retrograde
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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.
C1 verb /rɪˈlɛnt/

relent

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

readjust

Meaning
To change or move something again in order to achieve a better fit, condition, or balance.
Example
He readjusted the chair to make it more comfortable.
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 verb /rɪˈprɛs/

repress

Meaning
To restrain, suppress, or keep under control, especially emotions or desires.
Example
He tried to repress his anger during the meeting.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈreɪdiənt/

radiant

Meaning
Shining brightly; expressing great happiness.
Example
She looked radiant in her wedding dress.
C1 noun /rɪˈtrækʃən/

retraction

Meaning
the act of taking back a statement, promise, or belief
Example
The newspaper issued a retraction of the false report.
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 /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 /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.
C1 adjective /rɪˈtɔːrɪkəl/

rhetorical

Meaning
relating to the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing; often a question asked to make a point rather than get an answer
Example
He asked a rhetorical question during the debate.
C1 verb /rɪˈdʒuː.vɪ.neɪt/

rejuvenate

Meaning
To make or feel young, healthy, or energetic again.
Example
A vacation can rejuvenate the mind and body.
C1 noun /raɪt/

rite

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

ratify

Meaning
to approve or confirm something officially, usually by law or formal consent
Example
The government ratified the trade agreement.
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 noun ˌriː.pɚˈkʌʃ.ənz

repercussions

Meaning
The unintended consequences or effects of an action or event.
Example
The new policy had unintended repercussions on the economy.
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 noun /roʊt/

rote

Meaning
mechanical or habitual repetition, often without understanding
Example
He learned the poem by rote without understanding its meaning.
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 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 verb /rɪˈmjuːnəreɪt/

remunerate

Meaning
To pay someone for services or work done.
Example
The company will remunerate employees fairly for their overtime.
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 noun /rɪft/

rift

Meaning
a serious break in a relationship; a split or crack
Example
A rift developed between the two friends after the argument.
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 /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 adjective /rɪˈkʌr.ənt/

Recurrent

Meaning
happening repeatedly; occurring again and again; periodic;
Example
She has been suffering from recurrent headaches for months.
C1 noun /ˈrɛtrəsˌpɛkt/

retrospect

Meaning
the act of looking back on or reviewing past events
Example
In retrospect, the decision seemed unwise.
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 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 /rɪˈmɪt.əns/

Remittance

Meaning
A sum of money sent in payment or as a gift.
Example
The country's economy benefits from expatriate remittance.
C1 adjective /ˈroʊ.ɡɪʃ/

Roguish

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

recuperate

Meaning
to recover from illness or regain strength
Example
She went to the countryside to recuperate after surgery.
C1 verb /rɪˈpiːl/

repeal

Meaning
To officially cancel or revoke a law or decision.
Example
The government decided to repeal the outdated law.
C1 adjective /ræmˈbʌŋk.ʃəs/

rambunctious

Meaning
boisterous, energetic, and difficult to control.
Example
The rambunctious children filled the house with noise.
C1 adjective rɪˈsɛʃ.ən.er.i

recessionary

Meaning
Relating to or characterized by economic recession.
Example
Governments introduce policies to counter recessionary effects.
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 verb /rɒmp/

romp

Meaning
to play or move in a lively, carefree, and energetic way
Example
The children romped happily in the garden.
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.
C1 verb /reɪv/

rave

Meaning
to speak or write about something with great enthusiasm or admiration
Example
Critics rave about the new movie.
C1 verb /ræsp/

rasp

Meaning
to speak in a rough, harsh voice or to scrape with a coarse sound
Example
He rasped out a warning before collapsing.
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.
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.
C1 verb /rɪˈzaʊnd/

resound

Meaning
To fill a place with sound; to be celebrated or talked about widely.
Example
The hall resounded with applause.
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.
C1 adjective /rɪˈtɜː.nə.bəl/

Returnable

Meaning
able to be returned or given back
Example
The bottle is returnable for a deposit refund.
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/verb /rɪˈpriːv/

reprieve

Meaning
A temporary relief or delay from something unpleasant; to postpone or cancel punishment.
Example
The prisoner was granted a last-minute reprieve from execution.
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 adjective /ˈrɪkɪti/

rickety

Meaning
Poorly made and likely to collapse; shaky.
Example
They crossed a rickety wooden bridge over the river.
C1 adjective /ˈrɛzənənt/

resonant

Meaning
Deep, clear, and continuing to sound or echo.
Example
The resonant voice of the speaker filled the hall.
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 /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 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 noun /ˈruːdɪmənt/

rudiment

Meaning
A basic principle, element, or fundamental part of something.
Example
He learned the rudiments of music before joining the band.
C1 verb /rɪˈtrækt/

retract

Meaning
to withdraw a statement, promise, or part of the body; to pull back
Example
The company retracted its earlier statement after realizing the error.
C1 noun /ˌrɛspɪˈreɪʃən/

respiration

Meaning
The process of breathing or the exchange of gases in living organisms.
Example
Respiration is essential for all living beings.
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 /ˈrɒstrəm/

rostrum

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

rejuvenation

Meaning
The process of restoring something to a former better state, especially referring to renewing soil fertility or revitalizing agricultural land through various restoration practices.
Example
Rejuvenation of soil is necessary for sustainable agriculture.
C1 verb /raɪl/

rile

Meaning
to irritate or annoy someone
Example
His careless comments really riled her.
C1 adjective /rɪˈtæl.i.ə.tɔːr.i/

retaliatory

Meaning
Taking action in response to another's action, characterized as punitive, revengeful, or counteractive.
Example
The country imposed retaliatory tariffs in response to trade sanctions.
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 /ræˈpɔːr/

rapport

Meaning
A close and harmonious relationship in which the people or groups concerned understand each other's feelings or ideas.
Example
The teacher built a strong rapport with her students.
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 verb /rɪˈpʌls/

repulse

Meaning
to drive back an attack or attacker by force; to cause intense dislike or disgust
Example
The army managed to repulse the enemy attack.
C1 verb /ˌriː.ɪˈstæblɪʃ/

reestablish

Meaning
to set up or restore something again after it has been disrupted
Example
The government worked hard to reestablish peace in the region.
C1 noun /rɪˈdʒɪdəti/

Rigidity

Meaning
inability to bend or be forced out of shape; unwillingness to change or compromise
Example
The rigidity of the old system prevented any innovation.
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 ˌrev.əˈluː.ʃən.ər.i ɪˈnɪʃ.ə.tɪv

revolutionary initiative

Meaning
A groundbreaking action or plan that brings about significant change or transformation.
Example
The revolutionary initiative promotes sustainable energy.
C1 noun /rɪˈpɑːzɪtɔːri/

repository

Meaning
a place where things are stored or kept for safekeeping
Example
The library serves as a repository of knowledge.
C1 adjective /ˈrep.jə.tə.bəl/

Reputable

Meaning
having a good reputation; respected and trusted
Example
She works for a reputable law firm in the city.
C1 verb /rɪˈvoʊk/

revoke

Meaning
To officially cancel or withdraw a decision, privilege, or right.
Example
The government decided to revoke his passport.
C1 noun rɪˈdʌndənsi

redundancy

Meaning
The state of being not or no longer needed or useful; superfluousness.
Example
The redundancy in the company's workforce led to many layoffs.
C1 noun /ˈruː.bi/

Ruby

Meaning
a precious red gemstone; a deep red variety of corundum
Example
The ruby ring was her most treasured possession.
C1 verb /ˈrɛplɪkeɪt/

replicate

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

retaliate

Meaning
to make an attack in return for a similar attack
Example
The army retaliated after the enemy attack.
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.
C1 verb ˈrɛk.tɪ.faɪ

rectify

Meaning
To correct mistakes or make something right.
Example
The company took steps to rectify its financial mistakes.
C1 noun /rɪˌmjuː.nəˈreɪ.ʃən/

Remuneration

Meaning
money paid for work or services; compensation or reward
Example
The job offers excellent remuneration and benefits.
C1 noun /ˌrætɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

Ratification

Meaning
the action of signing or giving formal consent to a treaty, contract, or agreement
Example
The treaty required ratification by both countries' parliaments.
C1 verb /rɪˈtreɪs/

retrace

Meaning
to go back over a path or route; to recall and repeat steps taken earlier
Example
She retraced her steps to find her lost keys.
C1 verb /rɪˈmɪt/

remit

Meaning
To send money in payment or as a gift; to cancel or refrain from exacting a debt or punishment.
Example
He promised to remit the payment by the end of the week.
C1 adjective /rɪˈdʒɛn.ə.rə.tɪv/

regenerative

Meaning
Able to restore or renew damaged environments, soil, or resources.
Example
Regenerative farming improves soil health and biodiversity.
C1 verb /ˈrʌf.l̩/

ruffle

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

remnants

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

regretful

Meaning
feeling or showing sadness or disappointment about something that has happened or been done
Example
She gave him a regretful smile as she turned away.
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.
C1 verb /riːˈkæptʃər/

recapture

Meaning
To take back or regain possession of something.
Example
The army managed to recapture the lost territory.
C1 adjective /ˈrez.ə.luːt/

Resolute

Meaning
determined; having a firm decision; unwavering
Example
She remained resolute in her decision to pursue her dreams.
C1 verb /rɪˈkaʊnt/

recount

Meaning
to narrate or tell the details of an event or experience
Example
She recounted her adventures during the summer trip.
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 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 adjective /rɪˈtaɪərɪŋ/

retiring

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

Renown

Meaning
the condition of being known or talked about by many people; fame
Example
The scientist achieved international renown for her discoveries.
C1 noun /ˈræftər/

rafter

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

recital

Meaning
A performance of music, dance, or poetry, usually by a soloist.
Example
She gave a piano recital at the concert hall.
C1 noun /rəˈpɪdəti/

rapidity

Meaning
The quality of moving or happening quickly; swiftness or speed.
Example
The rapidity of technological change is astonishing.
C1 adjective /rɪˈvoʊltɪŋ/

revolting

Meaning
extremely unpleasant or disgusting
Example
The smell of the garbage was revolting.
C1 verb /rɪˈpjuː.di.eɪt/

repudiate

Meaning
to refuse to accept, recognize, or support something
Example
He repudiated the claim that he was involved in the scandal.
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.
C1 noun /rɪˈpreʃən/

Repression

Meaning
the action of subduing someone or something by force; the restraint, prevention, or inhibition of a feeling, impulse, etc.
Example
The government's repression of free speech sparked widespread protests.
C1 noun /rɪˈvʌlʃən/

revulsion

Meaning
a strong feeling of disgust or repulsion
Example
She felt revulsion at the sight of the cruel act.
C1 adjective /ˈrʌɡ.ɪd/

Rugged

Meaning
rough and uneven; having a rough irregular surface; tough and strong
Example
The hikers crossed the rugged mountain terrain.
C1 noun /ˈrɛvərəns/

reverence

Meaning
deep respect for someone or something
Example
The students showed reverence to their teacher.
C1 noun rɪˈdʒɛn.ər.ə.tɪv ˈfɑːr.mɪŋ

regenerative farming

Meaning
Agricultural practices that improve soil health and biodiversity.
Example
Regenerative farming improves soil fertility and biodiversity.
C1 noun/verb /reɪn/

rein

Meaning
A strap used to control a horse; to control or guide something.
Example
The rider pulled the rein to stop the horse.
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 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 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 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 /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.
C1 verb /rɪˈnɛɡ/

renege

Meaning
to go back on a promise, agreement, or commitment
Example
The company reneged on its promise to increase wages.
C1 noun /rɪˈpɛərə/

repairer

Meaning
a person whose job is to fix damaged or broken things
Example
The repairer fixed the broken washing machine quickly.
C1 verb /ˌrekəˈlekt/

recollect

Meaning
to remember something; to recall from memory
Example
I can't recollect where I put my keys.