English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
CEFR Level
a poisonous flowering shrub with bright red or pink flowers
"The red oleander blooms throughout the summer months."
a pleasant smell or the quality of suggesting something strongly
"The redolence of jasmine filled the evening air."
having a strong pleasant smell; strongly reminiscent or suggestive of something
"The kitchen was redolent of spices and fresh herbs."
formidable, especially as an opponent; inspiring fear or respect
"She was a redoubtable leader who commanded respect from all."
to contribute greatly to a result or consequence, usually beneficial
"His hard work will redound to the success of the company."
capable of being simplified, lessened, or made smaller
"The problem is complex but reducible to a few basic principles."
a meal or the act of taking food and drink
"The monks gathered for their evening refection."
a dining hall, especially in a monastery, convent, or school
"Students had lunch in the refectory."
able to be related or directed to something
"The issue is referable to the new policy changes."
capable of being reflected, as light or an image
"The surface of the lake is highly reflectible in the morning sun."
Capable of being reflected or bent back.
"The surface was highly reflexible, bouncing light in different directions."
To bend light, sound, or heat as it passes through a medium.
"The water refracts light, making the straw look bent."
The bending of light, sound, or other waves when they pass from one medium to another of different density.
"The refraction of light in water makes objects appear bent."
A type of telescope that uses lenses to focus light.
"Refractor telescopes use lenses to focus light."
Stubborn or resistant to control, authority, or treatment.
"The refractory child refused to follow the teacher's instructions."
Capable of being refuted or disproved.
"His argument was weak and easily refragable."
The ability of a substance to bend light; refractive power.
"Glass has a higher refringency than water."
Capable of refracting light or other waves.
"The refringent properties of the crystal bent the light into a spectrum."
capable of being proven wrong or false; able to be disproved
"His theory was refutable because it could be tested experimentally."
To entertain or amuse someone with stories, food, or drink.
"He regaled us with stories of his travels around the world."
A sporting event consisting of a series of boat or yacht races.
"The annual regatta attracted competitors from around the world."
a person who rules in place of a monarch when the monarch is absent or too young
"The prince acted as regent until the king came of age."
the act of killing a king
"The conspirators were executed for committing regicide."
Reigning; currently holding power, authority, or dominance.
"The regnant queen introduced several reforms during her reign."
a quick or witty reply; a response to a remark or argument
"His sharp rejoinder silenced the crowd."
the action or process of becoming young or fresh again
"The forest showed signs of rejuvenescence after the rains."
a container for holy relics
"The ancient reliquary was decorated with gold and precious stones."
capable of being corrected or cured
"The mistake was serious but still remediable."
Negligent in performing a duty or responsibility.
"The manager was remiss in not checking the financial reports carefully."
A forceful protest or objection.
"The workers’ remonstrance against unfair treatment was ignored."
A person who makes a forceful protest (noun); protesting or objecting (adjective).
"He was a remonstrant voice in the assembly."
To make a forceful protest or objection.
"Citizens remonstrated against the new tax policy."
Financially rewarding or profitable.
"He chose a remunerative career in medicine."
to tear something apart violently or forcefully
"The explosion rent the air with a deafening noise."
the formal rejection or giving up of something, usually a belief, claim, or way of life
"His renunciation of worldly pleasures impressed the monks."
able to be repaired or fixed
"The damage to the car was serious but still reparable."
A quick, witty, and clever reply in conversation.
"The debate was full of sharp repartee between the two speakers."
A meal or the food eaten during a meal.
"They enjoyed a delicious repast by the riverside."
Relating to or characteristic of a repertoire, especially in journalism or performance contexts.
"The journalist's repertorial style captured every detail of the unfolding story."
To feel or express discontent or to long for something.
"She did not repine at her misfortune but worked harder to improve her life."
to express disapproval or criticism of someone or something
"The teacher reprehended the student for being dishonest."
The act of rebuking or criticizing severely.
"The teacher’s reprehension of the student’s behavior was justified."
Capable of being restrained or suppressed.
"The movement proved to be hardly repressible."
A person of immoral character; to express disapproval of; morally corrupt.
"The old reprobate spent his days gambling and drinking."
Strong disapproval or condemnation; rejection by God as beyond salvation.
"The teacher’s face showed clear reprobation at the student’s rude remark."
An expression of blame or disapproval.
"His careless words drew a sharp reproof from his mother."
to criticize or correct someone gently or disapprove of their actions
"The teacher reproved the student for being late."
intense disgust or strong aversion towards something
"She felt deep repugnance at the cruelty of the act."
A mass, music, or ceremony for the repose of the souls of the dead.
"The choir performed a requiem in memory of the late leader."