retort
All a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
All CEFR A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Content locale
EN English BN Bengali HI Hindi ES Spanish FR French DE German RU Russian ZH Chinese JA Japanese
All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
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.
B1 adjective, noun /ˈroʊmən/

roman

Meaning
relating to Rome or its people; a citizen of ancient Rome
Example
The Roman Empire influenced much of modern civilization.
B2 noun /ˈrɒbəɹi/

robbery

Meaning
the crime of stealing from someone or somewhere using force or threat
Example
The police are investigating the robbery at the local store.
A2 verb /riːˈsaɪ.kəl/

recycle

Meaning
to process used materials so they can be used again instead of being thrown away
Example
We should recycle paper and plastic to reduce waste.
B2 noun /ˈrɪk.ʃɔː/

Rickshaw

Meaning
a light two-wheeled passenger vehicle drawn by one or more people
Example
We took a rickshaw to reach the busy marketplace.
C1 verb /ˈræʃənəlaɪz/

rationalize

Meaning
to attempt to explain or justify behavior or decisions with logical reasons, even if they are not true or appropriate
Example
She tried to rationalize her lateness by blaming the traffic.
A2 noun /ˈriː.zənz/

reasons

Meaning
Causes, explanations, or justifications for an action or event.
Example
Reasons for pollution need addressing urgently.
B2 adjective /ˈroʊlɪŋ/

rolling

Meaning
moving in gentle undulations; moving forward by turning over and over
Example
They drove through the rolling hills of the countryside.
C1 noun /rɔ ˈtɜrmərɪk/

Raw Turmeric

Meaning
fresh unprocessed root of the turmeric plant used as a spice and medicine
Example
Grate raw turmeric into the curry for authentic flavor.
B2 noun ˌreɪdɪˈeɪʃən

radiation

Meaning
The emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or as moving subatomic particles.
Example
Radiation from the sun can be harmful without protection.
B2 noun /reɪˈʒiːm/

regime

Meaning
a system or form of government, often authoritarian
Example
The military regime controlled the country for decades.
B2 adjective /rɪˈliːvd/

relieved

Meaning
feeling happy and less worried after something stressful has been removed or resolved
Example
She felt relieved after hearing the good news.
C2 adjective /rɪˈsplɛndənt/

resplendent

Meaning
Shining brilliantly; dazzling in appearance or effect
Example
The bride looked resplendent in her wedding gown.
A2 verb riˈsaɪklɪŋ

recycling

Meaning
The process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects to prevent waste.
Example
Recycling plastic helps in reducing waste.
C1 adjective /ˈræmʃækəl/

ramshackle

Meaning
poorly built or maintained; in a state of disrepair
Example
They lived in a ramshackle old house on the edge of town.
A2 preposition /riː/

re

Meaning
concerning or about (used in formal letters or emails)
Example
The letter was sent re your recent application.
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.
C1 noun /rɪˈzʌmp.ʃən/

Resumption

Meaning
the action of beginning something again after a pause or interruption
Example
The resumption of classes will be announced next week.
B2 noun ˌriːfɔːˈreɪʃən

reforestation

Meaning
The natural or intentional restocking of existing forests and woodlands that have been depleted.
Example
Reforestation efforts are crucial to restoring ecosystems.
B1 adjective /ˈriː.zən.ə.bəl/

Reasonable

Meaning
fair and sensible; not too expensive; logical and practical
Example
The hotel offers reasonable prices for quality accommodation.
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.
A1 noun, adjective, adverb /raɪt/

right

Meaning
something that is morally good, fair, or just; or a legal/entitled claim
Example
Everyone has the right to free speech.
A2 verb /rɪˈpleɪs/

replace

Meaning
to take the place of something or someone; to put something new in place of something old
Example
He decided to replace the broken lamp with a new one.
C1 noun /ˌriː.dɪs.trɪˈbjuː.ʃən/

redistribution

Meaning
The sharing of wealth or resources more equally among society.
Example
The government introduced a redistribution policy to reduce inequality.
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.
B2 verb /ˈruːɪn/

ruin

Meaning
to destroy or damage beyond repair; to spoil completely
Example
Heavy rain could ruin our picnic plans.
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.
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.
B2 verb /rɒt/

rot

Meaning
to decay or decompose; to become corrupt
Example
The fruit will rot if left in the sun.
C1 adjective /ˈraɪtfəl/

rightful

Meaning
having a legitimate or just claim; proper or lawful
Example
She is the rightful owner of the property.
C1 adjective /rɪˈvɜː.sə.bəl/

Reversible

Meaning
able to be turned the other way around; able to be undone or changed back
Example
This jacket is reversible and can be worn on both sides.
B1 noun /rɪˈzɔː.sɪz/

resources

Meaning
A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets.
Example
The region was rich in herbal resources.
C1 verb /ˈræn.sæk/

ransack

Meaning
to search a place roughly and steal or damage things
Example
Burglars ransacked the house while the family was away.
A1 noun /reɪn/

Rain

Meaning
water that falls from clouds in small drops
Example
The heavy rain forced us to stay indoors.
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.
B2 verb /ˌriːjuˈnaɪt/

reunite

Meaning
to bring together again after separation
Example
The family was reunited after many years.
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.
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.
B2 noun/adjective /rɪˈpʌblɪkən/

republican

Meaning
a member or supporter of a republican political party or system
Example
The republican candidate won the election.
B1 noun /ˈrʌbɪʃ/

Rubbish

Meaning
waste material; refuse or litter; nonsense or worthless things
Example
Please throw the rubbish in the bin.
C1 verb /ˈreɪdieɪt/

radiate

Meaning
to emit energy or light; to spread out from a center
Example
The fireplace radiates warmth throughout the room.
B1 noun /rɪˈkwaɪə(r)mənt/

requirement

Meaning
something that is necessary or demanded
Example
The job has specific educational requirements.
A1 adjective /red/

Red

Meaning
having the color of blood or fire; of the color red
Example
She wore a beautiful red dress to the party.
B1 noun ruːlz ənd ˌrɛɡjʊˈleɪʃənz

rules and regulations

Meaning
Official orders and laws that control how something is done.
Example
Rules and regulations alone cannot change attitudes.
C1 noun /ˈroʊ.lɪŋ bɔːrd/

Rolling board

Meaning
a flat wooden or marble surface used for rolling out dough
Example
She placed the dough on the rolling board.
B2 noun /ˈraɪvəlri/

Rivalry

Meaning
competition for the same objective or for superiority in the same field; the state of being rivals
Example
The rivalry between the two teams made the match exciting.
C1 noun /rəˈviːn/

ravine

Meaning
A deep, narrow valley with steep sides.
Example
The river carved a deep ravine through the mountains.
B1 verb /rɪd/

rid

Meaning
to remove or get rid of something
Example
I need to rid the house of all the clutter.
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 /ˈrɪvjʊlət/

rivulet

Meaning
a small stream of water; a tiny brook
Example
A rivulet ran down the hillside after the rain.
B2 verb /rɪˈzɛmbəl/

resemble

Meaning
to look like or be similar to something or someone
Example
She resembles her mother in both appearance and mannerisms.
A2 noun /ˈriːdɪŋ/

reading

Meaning
the action or skill of reading
Example
Reading is one of my favorite hobbies.
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.
C1 verb /rɪˈnaʊns/

renounce

Meaning
to formally declare rejection of something, such as a claim, belief, or way of life
Example
She renounced her citizenship to move abroad permanently.
A2 noun /reɪt/

rate

Meaning
the cost or price of something, or the amount at which something happens
Example
The rate of inflation is increasing every year.
B2 noun ˌriːkənˈstrʌkʃn

reconstruction

Meaning
The action or process of reconstructing or being reconstructed.
Example
The reconstruction project took years.
B1 verb /ˈreskjuː/

rescue

Meaning
to save someone or something from danger or harm
Example
The firefighters rescued the cat from the tree.
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.
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 adjective /ˈroʊtəri/

rotary

Meaning
Relating to or characterized by rotation; revolving around an axis.
Example
The machine uses a rotary engine to function efficiently.
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 /ˈrɪɡməˌroʊl/

rigmarole

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

regularly

Meaning
at regular intervals; in a regular manner
Example
She exercises regularly to stay healthy.
B2 verb /ˈrendər/

render

Meaning
to provide or give; to make or cause to become
Example
The artist renders the scene beautifully.
C1 verb /rɪˈsɜːrdʒ/

resurge

Meaning
To rise, increase, or become active again after a decline.
Example
Interest in traditional crafts has begun to resurge.
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.
B1 noun /rɪˈpleɪsmənt/

replacement

Meaning
the act of substituting one thing or person for another
Example
She got a replacement for her damaged phone.
B2 noun /rɪˈfjuː.zəl/

Refusal

Meaning
the act of saying no to something or not accepting something
Example
His refusal to cooperate made the project more difficult.
C2 adjective /ˈrʌdi/

ruddy

Meaning
Having a healthy red color in the face.
Example
She had a ruddy complexion from working outdoors.
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.
B1 adjective /rɪˈmoʊt/

remote

Meaning
Situated far from the main centers of population; distant.
Example
They stayed in a remote village during their trip.
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 noun /roʊˈtʌn.də.ti/

rotundity

Meaning
the quality of being round or plump
Example
The rotundity of the balloon made it float gracefully.
C1 noun /ˌriːhəˌbɪlɪˈteɪʃən/

rehabilitation

Meaning
the process of restoring someone or something to health or normal life through training or therapy
Example
After the accident, he went through months of rehabilitation to walk again.
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.
A2 verb /ˌrɛkəˈmɛnd/

recommend

Meaning
to suggest or advise something as being good or suitable
Example
I recommend trying the new restaurant downtown.
C1 adjective /rɪˈsɔːrs ɪˈfɪʃ.ənt/

resource-efficient

Meaning
Using resources in a way that minimizes waste and maximizes productivity.
Example
Resource-efficient farming conserves water and energy.
C2 adjective /rɪˈfɛrəbəl/

referable

Meaning
able to be related or directed to something
Example
The issue is referable to the new policy changes.
C1 noun /rɪˈtriː.vəl/

retrieval

Meaning
The process of getting something back, especially from storage or memory.
Example
The brain's retrieval system helps recall past experiences.
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.
C1 verb /riˈdʒɔɪn/

rejoin

Meaning
to join again or return to a group, place, or activity
Example
After a short break, she decided to rejoin the team.
B2 verb /ˈraɪpən/

ripen

Meaning
to become or make something ready to eat or fully developed
Example
The bananas ripened quickly in the warm weather.
B2 verb /ˈrʌm.bəl/

rumble

Meaning
to make a continuous deep, resonant sound
Example
Thunder rumbled in the distance.
B2 noun /rɪˈsɛs/

recess

Meaning
A short break from work or school; also a small space set back in a wall.
Example
The children played outside during recess.
C2 verb /rɪˈkjʊə/

recure

Meaning
to cure again; to remedy a second time
Example
The doctor had to recure the wound after it reopened.
B2 adjective /rɪˈflektɪv/

Reflective

Meaning
thoughtful; contemplative; able to reflect light or images
Example
After the meeting, he was in a reflective mood.
C1 noun ˌriːˌvaɪ.təl.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

revitalization

Meaning
The action of giving new life and vitality to something.
Example
Proper rest and nutrition lead to revitalization of the body.
C1 noun /rɪˈkluːs/

recluse

Meaning
A person who lives alone and avoids other people; someone who lives a solitary life.
Example
The old man lived as a recluse in the mountains.
A2 verb /rɪˈdjuːs/

reduce

Meaning
to make smaller in size, amount, or degree; to decrease
Example
We need to reduce our expenses this month.
A2 noun /roʊl/

role

Meaning
a part or function of something
Example
Her role in the project was crucial.
C1 verb /rɪˈdrɛs/

redress

Meaning
to set right, remedy, or compensate for a wrong or grievance
Example
The company promised to redress the complaints of its customers.
C1 noun /ˈrep.lɪ.kə/

Replica

Meaning
an exact copy or model of something, especially one on a smaller scale
Example
The museum displayed a perfect replica of the ancient statue.
C1 adjective /ˈræb.ɪd/

rabid

Meaning
Having extreme or fanatical support for something; relating to or suffering from rabies.
Example
He was a rabid fan of the football team.
B2 noun /ˌriː.əˈʃʊr.əns/

Reassurance

Meaning
comfort or confidence given to someone to remove their fears or doubts
Example
She needed reassurance that everything would be okay.
B2 verb rɪˈzaɪn

resign

Meaning
Voluntarily leave a job or other position.
Example
Ministers were forced to resign.
C2 adjective /ˌrɛpərˈtɔːriəl/

repertorial

Meaning
Relating to or characteristic of a repertoire, especially in journalism or performance contexts.
Example
The journalist's repertorial style captured every detail of the unfolding story.
C1 adjective /rɪˈzɪdjuəl/

residual

Meaning
Remaining after the greater part has gone.
Example
The patient experienced residual pain after the surgery.
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 noun /rɪˈfaɪnəri/

refinery

Meaning
an industrial facility where raw materials are processed and purified
Example
The oil refinery processes thousands of barrels daily.
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.
C2 verb /raɪv/

rive

Meaning
to tear apart violently
Example
The earthquake rived the ground in several places.
B2 adverb /rɪˈɡɑrdləs/

regardless

Meaning
without paying attention to the current situation or condition
Example
She will go to the party regardless of the weather.
C2 adjective /rɪˈfræktəri/

refractory

Meaning
Stubborn or resistant to control, authority, or treatment.
Example
The refractory child refused to follow the teacher's instructions.
B2 noun, verb /ræŋks/

ranks

Meaning
Positions within a group, especially in a hierarchy or organization.
Example
He quickly moved up the ranks of the army.
C2 noun /rɪˈfɛkʃən/

refection

Meaning
a meal or the act of taking food and drink
Example
The monks gathered for their evening refection.
C1 noun /ˈroʊz ˈwɔː.tər/

Rose-water

Meaning
a flavored water made by steeping rose petals in water, used in cooking and cosmetics
Example
She added a few drops of rose-water to the dessert.
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 adjective /rɪˈflɛksəbl/

reflexible

Meaning
Capable of being reflected or bent back.
Example
The surface was highly reflexible, bouncing light in different directions.
B1 noun riˈæləti

reality

Meaning
The world or the state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea.
Example
The reality of the situation was evident.
A2 noun /reɪs/

race

Meaning
a competition of speed, or a group of people with similar characteristics
Example
The race was very exciting, with many competitors.
B2 noun /ˈriːteɪlər/

retailer

Meaning
a person or business that sells goods to consumers rather than to other businesses
Example
The retailer offers discounts on electronic products.
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.
B1 verb /rɪˈleɪt/

relate

Meaning
to connect or show a link between; to tell a story
Example
She relates her experience to the audience.
B1 noun /rɪˈvɪʒ.ən/

Revision

Meaning
the action of revising; a revised edition or form of something; review of subject matter
Example
The students spent hours doing revision for their final exams.
C1 adjective /ˈroʊ.ɡɪʃ/

Roguish

Meaning
mischievous; playfully dishonest
Example
His roguish smile suggested he was up to some mischief.
C1 verb /ˈrevəl/

revel

Meaning
to enjoy oneself in a lively and noisy way; to take great pleasure in
Example
They revel in their success.
B1 verb /rɪˈvjuː/

review

Meaning
to examine or assess something again; to write a critical evaluation
Example
I need to review my notes before the exam.
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 noun /ˈreɪ.zər/

Razor

Meaning
a sharp-edged instrument used for shaving hair from the skin
Example
He shaved his beard with a sharp razor.
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 ˈrez.ɪ.djuː

residue

Meaning
A small amount of something that remains after the main part has gone or been removed.
Example
Soap residue affects appliance efficiency.