.
Example
The teacher provided a grading rubric for the assignment.
C1 verb /rɪˈlɛnt/

relent

Meaning
to become less severe, harsh, or strict
Example
After hours of begging, she finally relented.
C1 adjective /ˈrɛtɪsənt/

reticent

Meaning
not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily; reserved
Example
She was reticent about her personal life.
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.
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.
C1 noun /raɪt/

rite

Meaning
a religious or ceremonial act
Example
The wedding rite was performed with great solemnity.
C1 noun /ˌrɛfəˈrɛndəm/

referendum

Meaning
a general vote by the population on a single political issue
Example
The government held a referendum on the new constitution.
C1 verb /rɪˈbjuːk/

rebuke

Meaning
to criticize or scold sharply; to express disapproval
Example
The teacher had to rebuke the student for cheating.
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.
C1 noun /ˌrev.əˈluː.ʃən.ər.i ˈbreɪk.θruː/

revolutionary breakthrough

Meaning
A sudden, dramatic, and important discovery or development that changes everything.
Example
Robotic surgery is a revolutionary breakthrough in healthcare.
C1 noun /ruːz/

Ruse

Meaning
an action intended to deceive someone; a trick or stratagem
Example
The thief used a clever ruse to distract the guard.
C1 verb /riːl/

reel

Meaning
to lose balance and stagger; to wind or spin something onto a reel
Example
He reeled backward after being punched.
C1 noun /rɪˌtæl.iˈeɪ.ʃən/

Retaliation

Meaning
the action of returning a military attack; counterattack; revenge for an injury or wrong
Example
The country threatened retaliation against any act of aggression.
C1 adjective /rɪˈpjuː.t̬ɪd/

Reputed

Meaning
generally said or believed to be; having a particular reputation
Example
He is reputed to be one of the best doctors in the country.
C1 verb /ˈrɛplɪkeɪt/

replicate

Meaning
to copy, reproduce, or duplicate something exactly
Example
The scientist tried to replicate the experiment for accuracy.
C1 noun/verb /rɪˈlæps/

relapse

Meaning
to return to a worse condition, especially after improvement; a deterioration after recovery
Example
After months of progress, he suffered a relapse.
C1 noun /rɪˈteɪnər/

retainer

Meaning
a fee paid in advance to secure someone's services, or a device that holds something in place
Example
The lawyer asked for a retainer before taking the case.
C1 noun /rɪˈsaɪtər/

reciter

Meaning
a person who recites or repeats something aloud from memory, especially poetry, prayers, or formal texts
Example
The reciter delivered the poem with clarity and emotion.
C1 noun ˈrɛp.ə.twɑːr

repertoire

Meaning
A stock of plays, dances, or pieces that a company or a performer knows or is prepared to perform.
Example
The actor's repertoire includes both comedy and drama.
C1 verb /rɪɡ/

rig

Meaning
to manipulate or control something dishonestly; to set up equipment
Example
The election was rigged by corrupt officials.
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.
C1 noun /ˈriːbeɪt/

rebate

Meaning
a partial refund given to someone who has paid too much money for something
Example
The store offered a rebate on bulk purchases.
C1 verb /ˌriːˈtʌtʃ/

retouch

Meaning
To improve or repair a picture, photograph, or image by making small changes.
Example
The photographer retouched the image to remove blemishes.
C1 noun /ˈrɛtɪsəns/

reticence

Meaning
the quality of being reserved or unwilling to speak freely
Example
His reticence made it difficult to know what he was thinking.
C1 verb /rɪˈfjuːt/

refute

Meaning
To prove a statement, argument, or theory to be false or invalid.
Example
The lawyer refuted the witness's testimony with solid evidence.
C1 noun /ˈrɪɡər/

rigor

Meaning
strictness, severity, or demanding conditions
Example
The training was carried out with great rigor.
C1 noun /ˈrɛtrəsˌpɛkt/

retrospect

Meaning
the act of looking back on or reviewing past events
Example
In retrospect, the decision seemed unwise.
C1 verb /ˌriːˈkæl.ɪ.breɪt/

recalibrate

Meaning
To calibrate again or differently; to adjust or correct something based on new information or changed circumstances.
Example
The company had to recalibrate its strategies to adapt to the market.
C1 noun /rɪˈkɜr.əns/

Recurrence

Meaning
the fact of something happening again; an instance of something happening again
Example
The doctor was concerned about the recurrence of the patient's symptoms.
C1 noun /rɪdʒ/

ridge

Meaning
a long, narrow hilltop, mountain range, or raised strip
Example
We walked along the mountain ridge.
C1 adjective /rɪˈbel.jəs/

Rebellious

Meaning
defying authority; resisting control; disobedient;
Example
The rebellious teenager refused to follow his parents' rules.
C1 noun /ˌrɛfjʊˈteɪʃən/

refutation

Meaning
The act of proving a statement or argument to be false or incorrect.
Example
Her essay was a strong refutation of the opposing theory.
C1 adverb /ˈrɪdʒɪdli/

Rigidly

Meaning
in a strict, inflexible manner; without compromise
Example
The rules are rigidly enforced in this institution.
C1 verb /rɪˈɡrɛs/

regress

Meaning
To return to a former or less developed state.
Example
Without proper guidance, the child's progress began to regress.
C1 noun ˌriːˈstrʌk.tʃər.ɪŋ

restructuring

Meaning
The action of organizing something differently.
Example
The company underwent restructuring to improve efficiency.
C1 adjective /rɪˈpɛlənt/

repellent

Meaning
Able to drive away something, especially insects or unpleasant things; causing disgust or distaste.
Example
This cream is highly effective as a mosquito repellent.
C1 adjective rɪˈsɛʃ.ən.er.i

recessionary

Meaning
Relating to or characterized by economic recession.
Example
Governments introduce policies to counter recessionary effects.
C1 noun /ˈreɪ.biːz/

rabies

Meaning
A viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain in humans and other mammals, usually transmitted through animal bites.
Example
The dog was vaccinated against rabies.
C1 noun /ˈrʌbəl/

rubble

Meaning
Broken stone, bricks, or debris from a collapsed building or structure.
Example
The rescue team searched through the rubble after the earthquake.
C1 verb rɪˈlɪŋ.kwɪʃ

relinquish

Meaning
To give up any authority, responsibility, or property.
Example
He decided to relinquish his position as CEO.
C1 verb /ˈrʌf.l̩/

ruffle

Meaning
to disturb the smoothness of something; to annoy or upset someone
Example
The wind ruffled her hair.
C1 verb /ˈrʌsl/

rustle

Meaning
To make a soft, light sound like leaves or paper moving.
Example
The leaves rustled gently in the evening breeze.
C1 noun /rɪˈpraɪ.zəl/

Reprisal

Meaning
an act of retaliation; revenge taken for an injury or wrong
Example
The attack was carried out as a reprisal for the earlier bombing.
C1 noun /rɪˈvɜːrʒən/

reversion

Meaning
the act of returning to a previous state or condition
Example
The new policy marked a reversion to traditional methods.
C1 verb /ˌriːˈmɒdəl/

remodel

Meaning
To change the structure or form of something, especially a building.
Example
They decided to remodel their kitchen last summer.
C1 noun /ˈrɛl.ɪk/

relic

Meaning
an object surviving from an earlier time, often of historical or religious interest
Example
The museum displayed relics from the ancient civilization.
C1 verb /reɪz/

raze

Meaning
To completely destroy or demolish something, especially a building.
Example
The old factory was razed to make way for new apartments.
C1 verb /ˌrɛzəˈrɛkt/

resurrect

Meaning
To bring back to life or revive something from the past.
Example
The director decided to resurrect the old play for a new audience.
C1 adjective /rɪˈpliːt/

replete

Meaning
Filled or well-supplied with something; abundantly full.
Example
The book is replete with fascinating historical details.
C1 phrase ˈriː.dʒən.əl ˈfɔː.rəm

regional forum

Meaning
A meeting or conference where representatives from countries or organizations in a specific geographical area discuss issues of common interest.
Example
The Regional Forum discussed deforestation impacts.
C1 adverb /rɪˈspek.tə.bli/

Respectably

Meaning
in a way that is worthy of respect; decently; properly
Example
She was dressed respectably for the interview.
C1 noun /ræmˈbuːtən/

Rambutan

Meaning
a tropical fruit with red spiky skin and white translucent sweet flesh similar to litchi
Example
The rambutan looks scary with its hairy skin but tastes very sweet inside.
C1 adjective /ˌrɛmɪˈnɪsənt/

reminiscent

Meaning
Tending to remind one of something; suggestive of something in the past.
Example
The smell of rain is reminiscent of my childhood in the village.
C1 verb rɪˈpel

repel

Meaning
To push away or force apart due to similar charges or properties.
Example
Protons repel each other.
C1 verb /raʊz/

rouse

Meaning
To awaken from sleep or to stir into action.
Example
The loud alarm roused him from his deep sleep.
C1 noun /ˈrɛ.trəʊ.fɪt.ɪŋ/

retrofitting

Meaning
The addition of new technology or features to older systems.
Example
The building underwent retrofitting to meet new safety standards.
C1 noun /ˌres.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən/

Recitation

Meaning
the action of reciting or repeating aloud from memory
Example
The poetry recitation contest was held in the auditorium.
C1 verb /ˌriː.kənˈviːn/

reconvene

Meaning
to gather or assemble again, especially for a meeting
Example
The committee will reconvene after lunch.
C1 adjective /ˈraɪ.tʃəs/

Righteous

Meaning
morally right or justifiable; virtuous; having strong moral principles
Example
She felt righteous anger at the unfair treatment of workers.
C1 noun /ˈrʌfiən/

Ruffian

Meaning
a violent person, especially one involved in crime; a brutal or lawless person
Example
The ruffian threatened the shopkeeper for money.
C1 noun /rʌk/

Ruck

Meaning
a situation where a crowd of people are pushing against each other; a disorderly crowd
Example
There was a ruck at the football match.
C1 noun /ˌrɛkwɪˈzɪʃən/

requisition

Meaning
An official order laying claim to the use of property or materials; a formal demand or request.
Example
The manager submitted a requisition for new office supplies.
C1 verb /riːˈfɜːrbɪʃ/

refurbish

Meaning
To renovate or redecorate something, especially a building.
Example
The company decided to refurbish its old office.
C1 noun /rɪˈdʌn.dəns/

Redundance

Meaning
the state of being not or no longer needed or useful; superfluous repetition of information
Example
The document contained redundance that made it unnecessarily long.