R Flashcards
(418 cards)
0
Q
rabble
A
(n)1. A disorderly crowd, a mob. 2. (the rabble), the common people, the lowest social classes.
1
Q
rabbi
A
(n)(pl rabbis) the religious leader of a Jewish congregation.
2
Q
rabid
A
(adj)1. Furious, fanatical, (rabid hate); (a rabid Socialist). 2. Affected with rabies. Rabidly (adv), rabidity (n).
3
Q
rabies
A
(n) a contagious fatal virus disease affecting dogs and similar animals, transmitted to man usually be the bite of an infected animal.
4
Q
race relations
A
relations between members of different races in the same country.
5
Q
racialism / racism
A
(n)1. Belief in the superiority of a particular race. 2. Antagonism between people of different races. Racialist (n), racist (n).
6
Q
rack one’s brains
A
to think hard about a problem.
7
Q
racket (2)
A
(n)1. A din, a noisy fuss. 2. A business or other activity in which dishonest methods are used. (v) to move about noisily, to engage in wild social activities, (racketing about). Racketeer (n): a person who runs or works in a racket or dishonest business. Racketeering (n). Rackety (adj): noisy.
8
Q
raconteur
A
(n) a person who tells anecdotes, (a good raconteur).
9
Q
racy
A
(adj)(racier, raciest) spirited and vigorous in style, (a racy description of his adventures). Racily (adv), raciness (n).
10
Q
radial
A
(adj) of or arranged like rays or radii, having spokes or lines etc. that radiate from a central point. (n) a radial part. Radially (adv).
11
Q
radiator
A
(n)1. An apparatus that radiates heat, especially a metal case through which steam or hot water circulates. 2. An engine-cooling apparatus in a motor vehicle or an aircraft.
12
Q
radical
A
(adj)1. Going to the root or foundation of something, fundamental. 2. Drastic, thorough, (radical changes or reforms). 3. Desiring radical reforms, holding extremist views. (n)1. A person desiring radical reforms or holding extremist views. 2. A group of atoms functioning as a unit in chemical reactions. Radically (adv).
13
Q
raffia
A
(n) soft fibre from the leaves of a kind of palm-tree, used for tying up plants and for making mats etc.
14
Q
raffle
A
(n) a lottery with an object as the prize, especially as a method of raising money for a charity. (v) to offer (a thing) as the prize in a raffle.
15
Q
rafter
A
(n) one of the sloping beams forming the framework of a roof.
16
Q
rag (2)
A
(v)(ragged, ragging) to tease, to play practical jokes on (a person). (n)1. A practical joke, a piece of fun. 2. A carnival held by students to collect money for charity.
17
Q
ragamuffin
A
(n) a person in ragged dirty clothes.
18
Q
raid
A
(n)1. A sudden attack and withdrawal made by a military party or by ships or aircraft. 2. An attack made in order to steal. 3. A surprise visit by police etc. to arrest suspected people or seize illicit goods. (v) to make a raid on (a place etc.); (raid the larder), to take food from it. Raider (n).
19
Q
go off the rails
A
(informal) to become disorganised or out of control or crazy.
20
Q
raiment
A
(n)(old use) clothing.
21
Q
be rained off
A
(of an event) to be prevented by rain from taking place.
22
Q
raise Cain/ hell
A
(informal) to make an uproar; to show great anger.
23
Q
raise one’s eyebrows
A
to show disdain or suspicion.
24
raise one's glass to
to drink a toast to.
25
raise one's voice
to speak; to speak more loudly.
26
raise the alarm
to give a warning of imminent danger.
27
raison d'être
the reason for or purpose of a thing's existence.
28
rajah
(n)(in former times) an Indian king or prince.
29
rally (v)
(v)(rallied, rallying)1. To bring or come together for a united effort. 2. To reassemble for effort after defeat. 3. To rouse or revive, (rally one's courage). 4. To recover one's strength after illness. 5. (of share-prices etc.) to increase after falling.
30
ram
(n)1. An uncastrated male sheep. 2. A battering-ram. 3. A striking or plunging device in various machines. (v)(rammed, ramming)1. To force or drive into place by pressure. 2. To strike and push heavily, to crash against.
31
Ramadan
(n) the ninth month of the Muslim year, when Muslims fast between sunrise and sunset.
32
Ramayana
(n) an ancient Hindu epic poem.
33
ramble
(v)1. To take a ramble. 2. To talk or write disconnectedly, to wander from the subject. (n) a walk taken for pleasure, with or without a definite route. Rambler (n). Rambling (adj).
34
ramification
(n)1. An arrangement of branching parts. 2. A part of a complex structure, something arising from it, (the ramifications of the plot).
35
rampage
1. (v) to behave violently, to race about wildly or destructively. 2. (n) violent behaviour. On the rampage: rampaging.
36
rampant
(adj)1. (in heraldry, of a lion etc.) standing on one hind leg with the opposite foreleg raised, (a lion rampant). 2. Unrestrained, flourishing excessively, (disease was rampant in the poorer districts).
37
like a ramrod
stiff and straight.
38
ramshackle
(adj) tumbledown, rickety.
39
rancid
(adj) smelling or tasting unpleasant like stale fat. Rancidness (n), rancidity (n).
40
rancour
(n) bitter feeling or ill will. Rancorous (adj), rancorously (adv).
41
randy
(adj)(randier, randiest)1. Lustful. 2. (Scottish) loud-voiced, boisterous.
42
rangy
(adj) talk and thin.
43
close the ranks.
to maintain solidarity.
44
the rank and file
the ordinary undistinguished people of an organisation.
45
rank (2)
(adj)1. Growing too thickly and coarsely. 2. (of land) full of weeds. 3. Foul-smelling. 4. Unmistakably bad, out-and-out, (rank poison); (rank injustice). Rankly (adv), rankness (n).
46
rankle
(v) to cause lasting and bitter annoyance or resentment.
47
ransack
(v)1. To search thoroughly or roughly. 2. To rob or pillage (a place).
48
hold to ransom
to hold (a captive) and demand ransom for his release; to demand concessions from (a person etc.) by threat.
49
rant
(v) to make a speech loudly and violently and theatrically.
50
rap (v)
(v)(rapped, rapping)1. To strike quickly and sharply. 2. To make a knocking or tapping sound. 3. To reprimand. Rap out: to say suddenly or sharply.
51
rapacious
(adj) greedy and grasping (especially for money), plundering and robbing others. Rapaciously (adv), rapacity (n).
52
rapport
(n) a harmonious and understanding relationship between people.
53
rapture
(n) intense delight. Rapturous (adj), rapturously (adv). In raptures: feeling or expressing rapture.
54
rarefied
(adj)(of air etc.) less dense than is normal, thin, like that on high mountains. Rarefaction (n).
55
raring
(adj)(informal) enthusiastic, (raring to go).
56
rarity
(n)1. Rareness. 2. Something uncommon, a thing valued because it is rare.
57
rascal
(n)1. A dishonest person. 2. A mischievous person. Rascally (adv).
58
ratchet
(n)1. A series of notches on a bar or wheel in which a pawl engages to prevent backward movement. 2. The bar or wheel bearing these.
59
at any rate
in any possible case, no matter what happens; at least.
60
at this/ that rate
(informal) if this is true or a typical specimen.
61
ratify
(v)(ratified, ratifying) to confirm or assent formally and make (an agreement etc.) officially valid. Ratification (n).
62
ration
(n) a fixed quantity (especially of food) allowed to one person. (v) to limit (food etc.) to a fixed ration, to allow (a person) only a certain amount.
63
rational
(adj) 1. Able to reason. 2. Sane. 3. Based on reasoning, not unreasonable. 4. (of numbers) that can be exactly expressed as a fraction. Rationally (adv), rationality (n).
64
rationale
(n) a fundamental reason, the logical basis of something.
65
rationalise
(v)1. To make logical and consistent, (tried to rationalise English spelling). 2. To invent a rational explanation of, (tried to rationalise their fears). 3. To make (a process or an industry) more efficient by reorganising so as to eliminate waste of labour or time or materials. Rationalisation (n).
66
rattling
(adj)1. That rattles. 2. Vigorous, brisk, (a rattling pace). (adv)(informal) very, (a rattling good story).
67
ratty
(adj)(slang) angry, irritable.
68
raucous
(adj) loud and harsh-sounding. Raucously (adv), raucousness (n).
69
ravage
(v) to do great damage to, to devastate. Ravages: (pl n) great damage, devastation.
70
rave
(v)1. To talk wildly or furiously, to talk nonsensically in delirium; (raving mad), completely mad. 2. (of the wind or sea) to howl, to roar. 3. To speak with rapturous admiration.
71
ravel
(v)(ravelled, ravelling) to tangle, to become tangled. (n) a tangle.
72
raven
(n) a large bird with glossy black feathers and a hoarse cry. (adj)(especially of hair) glossy black.
73
ravenous
(adj) very hungry. Ravenously (adv).
74
ravine
(n) a deep narrow gorge or cleft between mountains.
75
ravishing
(adj) very beautiful, filling people with delight.
76
in the raw
in a raw state; crude, without a softening or refining influence, (life in the raw).
77
raw deal
unfair treatment.
78
raw material
any material or product that is processed to make another; that from which something is made; people who are to be trained.
79
raze
(v) to destroy completely, to tear down to the ground.
80
reactionary
(adj) opposed to progress or reform. (n) a person who favours reactionary policies.
81
read between the lines
to discover a hidden or implicit meaning in something.
82
realism
(n)1. (in art and literature) being true to nature, representing things as they are in reality. 2. The attitude of a realist (n: a person who faces facts, one whose ideas and practices are based in facts not in ideals or illusions.
83
realistic
(adj)1. True to nature, closely resembling what is imitated or portrayed. 2. Facing facts, based on facts not on ideals or illusions. 3. (of wages or prices) high enough to pay the worker or seller adequately. Realistically (adv).
84
reality
(n)1. The quality of being real, resemblance to an original. 2. All that is real, the real world as distinct from imagination or fantasy, (lost his grip on reality). 3. Something that exists or that is real, (the realities of the situation).
85
realise
(v)1. To be fully aware of, to accept as a fact, (realised his mistake). 2. To convert (a hope or plan) into a fact, (our hopes were realised). 3. To convert (securities or property) into money by selling. 4. To obtain or bring in as profit, (of goods) to fetch as a price. Realisation (n).
86
realm
(n)1. A kingdom. 2. A field of activity or interest, (the realms of science).
87
ream (1)
(n) a quantity of paper (about 500 sheets) of the same size. Reams (pl n): a great quantity of written matter.
88
reap
(v)1. To cut (grain or a similar crop) as harvest. 2. To receive as the consequence of actions, (reaped great benefit from their training). Reaper (n).
89
reasonable
(adj)1. Ready to use or listen to reason, sensible, (a reasonable person). 2. In accordance with reason, not absurd, logical. 3. Moderate, not expensive or extortionate, (reasonable prices). Reasonably (adv), reasonableness (n).
90
rebate (1)
(n) a reduction in the amount to be paid, a partial refund.
91
rebellion
(n) open resistance to authority, especially organised armed resistance to an established government. Rebellious (adj): rebelling, insubordinate. Rebelliously (adv).
92
on the rebound
(of a hit or catch) made to a ball that is rebounding; (of an action etc.) done while still reacting to depression or disappointment.
93
rebuff
(n) an unkind or contemptuous refusal, a snub. (v) to give a rebuff to.
94
rebuke
(v) to reprove sharply or severely. (n) a sharp or severe reproof.
95
rebut
(v)(rebutted, rebutting) to refute or disprove (evidence or an accusation). Rebuttal (n).
96
recalcitrant
(adj) disobedient, resisting authority or discipline. Recalcitrance (n).
97
recant
(v) to withdraw one's former statement or belief etc. formally, rejecting it as wrong or heretical. Recantation (n).
98
recapitulate/ recap
(v) to state again the main points of what has been said or discussed. Recap: (v)(recapped, recapping)(informal).
99
recapture
(v)1. To capture (a person or thing that has escaped or been lost to an enemy). 2. To succeed in experiencing (a former state or emotion) again. (n) recapturing.
100
recce
(n)(informal) a reconnaissance
101
recede
(v)1. To go or shrink back from a certain point, to seem to go away from the observer, (the floods receded); (the shore receded as we sailed away). 2. To slope backwards, (a receding forehead).
102
receptacle
(n)1. Something for holding or containing what is put into it. 2. The top of a flower stem, from which the various parts of the flower arise.
103
receptive
(adj) able or quick or willing to receive knowledge or ideas or suggestions etc. Receptiveness (n), receptivity (n).
104
recidivist
(n) a person who constantly commits crimes and seems unable to be cured of criminal tendencies, a persistent offender. Recidivism (n).
105
reciprocal
(adj)1. Given or received in return, (reciprocal help). 2. Given or felt by each towards the other, mutual, (reciprocal affection). 3. Corresponding but the other way round, (I thought he was a waiter, while he made the reciprocal mistake and thought that I was). Reciprocally (adv).
106
reciprocate
(v)1. To give and receive, to make a return for something done or given or felt. 2. (of a machine part) to move backward and forward alternately. Reciprocation (n).
107
reciprocity
(n) a reciprocal condition or action, the giving of privileges in return for similar privileges.
108
day of reckoning
the time when one must atone for one's actions or be punished.
109
reckon with
to take into account; (a person or thing to be reckoned with), one that must be considered as important.
110
reclaim
(v)1. To recover possession of. 2. To make (flooded or waste land) usable, eg. by draining or irrigating it. Reclamation (n).
111
recluse
(n) a person who lives alone and avoids mixing with people.
112
recoil
(v)1. To move or spring back suddenly, to rebound. 2. To draw oneself back in fear and disgust. 3. To have an adverse effect upon the originator. (n) the act or sensation of recoiling.
113
recollect
(v) to remember. Recollection (n).
114
recompense
(v) to repay or reward, to compensate. (n) payment or reward etc. in return for something.
115
reconcile
(v)1. To restore friendship between (people) after an estrangement or quarrel. 2. To induce to accept an unwelcome fact or situation, (she is now reconciled to living far from home). 3. To bring (facts or statements etc.) into harmony or compatibility when they appear to conflict. Reconciliation (n).
116
reconnaissance
(n) an exploration or examination of an area in order to obtain information about it (especially for military purposes), a preliminary survey.
117
reconstruct
(v)1. To construct or build again. 2. To create or enact (past events) again, eg. in investigating the circumstances of a crime. Reconstruction (n).
118
for the record
so that facts may be recorded.
119
off the record
stated unofficially or not for publication.
120
record-breaking
(adj) surpassing all previous records.
121
recount
(v) to narrate, to tell in detail, (recounted his adventures). (note: to count again is to 're-count'.)
122
recoup
(v)1. To recover what one has lost or its equivalent, (recoup oneself) or (recoup one's losses). 2. To reimburse or compensate, (recoup a person for his losses).
123
recourse
(n) a source of help. Have recourse to: to turn to (a person or thing) for help.
124
recover oneself
to regain consciousness or calmness, or one's balance.
125
recrimination
(n) an angry retort or accusation made in retaliation.
126
rectify
(v)(rectified, rectifying)1. To put right, to correct, (rectify the error). 2. To purify or refine, especially by distillation. 3. To convert (alternating current) to direct current. Rectification (n), rectifier (n).
127
rectitude
(n) moral goodness, correctness of behaviour or procedure.
128
recumbent
(adj) lying down, reclining.
129
recuperate
(v)1. To recover, to regain (one's health or strength) after illness or exhaustion. 2. To recover (losses). Recuperation (n). Recuperative (adj) (great recuperative powers).
130
red-blooded
(adj) full of vigour.
131
red carpet
privileged treatment given to an important visitor.
132
red-handed
(adj) in the act of crime, (was caught red-handed).
133
red herring
a smoked herring; a misleading clue; something that draws attention away from the matter under consideration.
134
red-hot
(adj) so hot that it glows red; highly excited or angry; (of news) fresh, completely new.
135
red-letter day
a day that is memorable because of some joyful occurrence.
136
red tape
excessive formalities in official transactions.
137
redeem
(v)1. To buy back, to recover (a thing) by payment or by doing something. 2. To clear (a debt etc.) by paying it off, (redeem the mortgage). 3. To convert (bonds or tokens) into cash or goods. 4. To obtain the freedom of (a person) by payment. 5. To save from damnation or consequences of sin. 6. To make up for faults or deficiencies, (it has one redeeming feature). Redeemable (adj): able to be redeemed.
138
redeploy
(v) to send (troops or workers etc.) to a new place or task. Redeployment (n).
139
redevelop
(v)(redeveloped, redeveloping) to develop (especially land) afresh. Redevelopment (n).
140
redirect
(v) to direct or send to another place, to readdress. Redirection (n).
141
redolent
(adj)1. Smelling strongly, (redolent of onions). 2. Full of memories, (a town redolent of age and romance). Redolence (n).
142
redouble
(v)1. To double again. 2. To make or become more intense.
143
redoubtable
(adj) formidable, especially as an opponent.
144
redress
(v) to set right, to rectify, (redress the balance). (n) reparation, amends for a wrong done.
145
reduced circumstances
poverty after a period of prosperity.
146
redundant
(adj)1. Superfluous. 2. (of workers) no longer needed for any available job and therefore liable to dismissal. 3. (of apparatus etc.) being a duplicate in case of failure of the corresponding part or unit. Redundancy (n).
147
reedy
(adj)(reedier, reediest)1. Full of reeds. 2. Like a reed in slenderness or (of grass) thickness. 3. Having the thin high tone of a reed instrument. Reediness (n).
148
reek
(n) a foul or stale smell. (v) to smell strongly or unpleasantly.
149
reel (v)
(v)1. To wind on or off a reel. 2. To pull (a thing) in by using a reel. 3. To stagger, to have a violent swinging or spinning motion. Reel off: to rattle off (a story etc.).
150
refectory
(n) the dining-room of a monastery or college or similar establishment.
151
referendum
(n)(pl referendums) the referring of a question to the people of a country etc. for direct decision by a general vote, a vote taken in this way.
152
referral
(n) referring, being referred.
153
refinement
(n)1. Refining, being refined. 2. Elegance of behaviour or manners etc. 3. An improvement added to something. 4. A piece of subtle reasoning, a fine distinction.
154
refinery
(n) a factory where crude substances are refined.
155
reflex action
an involuntary or instinctive movement in response to a stimulus.
156
reform
(v) to make or become better by removal or abandonment of imperfections or faults. (n) reforming, being reformed. Reformer (n).
157
reformatory
(n) an institution where young offenders against the law are sent to be reformed.
158
refrain (2)
(v) to keep oneself from doing something, (please refrain from talking).
159
refuge
(n) shelter from pursuit or danger or trouble, a place giving this; (took refuge in silence), became silent in order to avoid difficulty.
160
refugee
(n) a person who has left his home and seeks refuge elsewhere eg. from war or persecution or some natural disaster.
161
refurbish
(v) to make clean or bright again, to redecorate.
162
refute
(v) to prove that (a statement or opinion or person) is wrong. Refutation (n). refutable (adj): abe to be refuted.
163
regain
(v)1. To obtain possession or use or control of (a thing) after loss. 2. To reach again, (regained the shore).
164
regal
(adj) like or fit for a king. Regally (adv), regality (n).
165
regale
(v) to feed or entertain well, (regaled themselves on caviare); (regaled them with stories of the campaign).
166
regalia
(pl n)1. The emblems of royalty used at coronations, (the regalia include crown, sceptre, and orb). 2. The emblems or costumes of an order (eg. the Order of the Garter) or of a certain rank or office.
167
regatta
(n) a number of boat or yacht races organised as a sporting event.
168
regenerate
(v)1. To give new life or vigour to. 2. To reform spiritually or morally. Regeneration (n).
169
regent
(n) a person appointed to rule a country while the monarch is too young or unable to rule, or is absent. (adj) acting as regent, (Prince Regent).
170
regime
(n) a method or system of government or administration.
171
regimental
(adj) of an army regiment (a permanent unit of an army, usually divided into companies or troops or battalions; an operational unit of artillery, tanks, armoured cars, etc.). Regimentals (pl n): the uniform of an army regiment.
172
in the region of
approximately.
173
registrar
(n)1. An official with responsibility for keeping written records or registers. 2. A judicial and administrative officer of the High Court. 3. A doctor undergoing hospital training to be a specialist.
174
registry
(n)1. Registration. 2. A place where written records or registers are kept.
175
regress
(v) to go back to an earlier or more primitive form or state. Regression (n). (n) regressing. Regressive (adj): tending to regress.
176
regretful
(adj) feeling regret (n: a feeling of sorrow for the loss of a person or thing, or of annoyance or disappointment or repentance). (send one's regrets), to send polite expressions of regret or apology. (v)(regretted, regretting). Regretfully (adv).
177
regrettable
(adj) that is to be regretted, (a regrettable incident). Regrettably (adv).
178
regularise
(v)1. To make regular. 2. To make lawful or correct, (regularise the position or situation). Regularisation (n).
179
regurgitate
(v)1. To bring (swallowed food) up again to the mouth. 2. To cast or pour out again. Regurgitation (n).
180
rehabilitate
(v)1. To restore (a person) to a normal life by training, after a period of illness or imprisonment. 2. To reinstate. 3. To restore (a building etc.) to a good condition or for a new purpose. Rehabilitation (n).
181
rehash
1. (v) to put (old material) into a new form with no great change or improvement.
2. (n)1. Rehashing. 2. Something made of rehashed material, (the programme was a rehash of old newsreels).
182
reign (v)
(v)1. To rule as king or queen. 2. To be supreme, to dominate; (silence reigned), there was silence; (the reigning champion), the one who is champion at present. reign (n).
183
reimburse
(v) to repay, to refund. Reimbursement (n).
184
give free rein to
to allow freedom to, (give one's imagination free rein).
185
keep a tight rein on
to allow little freedom to.
186
reincarnate (1)
(v) to bring back (a soul after death) into another body. Reincarnation (n).
187
reinstate
(v) to restore to a previous position. Reinstatement (n).
188
rejuvenate
(v) to restore youthful appearance or vigour or other characteristics to. Rejuvenation (n).
189
relapse
(v) to fall back into a previous condition, or into a worse state after improvement. (n) relapsing, especially after partial recovery from illness.
190
relay (v)
(v)(relayed, relaying) to receive and pass on or re-transmit (a message or broadcast etc.).
191
relegate
(v)1. To send to consign to a less important place or condition. 2. To transfer (a sports team) to a lower division of a league etc. Relegation (n).
192
relent
(v) to abandon one's harsh intentions and be more lenient.
193
reliance
(n)1. Relying. 2. Trust or confidence felt about something. Reliant (adj).
194
relic
(n)1. Something that survives from an earlier age. 2. A surviving trace of a custom or practice. 3. Part of a holy person's body or belongings kept after his death as an object of reverence. Relics (pl n): remnants, residue.
195
relief (1)
(n)1. Ease given by reduction or removal of pain or anxiety or a burden etc. 2. Something that relaxes tension or breaks up monotony, (a humorous scene serving as comic relief). 3. Assistance given to people in special need, (a relief fund for the earthquake victims). 4. A person taking over another's turn of duty. 5. A bus etc. supplementing an ordinary service. 6. The raising of the siege of a besieged town, (the relief of Mafeking).
196
relieve oneself
to urinate or defecate.
197
relinquish
(v)1. To give up or cease from (a plan or habit or belief etc.) 2. O surrender possession of. 3. To cease to hold, (relinquished the reins). Relinquishment (n).
198
relish
(n)1.great enjoyment of food or other things. 2. An appetising flavour or attractive quality. 3. A strong-tasting substance or food eaten with plainer food to add flavour. (v) to enjoy greatly.
199
relocate
(v) to move (a person or thing) to a different place. Relocation (n).
200
remand
(v) to send back (a prisoner) into custody while further evidence is sought. (n) remanding, being remanded. On remand: held in custody after being remanded. Remand centre: a place where young offenders are sent temporarily.
201
remedial
(adj) providing a remedy for a disease or deficiency, (remedial exercises). Remedy (n). (v)(remedied, remedying).
202
remember oneself
to remember one's intentions or to behave with suitable dignity after a lapse.
203
remembrance
(n)1. Remembering, being remembered, memory. 2. Something that reminds people, a memento or memorial.
204
reminisce
(v) to think or talk about past events and experiences.
205
remiss
(adj) negligent, (you have been remiss in your duties) or (very remiss).
206
remission (n3)
(n) 3. Reduction of the force or intensity of something, (slight remission of the pain).
207
remit
(v)(remitted, remitting)1. (of God) to forgive (sins). 2. To cancel (a debt), to refrain from inflicting (a punishment). 3. To make or become less intense, (we must not remit our efforts). 4. To send (money etc.) to a person or place, (please remit the interest to my home address). 5. To send (a matter for decision) to some authority. 6. To postpone.
208
remittance
(n) the sending of money to a person, the money sent.
209
remonstrate
(v) to make a protest, (remonstrated with him about his behaviour).
210
remorse
(n) deep regret for one's wrongdoing. Remorseful (adj), remorsefully (adv). Remorseless (adv): relentless. Remorselessly (adv).
211
remote
(adj)1. Far apart, far away in place or time, (the remote past). 2. Far from civilisation, (a remote village). 3. Not close in relationship or connection, (a remote ancestor); (remote causes). 4. Slight, (I haven't the remotest idea). Remotely (adv), remoteness (n).
212
removed (adj)
(adj) distant, remote, (a dialect not far removed from Cockney); (a cousin once removed), a cousin's child or parent, (twice removed), a cousin's grandchild or grandparent.
213
remunerate
(v) to pay or reward (a person) for services rendered. Remuneration (n). Remunerative (adj): giving good remuneration, profitable.
214
Renaissance
(n)1. The revival of art and literature in Europe (influenced by classical forms) in the 14th-16th centuries, the period of this. 2. (renaissance), any similar revival.
215
rend
(v)(rent, rending) to tear.
216
render
(v)1. To give, especially in return or exchange or as something due, (a reward for services rendered). 2. To present or send in; (account rendered), a bill previously sent in and not yet paid. 3. To cause to become, (rendered him helpless). 4. To give a performance of (a play or character). 5. To translate, (rendered into English). 6. To melt down (fat).
217
rendezvous
(n)(pl rendezvous)1. A pre-arranged meeting. 2. A pre-arrange or regular meeting-place. (v)(rendezvoused, rendezvousing) to meet at a rendezvous.
218
rendition
(n) the way a dramatic role or musical piece etc. is rendered or performed.
219
renegade
(n) someone who deserts from a group or cause or faith etc.
220
renege
(v) to fail to keep a promise etc., (reneged on their agreement).
221
renounce
(v)1. To give up (a claim or right etc.) formally, (renounced his title). 2. To reject, to refuse to abide by (an agreement etc.). Renouncement (n). Renunciation (n): renouncing, giving something up.
222
renown
(n) fame. Renowned (adj): famous, celebrated.
223
repartee
(n) a witty reply, ability to make witty replies.
224
repast
(n)(formal) a meal.
225
repatriate
(v) to send or bring back (a person) to his own country. Repatriation (n).
226
repeal
(v) to withdraw (a law) officially. (n) the repealing of a law.
227
repent
(v) to feel regret about (what one has done or failed to do). Repentance (n), repentant (adj).
228
repercussion
(n)1. The recoil of something after impact. 2. An echo. 3. An indirect effect or reaction.
229
replete
(adj)1. Well stocked or supplied. 2. Full, gorged. Repletion (n).
230
replica
(n) an exact copy or reproduction of something.
231
repose (1)
(n)1. Rest, sleep. 2. A peaceful state or effect, tranquility. (v) to rest, to lie.
232
repository
(n) a place where things are stored.
233
repossess
(v) to regain possession of (goods on which hire-purchase payments have not been kept up). Repossession (n).
234
reprehend
(v) to rebuke.
235
repress
(v) to keep down, to suppress, to keep (emotions etc.) from finding an outlet. Repression (n). Repressed (adj): suffering from repression of the emotions. Repressive (adj): serving or intended to repress a person or thing. Repressively (adv).
236
reprieve
(n)1. Postponement or cancellation of a punishment, especially of the death sentence. 2. Temporary relief from danger, postponement of trouble. (v) to give a reprieve to.
237
reprisal
(n) an act of retaliation; (take reprisals), retaliate.
238
reproach
(v) to express disapproval to (a person) for a fault or offence. (n)1. Reproaching, an instance of this. 2. A thing that brings disgrace or discredit. Above/ beyond reproach: deserving no blame, perfect.
239
reprobation
(n) strong condemnation.
240
republic
(n) a country in which the supreme power is held by the people or their elected representatives, or by an elected or nominated president.
241
repudiate
(v) to reject or disown utterly, to deny, (repudiate the accusation); (repudiate the agreement), to refuse to abide by it. Repudiation (n).
242
repugnant
(adj) distasteful, objectionable. Repugnance (n).
243
repulse
(v)1. To drive back (an attacking force). 2. To reject (an offer or help etc.) firmly, to rebuff. Repulsion (n)1. Repelling, being repelled. 2. A feeling of strong distaste, revulsion. Repulsive (adj), repulsively (adv). Repulsiveness (n).
244
repute
(n) reputation, (I know him by repute). Reputation (n)1. What is generally said or believed about a person or thing. 2. Public recognition for one's abilities or achievements, (built up a reputation). Reputable (adj): having a good reputation, respected. Reputed (adj) (his reputed father); reputedly (adv).
245
requiem
(n) a special Mass for the repose of the soul(s) of the dead, a musical setting for this.
246
requisite
(adj) required by circumstances, necessary to success. (n) a thing needed for some purpose.
247
requisition
(n) a formal written demand for something that is needed, a official order laying claim to the use of property or materials. (v) to demand or order by a requisition.
248
rescind
(v) to repeal or cancel (a law or rule etc.)
249
resent
(v) to feel displeased and indignant about, to feel insulted by (something said or done). Resentment (n).
250
reservation
(n)1. Reserving, being reserved. 2. A reserved seat or accommodation etc., a record of this, (our hotel reservations). 3. A limitation on one's agreement or acceptance of an idea etc., (we accept the plan in principle but have certain reservations); (without reservation), completely, wholeheartedly. 4. A strip of land between the carriageways of a road.
251
reserved
(adj)(of a person) showing reserve (a tendency to avoid showing one's feelings and to lack cordiality towards other people) of manner.
252
reservist
(n) a member of a country's reserve forces (forces outside the regular armed services and liable to be called out in an emergency, a member of these).
253
in residence
living in a specified place for the performance of one's work or duties.
254
resign oneself to
to be ready to accept and endure, to accept as inevitable.
255
resilient
(adj)1. To spring back to its original form after being bent or stretched, springy. 2. (of a person) readily recovering from shock or depression etc. Resiliently (adv), resilience (n).
256
the line of least resistance
the easiest method or course.
257
resolute
(adj) showing great determination. Resolutely (adv), resoluteness (n).
258
resolution
(n)1. The quality of being resolute, great determination. 2. A mental pledge, something one intends to do, (New Year resolutions). 3. A formal statement of opinion agreed on by a committee or assembly. 4. The solving of a problem or question. 5. The resolving of a discord in music. 6. The process of separating something or being separate into constituent parts.
259
resolved
(adj)(of a person) resolute.
260
resonant
(adj) resounding, echoing. Resonance (n).
261
resounding
(adj)(of an event etc.) notable, (a resounding victory).
262
respects (pl n)
(pl n) polite greetings; (pay one's respects), make a polite visit; (pay one's last respects), by attending a person's funeral or a lying-in-state.
263
respectable
(adj)1. Of moderately good social standing, honest and decent, proper in appearance or behaviour. 2. Of a moderately good standard or size etc., not bringing disgrace or embarrassment, (a respectable score). Respectably (adv), respectability (n).
264
respite
(n)1. An interval of rest or relief. 2. Delay permitted before an obligation must be fulfilled or a penalty suffered.
265
resplendent
(adj) brilliant with colour or decorations. Resplendently (adv).
266
restitution
(n)1. Restoration of a thing to its proper owner or its original state. 2. Reparation for injury or damage.
267
restive
(adj) restless, resisting control because made impatient by delay or restraint. Restively (adv), restiveness (n).
268
restorative
(adj) tending to restore health or strength. (n) a restorative food or medicine or treatment.
269
restraint
(n)1. Restraining, being restrained (held back from movement or action, kept under control). 2. Something that restrains, a limiting influence. 3. Avoidance of exaggeration in literary or artistic work.
270
resurgence
(n) a rise or revival after defeat or destruction or disappearance etc. Resurgent (adj).
271
resurrect
(v) to bring back into use, (resurrect an old custom).
272
retaliate
(v) to repay an injury or insult etc. with a similar one, to make a counter-attack. Retaliation (n), retaliatory (adj).
273
retard
(v) to cause delay to, to slow the progress of. Retardation (n). Retarded (adj): backward in mental or physical development.
274
retch
(v) to strain one's throat as if vomiting.
275
reticent
(adj) not revealing one's thoughts and feelings readily, discreet. Reticently (adv), reticence (n).
276
retiring
(adj) shy, avoiding society.
277
retort (1)
(v) to make a quick or witty or angry reply. (n) retorting, a reply of this kind.
278
retrace
(v) to trace back to the source or beginning; (retrace one's steps), go back the way one came.
279
retract
(v)1. To pull (a thing) back or in, (snail retracts its horns). 2. To withdraw (a statement), to refuse to keep to (an agreement). Retraction (n), retractor (n). Retractable (adj): able to be retracted.
280
retrench
(v)1. To reduce the amount of, (retrench one's operations). 2. To reduce one's expenditure or operations, (we shall have to retrench). Retrenchment (n).
281
retribution
(n) a deserved punishment. Retributive (adj): happening or inflicted as retribution.
282
retrospect
(n) a survey of past time or events. In retrospect: when one looks back on a past event or situation. Retrospective (adj):1. Looking back on the past. 2. Applying to the past as well as the future, (the law could not be made retrospective). Retrospectively (adv).
283
Reuters
an international news agency owned and directed by various newspaper associations of Britain and the Commonwealth.
284
revamp
(v) to renovate, to give a new appearance to.
285
revel
(v)(revelled, revelling)1. To take great delight, (some people revel in gossip). 2. To hold revels. Reveller (n). Revels (pl n): lively festivities or merrymaking.
286
reverberate
(v) to echo, to resound. Reverberation (n), reverberatory (adj).
287
revere
(v) to feel deep respect or religious veneration for. Reverence (n).
288
reverie
(n) a daydream, a state of daydreaming.
289
revert
(v)1. To return to a former condition or habit. 2. To return to a subject in talk or thought. 3. (of property etc.) to return or pass to another owner by reversion.
290
revile
(v) to criticise angrily in abusive language. Revilement (n).
291
revival
(n)1. Reviving, being revived. 2. Something brought back into use or fashion. 3. A reawakening of interest in religion, a special effort with meetings etc. to promote this. Revivalist (n): a person who organises or conducts meetings to promote a religious revival.
292
revoke
(v) to withdraw or cancel (a decree or licence etc.)
293
revolt
(v)1. To take part in a rebellion. 2. To be in a mood of protest or defiance. 3. To feel strong disgust. 4. To cause a feeling of strong disgust in (a person). (n)1. An act or state of rebelling or defying authority. 2. A sense of disgust. Revolting (adj): causing disgust.
294
revolution
(n)1. Substitution of a new system of government, especially by force. 2. Any complete change of method or conditions etc., (a revolution in the treatment of burns). 3. Revolving, rotation,na single complete orbit or movement of this kind. Revolutionary (adj):1. Of political revolution. 2. Involving a great change, (revolutionary new ideas). (n) a person who begins or supports a political revolution. Revolutionise (v): to alter (a thing) completely, (it will revolutionise our lives).
295
revue
(n) an entertainment consisting of a series of items.
296
revulsion
(n)1. A feeling of strong disgust. 2. A sudden violent change of feeling, (a revulsion of public feeling in favour of the accused woman).
297
rhapsody
(n)1. An ecstatic written or spoken statement. 2. A romantic musical composition in an irregular form.
298
rhetoric
(n)1. The art of using words impressively, especially in public speaking. 2. Language used for its impressive sound, exaggerated expressions. Rhetorical (adj). Rhetorically (adv). Rhetorical question: something phrased as a question only for dramatic effect and not to seek an answer, eg. (who cares?) (= nobody cares).
299
ribald
(adj) humorous in a cheerful but vulgar or disrespectful way. Ribaldry (n).
300
riband
(n) a ribbon.
301
rib (v)
(ribbed, ribbing) 1. To support with ribs. 2. To knit as rib. 3. (informal) to tease.
302
rickety
(adj) shaky, insecure.
303
ricochet
(v) (ricocheted, ricocheting) to rebound from a surface as a missile does when it strikes with a glancing blow. (n) a rebound of this kind, a hit made by it.
304
riddle (v)
1. To pass (gravel etc.) through a riddle, (riddle the ashes). 2. To pierce with many holes, (riddled the car with bullets). 3. To permeate thoroughly, (riddled with disease).
305
ride out the storm
To survive a storm or difficulty successfully.
306
ridicule
(n) the process of making a person or thing appear ridiculous. (v) to subject to ridicule, to make fun of.
307
rife
(adj) 1. Occurring frequently, widespread, (crime was rife in the city). 2. Well provided, full, (the country was rife with rumours of war).
308
riffle
(v) to turn (pages etc.) in quick succession, to leaf through quickly, (riffled through the book).
309
riff-raff
(n) the rabble, disreputable people.
310
rift
(n)1. A cleft in earth or rock. 2. A crack or split in an object, a break in cloud. 3. A breach in friendly relations between people or in the unity of a group.
311
rig (2)
(v)(rigged, rigging) to manage or control fraudulently, (the election was rigged).
312
on the right side of
in the favour of or liked by (a person); (on the right side of forty), not yet 40 years old.
313
right away
immediately.
314
in the right
having justice or truth on one's side.
315
right-minded
(adj) having proper or honest principles.
316
righteous
(adj)1. Doing what is morally right, making a show of this. 2. Morally justifiable, (full of righteous indignation). Righteously (adv), righteousness (n).
317
rigmarole
(n)1. A long rambling statement. 2. A complicated formal procedure.
318
rigor Morris
stiffening of the body after death.
319
rigorous
(adj)1. Strict, severe, (rigorous discipline). 2. Strictly accurate or detailed, (a rigorous search). 3. Harsh, unpleasant, (rigorous climate). Rigorously (adv). Rigour (n): 1. Severity, strictness. 2. Harshness of weather or conditions, (the rigours of famine).
320
rile
(v)(informal) to annoy, to irritate.
321
rime
(n) frost. Rimed (adj): coated with frost.
322
rimmed
(adj) edged, bordered.
323
rind
(n) a tough outer layer or skin on fruit, cheese, bacon, etc.
324
make/ run rings round
to do things much better than (another person).
325
ring a bell
(informal) to arouse a vague memory, to sound faintly familiar.
326
ring the changes
to vary things.
327
ring up
to make a telephone call to (a person etc.); to record (an amount) on a cash register.
328
ringside seat
a position from which one has a clear view of the scene of action.
329
Riot Act
an Act of Parliament dealing with th prevention of riots; (read the Riot Act), to insist that noise or disobedience etc. must cease.
330
run riot
to behave in an unruly way; (of plants) to grow or spread in an uncontrolled way.
331
riotous
(adj)1. Disorderly, unruly. 2. Boisterous, unrestrained, (riotous laughter). Riotously (adv).
332
let rip
(informal) to refrain from checking the speed of (a thing) or from interfering; to speak or utter violently.
333
rip off
(slang) to defraud; to steal. Rip-off (n):(slang) something fraudulent, theft.
334
rip-roaring
(adj) wildly noisy.
335
riposte
(n) a quick counterstroke, a quick retort. (v) to deliver a riposte.
336
give rise to
to cause.
337
rising generation
young people, those who are growing up.
338
rising (n)
(n) a revolt.
339
ritual
(n)1. The series of actions used in a religious or other ceremony, a particular form of this. 2. A procedure regularly followed. (adj) of or done as a ritual. Ritually (adv), ritualistic (adj).
340
rival (v)
(v)(rivalled, rivalling) to be comparable to, to seem or be as good as. Rivalry (n).
341
riven
(adj) split, torn violently.
342
rivet (v)
(v)(riveted, riveting)1. To fasten with a rivet (n: a nail or bolt for holding two pieces of metal together, its headless end being beaten or pressed down to form a head when it is in place). 2. To flatten (the end of a bolt) when it is in place. 3. To fix, to make immovable, (she stood riveted to the spot). 4. To attract and hold the attention of. Riveter (n).
343
rivulet
(n) a small stream.
344
roadworthy
(adj)(of a vehicle) fit to be used on a road. Roadworthiness (n).
345
roaring
(adj)1. Noisy. 2. Briskly active, (did a roaring trade). (adv) noisily, (roaring drunk).
346
rob
(v)(robbed, robbing)1. To steal from, to take unlawfully. 2. To deprive of what is due or normal, (robbing us of our sleep). Robber (n), robbery (n). Rob Peter to pay Paul: to pay one debt by borrowing what one needs and so incurring another.
347
robust
(adj) strong, vigorous. Robustly (adv), robustness (n).
348
rock the boat
(informal) to do something that upsets the plans or progress of one's group.
349
rodent
(n) an animal (eg. rat, mouse, squirrel) with strong front teeth used for gnawing things.
350
roe (1)
(n) a mass of eggs in a female fish's ovary (hard roe), a male fish's milt (soft roe).
351
rogue
(n)1. A dishonest or unprincipled person. 2. A mischievous person. 3. A wild animal driven away from the herd or living apart from it, (rogue elephant). Roguery (n).
352
roll of honour
a list of people whose achievements are honoured.
353
roll up
(informal) to arrive in a vehicle, to arrive casually.
354
rollicking
(adj) full of boisterous high spirits.
355
roly-poly
(n) a pudding consisting of suet pastry spread with jam, rolled up, and boiled. (adj) plump, podgy.
356
romance
(n)1. An imaginative story, literature of this kind, (medieval romances). 2. A romantic situation or even or atmosphere. 3. A love story, a love affair resembling this. 4. A picturesque exaggeration or falsehood. (v) to exaggerate or distort the truth in an imaginative way. Romance languages: those descended from Latin (French, Italian, Spanish, etc.)
357
romp
(v)1. To play about together in a lively way, as children do. 2. (informal) to get along easily; (romped home), came in as an easy winner. (n) a spell of romping.
358
have a roof over one's head
to have somewhere to live.
359
hit/ raise the roof
(informal) to become very angry.
360
roost
(n) a place where birds perch or where they settle for sleep. (v). Come home to roost: (of an action) to react unfavourably on the doer.
361
root out/ up
to drag or dig out by the roots; to get rid of.
362
take root
to send down roots; (of an idea etc.) to become established.
363
give a person enough rope
to allow him freedom of action in the hope that he will bring about his own downfall.
364
rope a person in
to persuade him to take part in an activity.
365
the ropes
the procedure for doing something, (know/ learn the ropes).
366
roster
(n) a list showing people's turns of duty etc.
367
rostrum
(n)(pl rostra) a platform, especially for public speaking.
368
rote
(n) by rote: by memory without thought of the meaning, (knew it by rote); by a fixed procedure, (working by rote).
369
rotund
(adj) rounded, plump. Rotundity (n).
370
rotunda
(n) a circular domed building or hall.
371
rouble
(n) the unit of money in Russia.
372
rouge
(n)1. A reddish cosmetic for colouring the cheeks. 2. A fine red powder used for polishing metal. (v) to colour with rouge.
373
ride roughshod over
to treat inconsiderately or arrogantly.
374
round on
to make an attack or retort in retaliation, especially unexpectedly.
375
round the clock
continuously throughout day and night.
376
round trip
a trip to one or more places and back again.
377
round up
to gather (animals or people or things) into one place. Round-up (n).
378
roundabout
(n)1. A merry-go-round at a funfair; (lose on the swings what you gain on the roundabouts), break even. 2. A road junction with a circular island round which traffic has to pass. (adj) indirect, not using the shortest or most direct route or phrasing etc.
379
roundly
(adv)1. Thoroughly, severely, (was roundly scolded). 2. In a rounded shape.
380
rouse
(v)1. To cause (a person) to wake. 2. To cause to become active or excited. 3. (of a person etc.) to wake. Rousing (adj): vigorous, stirring, (three rousing cheers).
381
rout
1. (n) utter defeat, a disorderly retreat of defeated troops. (v) to defeat completely, to put to flight.
2. (v)1. To fetch or force out, (routed him out of bed). 2. To rummage.
382
routine
(n)1. A standard course of procedure, a series of acts performed regularly in the same way or for performing a particular operation. 2. A set sequence of movements in a dance or other performance. (adj) in accordance with routine. Routinely (adv).
383
rowdy
(adj)(rowdier, rowdiest) noisy and disorderly. (n) a rowdy person. Rowdily (adv), rowdiness (n), rowdyism (n).
384
royalist
(n)1. A person who favours monarchy. 2. (Royalist), a supporter of the monarchy in the English Civil War.
385
rub it in
to emphasise or remind a person constantly of an unpleasant fact.
386
rub shoulders with
to associate with (certain people).
387
rub up the wrong way
to irritate or repel (a person) by one's actions.
388
rubber stamp
a device for imprinting a mark on to a surface; one who mechanically gives approval to the actions of another person or group. Rubber-stamp: (v) to approve automatically without due consideration.
389
rubble
(n) waste or rough fragments of stone or brick etc.
390
ruddy
(adj)(ruddier, ruddiest)1. Reddish, (of a person's face) having a fresh healthy reddish colour. 2. (slang) bloody. Ruddily (adv), ruddiness (n).
391
rude
(adj)1. Impolite, showing no respect or consideration. 2. Primitive, roughly made, (rude stone implements). 3. Vigorous, hearty, (rude health). 4. Violent, startling, (a rude awakening). Rudely (adv), rudeness (n).
392
rudiment
(n) a part or organ that is incompletely developed. Rudiments (pl n) basic or elementary principles, (learning the rudiments of chemistry). Rudimentary (adj).
393
rue (2)
(v) to repent or regret.
394
ruffian
(n) a violent lawless person.
395
ruffle
(v)1. To disturb the smoothness or evenness of. 2. To upset the calmness or even temper of (a person). 3. To become ruffled. (n) a gathered ornamental frill.
396
rugged
(adj)1. Having an uneven surface or an irregular outline, craggy. 2. Rough but kindly and honest, (a rugged individualist). Ruggedly (adv), ruggedness (n).
397
ruinous
(adj)1. Bringing or likely to bring ruin. 2. In ruins, ruined, (the house is in a ruinous condition). Ruinously (adv).
398
as a rule
usually, more often than not.
399
rule of thumb
a rough practical method of procedure.
400
rule out
to exclude as irrelevant or ineligible.
401
rule the roost
to be the dominant person.
402
ruminate
(v)1. To chew the cud. 2. To meditate, to ponder. Rumination (n), ruminative (adj).
403
rumpus
(n)(informal) an uproar, an angry dispute.
404
on the run
fleeing from pursuit or capture.
405
run across
to happen to meet or find.
406
run in
(informal) to arrest and take into custody; to run (a new engine) carefully into good working order.
407
run-of-the-mill
(adj) ordinary, not special.
408
run-up
(n) the period leading to an event.
409
in/ out of the running
with a good chance / with no chance of winning.
410
runny
(adj)1. Semi-liquid. 2. Tending to flow or exude fluid.
411
runt
(n) an undersized person or animal.
412
ruse
(n) a deception or trick.
413
rush-hour
(n) the time each day when traffic is busiest.
414
russet
(adj) soft reddish-brown. (n)1. Russet colour. 2. An apple with a rough skin of this colour.
415
rustic
(adj)1. Having the qualities ascribed to country people or peasants, simple and unsophisticated, rough and unrefined. 2. Made of rough timber or untrimmed branches, (rustic seat/ bridge). (n) a countryman, a peasant. Rusticate (v): to settle in the country and live a rural life. Rustication (n).
416
rut (1)
(n)1. A deep track made by wheels in soft ground. 2. A habitual usually dull course of life, (getting into a rut). Rutted (adj).
417
ruthless
(adj) having no pity or compassion. Ruthlessly (adv), ruthlessness (n).
