ruminant
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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 /ˈrɛkluːsəri/

reclusory

Meaning
A place for seclusion or retreat, especially for a recluse or hermit.
Example
The monk spent years in the reclusory away from society.
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 adjective /rɪˈfɛrəbəl/

referable

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

refectory

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

recrudescent

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

repugnance

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

reticulate

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

reflexible

Meaning
Capable of being reflected or bent back.
Example
The surface was highly reflexible, bouncing light in different directions.
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.
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 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 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 verb /rɛnd/

rend

Meaning
to tear something apart violently or forcefully
Example
The explosion rent the air with a deafening noise.
C2 adjective /ˈruːmi/

rheumy

Meaning
Watery, especially referring to the eyes.
Example
His rheumy eyes showed signs of age and fatigue.
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 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 adjective /ˈreɪ.moʊs/

ramose

Meaning
having many branches.
Example
The ramose tree shaded the entire garden.
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 /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 adjective /rɪˈsplɛndənt/

resplendent

Meaning
Shining brilliantly; dazzling in appearance or effect
Example
The bride looked resplendent in her wedding gown.
C2 verb /rɪˈkænt/

recant

Meaning
to withdraw or renounce a statement or belief formally
Example
He recanted his previous statement in court.
C2 adjective /ˈrɛd.ələnt/

redolent

Meaning
having a strong pleasant smell; strongly reminiscent or suggestive of something
Example
The kitchen was redolent of spices and fresh herbs.
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 /ˈrɒndoʊ/

rondo

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

repressible

Meaning
Capable of being restrained or suppressed.
Example
The movement proved to be hardly repressible.
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.
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 /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 noun /ˈræp.aɪn/

rapine

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

remunerative

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

recusant

Meaning
a person who refuses to submit to authority or comply with rules
Example
The recusant opposed the new law.
C2 adjective /ˈrɛkənˌsaɪləbl̩/

reconcilable

Meaning
Capable of being resolved or made consistent.
Example
Their differences are reconcilable with honest communication.
C2 verb /rɪˈsɪnd/

rescind

Meaning
to revoke, cancel, or repeal a law, order, or agreement
Example
The company decided to rescind the job offer.
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 /roʊˈtʌnd/

rotund

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

ravening

Meaning
Extremely hungry and greedy; voracious.
Example
The ravening wolves circled the camp.
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 verb /rɪˈspaɪər/

respire

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

rivulet

Meaning
a small stream of water; a tiny brook
Example
A rivulet ran down the hillside after the rain.
C2 adjective /ˈrɛɡnənt/

regnant

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

Rump

Meaning
the hindquarters or buttocks; the lower back area
Example
The horse injured its rump during the fall.
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 /riːm/

ream

Meaning
A large quantity of paper (typically 500 sheets); informally, a large amount of something.
Example
The office ordered ten reams of paper.
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 /rɪˈdʒɔɪndər/

rejoinder

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

rhapsodize

Meaning
to speak or write with great enthusiasm and admiration
Example
He would often rhapsodize about his travels to Europe.
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 noun/verb /ˈrɛkəmˌpɛns/

recompense

Meaning
to compensate someone for loss or harm suffered; compensation given for damage or injury
Example
The company offered financial recompense to the injured worker.
C2 adjective /rɪˈmiːdiəbl/

remediable

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

rapprochement

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

reproof

Meaning
An expression of blame or disapproval.
Example
His careless words drew a sharp reproof from his mother.
C2 noun /ˈreɪmənt/

raiment

Meaning
clothing, especially fine or formal wear
Example
The king wore royal raiment during the ceremony.
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.
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 /rɪˈsɪʒən/

rescission

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

retch

Meaning
to make the sound and movement of vomiting without bringing anything up
Example
The smell of spoiled food made him retch violently.
C2 verb /rɪˈkwaɪt/

requite

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

ripplet

Meaning
a small or tiny ripple
Example
Tiny ripplets appeared on the lake as the fish moved.
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 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 verb /ruː/

rue

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

recreant

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

recrudesce

Meaning
to break out or appear again after a period of dormancy or decline
Example
After months of calm, violence recrudesced in the region.
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 verb /ˈrævɪʃ/

ravish

Meaning
To fill with intense delight; to captivate or enchant.
Example
The beauty of the sunset ravished the travelers.
C2 adjective /ˈrɛpərəbəl/

reparable

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

Rabble

Meaning
a disorderly crowd; the common people regarded as socially inferior
Example
The politician dismissed the protesters as mere rabble.
C2 verb /ˌrɛprɪˈhɛnd/

reprehend

Meaning
to express disapproval or criticism of someone or something
Example
The teacher reprehended the student for being dishonest.
C2 noun /ˌræʃioʊsɪˈneɪʃən/

ratiocination

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

raptorial

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

remonstrate

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

riposte

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

rhetorician

Meaning
A person who is skilled in the art of rhetoric or persuasive speaking/writing.
Example
The rhetorician captivated the audience with his eloquence.
C2 adjective /ˈruːnɪk/

runic

Meaning
relating to or consisting of runes; mysterious or magical
Example
The old stone had strange runic carvings on it.
C2 noun /rɪˌkrɪmɪˈneɪʃən/

recrimination

Meaning
an accusation made in response to an accusation; mutual blaming
Example
The debate quickly descended into mutual recriminations.
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 /ˌrɛv.əˈkeɪ.ʃən/

revocation

Meaning
The act of officially canceling or withdrawing something.
Example
The court ordered the revocation of his license.
C2 noun /rɪˈfɛkʃən/

refection

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

rankle

Meaning
To cause continuing annoyance or resentment.
Example
His unfair criticism continued to rankle her for days.
C2 adjective /ˈroʊziət/

roseate

Meaning
Having a pink color; optimistic or idealistic.
Example
She looked at the future with roseate optimism.
C2 noun /ˌrɛtroʊˈɡrɛʃən/

retrogression

Meaning
a return to a worse or less developed state
Example
The country experienced economic retrogression after the crisis.
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 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.
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 /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 adjective /rɪˈzɪstləs/

resistless

Meaning
Impossible to resist; having an overpowering effect.
Example
She felt a resistless urge to laugh at the joke.
C2 noun /ˈrɛdʒɪsaɪd/

regicide

Meaning
the act of killing a king
Example
The conspirators were executed for committing regicide.
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 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 /ˈreɪləri/

raillery

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

rigmarole

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

restive

Meaning
unable to stay still or silent; restless and impatient
Example
The crowd grew restive as they waited for the concert to begin.
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 /rɪˈmɒnstrəns/

remonstrance

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