risible
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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 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 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 /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 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 /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 adjective /ˈrɛkriənt/

recreant

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

reconcilable

Meaning
Capable of being resolved or made consistent.
Example
Their differences are reconcilable with honest communication.
C2 adjective /ˈreə.rɪ.faɪd/

rarefied

Meaning
Of high moral, intellectual, or cultural value; distant from ordinary life.
Example
He works in the rarefied world of classical music.
C2 verb /rɪˈspaɪər/

respire

Meaning
To breathe in and out; to inhale and exhale.
Example
Plants also respire to release energy.
C2 adjective /rɪˈflɛktɪbəl/

reflectible

Meaning
capable of being reflected, as light or an image
Example
The surface of the lake is highly reflectible in the morning sun.
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 verb /ˈrʌmpəl/

rumple

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

recapitulation

Meaning
The act of summarizing or repeating the main points of something.
Example
The professor gave a brief recapitulation of the lecture before ending the class.
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 noun /rɪˈpruːf/

reproof

Meaning
An expression of blame or disapproval.
Example
His careless words drew a sharp reproof from his mother.
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 verb /ˈræŋ.kəl/

rankle

Meaning
To cause continuing annoyance or resentment.
Example
His unfair criticism continued to rankle her for days.
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 noun /ˈrɪp.lɪt/

ripplet

Meaning
a small or tiny ripple
Example
Tiny ripplets appeared on the lake as the fish moved.
C2 noun /ræŋˈɡuːn ˈkriːpər/

Rangoon creeper

Meaning
A climbing vine with fragrant flowers that change color from white to pink to red
Example
The Rangoon creeper covered the entire fence with its sweet-smelling flowers.
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 /rɪˈmɒnstreɪt/

remonstrate

Meaning
To make a forceful protest or objection.
Example
Citizens remonstrated against the new tax policy.
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 /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 /rɪˈfɛrəbəl/

referable

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

rapacious

Meaning
having an extreme desire to take things for oneself, greedy
Example
The rapacious landlord raised the rent without reason.
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 adjective /ˌriːkruːˈdɛsənt/

recrudescent

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

reticulate

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

remonstrance

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

ruth

Meaning
A feeling of pity, compassion, or sorrow.
Example
He felt no ruth for the people he had betrayed.
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 /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.
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 /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 adjective /ˈroʊziət/

roseate

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

reliquary

Meaning
a container for holy relics
Example
The ancient reliquary was decorated with gold and precious stones.
C2 noun /ˈreɪləri/

raillery

Meaning
good-humored teasing or joking
Example
Their friendship was full of light-hearted raillery.
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 /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 adjective /ˈruːmi/

rheumy

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

refectory

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

rime

Meaning
frost formed on cold surfaces by freezing water vapor
Example
The trees were covered with a white rime after the cold night.
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 verb /ruː/

rue

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

reparable

Meaning
able to be repaired or fixed
Example
The damage to the car was serious but still reparable.
C2 noun /ˈriːbəs/

rebus

Meaning
a puzzle in which words are represented by pictures, symbols, or letters
Example
The children enjoyed solving the rebus puzzles in the magazine.
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 verb /ˈrævɪʃ/

ravish

Meaning
To fill with intense delight; to captivate or enchant.
Example
The beauty of the sunset ravished the travelers.
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 /rɪˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃən/

renunciation

Meaning
the formal rejection or giving up of something, usually a belief, claim, or way of life
Example
His renunciation of worldly pleasures impressed the monks.
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 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 /ˈruː.mɪ.nənt/

ruminant

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

rescission

Meaning
the cancellation or annulment of a law, contract, or agreement
Example
The rescission of the contract left both parties disappointed.
C2 adjective /ˈrɛɡnənt/

regnant

Meaning
Reigning; currently holding power, authority, or dominance.
Example
The regnant queen introduced several reforms during her reign.
C2 noun /ˈrɒndoʊ/

rondo

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

recant

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

revile

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

ratiocination

Meaning
the process of reasoning or logical thinking
Example
His ratiocination impressed the judges during the debate.
C2 adjective /roʊˈtʌnd/

rotund

Meaning
round or plump in shape; full in sound
Example
The rotund cat struggled to climb the fence.
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 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 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 /rɪˈpʌɡ.nəns/

repugnance

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

remunerative

Meaning
Financially rewarding or profitable.
Example
He chose a remunerative career in medicine.
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 /ˈrævənɪŋ/

ravening

Meaning
Extremely hungry and greedy; voracious.
Example
The ravening wolves circled the camp.
C2 noun /roʊˈtʌn.də.ti/

rotundity

Meaning
the quality of being round or plump
Example
The rotundity of the balloon made it float gracefully.
C2 noun /ˈræp.aɪn/

rapine

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

remediable

Meaning
capable of being corrected or cured
Example
The mistake was serious but still remediable.
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 noun /ˈreɪmənt/

raiment

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

rancorous

Meaning
Characterized by bitterness or resentment.
Example
Their rancorous debate lasted for hours.
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 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 /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 /rɪˈkjʊə/

recure

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

requital

Meaning
The act of returning something, such as a favor, service, or punishment; repayment or retaliation.
Example
She offered her time in requital for his kindness.
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 /ˌrɛprɪˈhɛnʃən/

reprehension

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

ramose

Meaning
having many branches.
Example
The ramose tree shaded the entire garden.
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 noun /ˈrɛkjʊzənt/

recusant

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

riposte

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

recondite

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

ruddy

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

rubicund

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

refection

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

rive

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

refragable

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

repressible

Meaning
Capable of being restrained or suppressed.
Example
The movement proved to be hardly repressible.
C2 verb /rɪˈdaʊnd/

redound

Meaning
to contribute greatly to a result or consequence, usually beneficial
Example
His hard work will redound to the success of the company.
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 /ˌræproʊʃˈmɑːn/

rapprochement

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

recidivist

Meaning
A person who repeatedly commits crimes, especially after having been punished.
Example
The police identified him as a recidivist who had been arrested several times before.
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 /ræpˈtɔːriəl/

raptorial

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

rend

Meaning
to tear something apart violently or forcefully
Example
The explosion rent the air with a deafening noise.