# dict

Words: quieten
Meaning:
verb\n~ (sb/sth) (down) (BrE) to become calmer or less noisy; to make sb/sth calmer or less noisy:\n[V] The chatter of voices gradually quietened. * Things seem to have quietened down a bit this afternoon (= we are not so busy, etc.). [also VN]


Words: quietism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] an attitude to life which makes you calmly accept things as they are rather than try to change them\n    quietist  noun, adjective:\na quietist approach


Words: quill
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (also quill feather) a large feather from the wing or tail of a bird\n  2  (also quill pen) a pen made from a quill feather\n  3  one of the long sharp stiff SPINES on a PORCUPINE


Words: quilt
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a decorative cover for a bed, made of two layers with soft material between them:\na patchwork quilt\n  2  (BrE) = DUVET\ncompare COMFORTER


Words: quilted
Meaning:
adjective\n(of clothes, etc.) made of two layers of fabric with soft material between them, held in place by lines of stitches:\na quilted jacket / bedcover


Words: quince
Meaning:
noun\na hard bitter yellow fruit used for making jam, etc. It grows on a tree, also called a quince:\nquince jelly * a flowering quince


Words: quincentenary
Meaning:
noun\n(plural quincentenaries) a 500th anniversary:\nthe quincentenary of Columbus’s voyage to America


Words: quintessence
Meaning:
noun [sing.] the ~ of sth (formal)\n  1  the perfect example of sth:\nIt was the quintessence of an English manor house.\n  2  the most important features of sth:\na painting that captures the quintessence of Viennese elegance\n    quintessential  adjective:\nHe was the quintessential tough guy.\n    quintessentially  adverb:\na sense of humour that is quintessentially British


Words: quintet
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of five musicians or singers who play or sing together:\nthe Miles Davis Quintet\n  2  [C] a piece of music for five musicians or singers:\na string quintet


Words: quintuplet
Meaning:
(also BrE informal quin) (also AmE informal quint) noun\none of five children born at the same time to the same mother


Words: quip
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a quick and clever remark:\nto make a quip\n    verb (-pp-) [V speech] to make a quick and clever remark


Words: quirk
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an aspect of sb’s personality or behaviour that is a little strange:\nEveryone has their own little quirks and mannerisms. * his quirks of humour / taste\n  2  a strange thing that happens, especially accidentally:\nBy a strange quirk of fate they had booked into the same hotel. * an unpredictable quirk of history\n    quirky adjective:\na quirky sense of humour


Words: quit
Meaning:
verb (quitting, quit, quit) (BrE also quitting, quitted, quitted)\n  1  ~ (as sth) (informal) to leave your job, school, etc:\n[V] If I don’t get more money I’ll quit. * He has decided to quit as manager of the team. * [VN] He quit the show last year because of bad health.\n  2  (informal, especially AmE) to stop doing sth:\n[VN -ing] I’ve quit smoking. * [VN] Just quit it! * [V] We only just started. We’re not going to quit now.\n  3  to leave the place where you live:\n[VN] We decided it was time to quit the city. * [V] The landlord gave them all notice to quit.


Words: quite
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  (BrE) (not used with a negative) to some degree\nSYN FAIRLY, PRETTY:\nquite big / good / cold / warm / interesting * He plays quite well. * I quite like opera.\n HELP NOTE  When quite is used with an adjective before a noun, it comes before a or an. You can say: It’s quite a small house. or Their house is quite small. but not _I_t_’_s_ _a_ _q_u_i_t_e_ _s_m_a_l_l_ _h_o_u_s_e_.\n  2  (BrE) to the greatest possible degree\nSYN COMPLETELY, ABSOLUTELY, ENTIRELY:\nquite delicious / amazing / empty / perfect * This is quite a different problem. * I’m quite happy to wait for you here. * Flying is quite the best way to travel. * It wasn’t quite as simple as I thought it would be. * Quite frankly, I don’t blame you. * I’ve had quite enough of your tantrums. * Are you quite sure? * I quite agree. * I don’t quite know what to do next. * Quite apart from all the work, he had financial problems. * The theatre was not quite (= was almost) full. * It’s like being in the Alps, but not quite. * (spoken) ’I almost think she prefers animals to people.’ ’Quite right too,’ said Bill. * ’I’m sorry to be so difficult.’ ’That’s quite all right.’\n  3  to a great degree; very; really:\nYou’ll be quite comfortable here. * I can see it quite clearly. * (AmE) ’You’ve no intention of coming back?’ ’I’m quite sorry, but no, I have not.’\n  4  (also formal quite so) (BrE) used to agree with sb or show that you understand them:\n’He’s bound to feel shaken after his accident.’ ’Quite.’ * ’It’s not something we want to have talked about.’ ’Quite so.’\n IDIOMS \n  quite a / the sth (also informal quite some sth) used to show that a person or thing is particularly impressive or unusual in some way:\nShe’s quite a beauty. * We found it quite a change when we moved to London. * He’s quite the little gentleman, isn’t he? * It must be quite some car.\n  quite a lot (of sth) (also BrE informal quite a bit) a large number or amount of sth:\nWe drank quite a lot of wine.\n  quite some sth\n1 a large amount of sth:\nShe hasn’t been seen for quite some time.\n2 (informal) = QUITE A / THE STH\nmore at CONTRARY, FEW pron.\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nquite / fairly / rather / pretty\nLook at these examples:\nThe exam was fairly difficult.\nThe exam was quite difficult.\nThe exam was rather difficult.\nQuite is a little stronger than fairly and rather is a little stronger than quite. Rather is not very common in AmE; pretty has the same meaning and this is used in informal BrE too: The exam was pretty difficult.\nIn BrE quite has two meanings: I feel quite tired today (=fairly tired). With adjectives that describe an extreme state (’non-gradable’ adjectives) it means ’completely’ or ’absolutely’: I feel quite exhausted. With some adjectives, both meanings are possible. The speaker’s stress and intonation will show you which is meant: Your essay is quite good (= fairly good - it could be better); Your essay is quite good (= very good, especially when this is unexpected).\nIn AmE quite usually means something like ’very’, not ’fairly’ or ’rather’. Pretty is used instead for this sense.\n______________________________


Words: quits
Meaning:
adjective\n IDIOMS \n  be quits (with sb) (informal) when two people are quits, they do not owe each other anything, especially money:\nI’ll give you ｣5 and then we’re quits.\n IDIOMS  see CALL v., DOUBLE n.


Words: quitter
Meaning:
noun\n(often disapproving) a person who gives up easily and does not finish a task they have started:\nI knew you weren’t a quitter.


Words: quiver
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [V] to shake slightly; to make a slight movement\nSYN TREMBLE:\nHer lip quivered and then she started to cry. * The memory of that day made him quiver with anger.\n    noun\n  1  an emotion that has an effect on your body; a slight movement in part of your body:\nHe felt a quiver of excitement run through him. * Jane couldn’t help the quiver in her voice.\n  2  a case for carrying arrows


Words: quiz
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (plural quizzes)\n  1  a competition or game in which people try to answer questions to test their knowledge:\na general knowledge quiz * a television quiz show * The quiz will be a team event organized by the local school. * The magazine publishes a quiz once a month. * The club has weekly quiz nights.\n  2  (especially AmE) an informal test given to students:\na reading comprehension quiz\nsee also POP QUIZ -> EXAM\n    verb (-zz-) [VN] \n  1  ~ sb (about sb/sth) | ~ sb (on / over sth) to ask sb a lot of questions about sth in order to get information from them:\nFour men are being quizzed by police about the murder. * We were quizzed on our views about education.\n  2  (AmE) to give students an informal test:\nYou will be quizzed on chapter 6 tomorrow.


Words: quizzical
Meaning:
adjective\n(of an expression) showing that you are slightly surprised or amused:\na quizzical expression / smile / face * He gave me a quizzical look when I ordered champagne.\n    quizzically  adverb:\nShe looked at him quizzically.


Words: quoit
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a ring that is thrown onto a small post in the game of quoits\n  2  (quoits) [U] a game in which rings are thrown onto a small post


Words: quorum
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] the smallest number of people who must be at a meeting before it can begin or decisions can be made:\nIf a quorum is not present, the meeting must be adjourned.


Words: quota
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] the limited number or amount of people or things that is officially allowed:\nto introduce a strict import quota on grain * a quota system for accepting refugees\n  2  [C] an amount of sth that sb expects or needs to have or achieve:\nI’m going home now-I’ve done my quota of work for the day. * to get your full quota of sleep\n  3  [sing.] (politics) a fixed number of votes that a candidate needs in order to be elected:\nHe was 76 votes short of the quota.


Words: quotation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (also informal quote) [C] a group of words or a short piece of writing taken from a book, play, speech, etc. and repeated because it is interesting or useful:\nThe book began with a quotation from Goethe. * a dictionary of quotations * Two short quotations will illustrate my point.\nsee also MISQUOTATION\n  2  [U] the act of repeating sth interesting or useful that another person has written or said:\nThe writer illustrates his point by quotation from a number of sources.\n  3  (also informal quote) a statement of how much money a particular piece of work will cost:\nYou need to get a written quotation before they start work. * We’ll give you a free quotation for replacing your windows.\n  4  [C] (finance) a statement of the current value of goods or STOCKS:\nthe latest quotations from the Stock Exchange


Words: quotation marks
Meaning:
(also quotes, speech marks) (BrE also inverted commas) noun\n[pl.] a pair of marks ( ’ ’ ) or ( " " ) placed around a word, sentence, etc. to show that it is what sb said or wrote, that it is a title or that you are using it in an unusual way


Words: quote
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  repeat exact words\n  1  ~ (sth) (from sb/sth) | ~ (sb) (as doing sth) to repeat the exact words that another person has said or written:\n[VN] He quoted a passage from the minister’s speech. * to quote Shakespeare * The figures quoted in this article refer only to Britain. * The President was quoted in the press as saying that he disagreed with the decision. * ’It will all be gone tomorrow.’ ’Can I quote you on that?’ * Don’t quote me on this (= this is not an official statement), but I think he is going to resign. * Quote this reference number in all correspondence. * [V] She said, and I quote, ’Life is meaningless without love.’ * [V speech] ’The man who is tired of London is tired of life,’ he quoted.\nsee also MISQUOTE\n  give example\n  2  to mention an example of sth to support what you are saying:\n[VNN] Can you quote me an instance of when this happened? [also VN]\n  give price\n  3  ~ (sb) (sth) (for sth / for doing sth) to tell a customer how much money you will charge them for a job, service or product:\n[VNN] They quoted us ｣300 for installing a shower unit. [also VN, V]\n  4  [VN] ~ sth (at sth) (finance) to give a market price for shares, gold or foreign money:\nYesterday the pound was quoted at $1.8285, unchanged from Monday.\n  5  [VN] (finance) to give the prices for a business company’s shares on a STOCK EXCHANGE:\nSeveral football clubs are now quoted on the Stock Exchange.\n IDIOMS \n  quote ( ...unquote) (spoken) used to show the beginning (and end) of a word, phrase, etc. that has been said or written by sb else:\nIt was quote, ’the hardest decision of my life’, unquote, and one that he lived to regret.\n    noun (informal)\n  exact words\n  1  = QUOTATION\n  punctuation\n  2  (quotes) [pl.] = QUOTATION MARKS:\nIf you take text from other sources, place it in quotes.


Words: quotient
Meaning:
noun\n(mathematics) a number which is the result when one number is divided by another\nsee also INTELLIGENCE QUOTIENT


Words: qwerty
Meaning:
(also QWERTY)  adjective\n[usually before noun] (of a keyboard on a computer or TYPEWRITER) with the keys arranged in the usual way with Q, W, E, R, T and Y on the left of the top row of letters


Words: R
Meaning:
noun, abbreviation \n    noun (also r) [C, U] (plural R’s, r’s ) the 18th letter of the English alphabet:\n’Rose’ begins with (an) R / ’R’.\n IDIOMS  see THREE\n    abbreviation\n  1  (BrE) Queen; King (from Latin ’Regina; Rex’):\nElizabeth R.\n  2  (R.) (especially on maps) River:\nR. Trent\n  3  (also R. especially in AmE) (in politics in the US) REPUBLICAN\n  4  (BrE) (in abbreviations) Royal:\nthe RAC (= Royal Automobile Club)\n  5  (AmE) a label for a film/movie that is not suitable for people under the age of 17 to see without an adult present (abbreviation for ’restricted’)\nsee also R & B, R. & D.


Words: rabbi
Meaning:
noun\na Jewish religious leader or a teacher of Jewish law:\nthe Chief Rabbi (= the leader of Jewish communities in a particular country) * Rabbi Hugo Grin


Words: rabbit
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] a small animal with soft fur, long ears and a short tail. Rabbits live in holes in the ground or are kept as pets or for food:\na rabbit hole / warren / hutch\ncompare HARE\n \n  2  [U] meat from a rabbit\n \n IDIOMS  see PULL v.\n    verb [V] (go rabbiting) to hunt or shoot rabbits\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  rabbit on (about sb/sth) (BrE, informal, disapproving) to talk continuously about things that are not important or interesting


Words: rabbit warren
Meaning:
(also warren) noun\n  1  a system of holes and underground tunnels where wild rabbits live\n  2  (disapproving) a building or part of a city with many narrow passages or streets:\nThe council offices were a real rabbit warren.


Words: rabble
Meaning:
pl. v.] (disapproving)\n  1  a large group of noisy people who are or may become violent:\na disorganized / drunken rabble * He was met by a rabble of noisy, angry youths.\n  2  (the rabble) ordinary people or people who are considered to have a low social position:\na speech that appealed to the rabble


Words: rabble-rouser
Meaning:
noun\na person who makes speeches to crowds of people intending to make them angry or excited, especially for political aims\n    rabble-rousing adjective\n    rabble-rousing noun [U]


Words: rabid
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] (disapproving) (of a type of person) having very strong feelings about sth and acting in an unacceptable way:\nrabid right-wing fanatics * the rabid tabloid press\n  2  [usually before noun] (disapproving) (of feelings or opinions) violent or extreme:\nrabid speculation\n  3  suffering from rabies:\na rabid dog\n    rabidly adverb:\nShe is as rabidly anti-smoking as only a recently cured addict can be.


Words: rabies
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a disease of dogs and other animals that causes MADNESS and death. Infected animals can pass the disease to humans by biting them.


Words: RAC
Meaning:
abbreviation\nRoyal Automobile Club. The RAC is a British organization which provides services for car owners.


Words: raccoon
Meaning:
(also racoon)  noun\n  1  a small N American animal with greyish-brown fur, black marks on its face and a thick tail\n  2  [U] the fur of the raccoon


Words: race
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  competition\n  1  [C] ~ (between A and B) | ~ (against sb) a competition between people, animals, vehicles, etc. to see which one is the faster or fastest:\nI bet I’d win a race between us two! * He’s already in training for the big race against Bailey. * Their horse came third in the race last year. * a boat / horse / road race * a five-kilometre race * Shall we have a race to the end of the beach?\n  2  [sing.] ~ (for sth / to do sth) a situation in which a number of people, groups, organizations, etc. are competing, especially for political power or to achieve sth first:\nthe race for the presidency * The race is on (= has begun) to find a cure for this disease.\nsee also RAT RACE\n  for horses\n  3  (the races) [pl.] a series of horse races that happen at one place on a particular day:\nto go to the races\n  people\n  4  [C, U] one of the main groups that humans can be divided into according to their physical differences, for example the colour of their skin:\nthe Caucasian / Mongolian race * people of mixed race * This custom is found in people of all races throughout the world. * legislation against discrimination on the grounds of race or sex\n  5  [C] a group of people who share the same language, history, culture, etc:\nthe Nordic races * He admired Canadians as a hardy and determined race.\nsee also HUMAN RACE\n  animals / plants\n  6  [C] a breed or type of animal or plant:\na race of cattle\n IDIOMS \n  a race against time / the clock a situation in which you have to do sth or finish sth very fast before it is too late:\nGetting food to the starving refugees is now a race against time.\nmore at HORSE n.\n    verb\n  compete\n  1  ~ (against) sb/sth to compete against sb/sth to see who can go faster or the fastest, do sth first, etc.; to take part in a race or races:\n[V] Who will he be racing against in the next round? * They raced to a thrilling victory in the relay. * She’ll be racing for the senior team next year. * [VN] We raced each other back to the car. * [V to inf] Television companies are racing to be the first to screen his life story.\n  2  [VN] to make an animal or a vehicle compete in a race:\nto race dogs / horses / pigeons * to race motorbikes\n  move fast\n  3  [+adv./prep.] to move very fast; to move sb/sth very fast:\n[V] He raced up the stairs. * The days seemed to race past. * She raced through the work in no time at all. * [VN] The injured man was raced to the hospital. * She raced her car through the narrow streets of the town.\n  of heart / mind / thoughts\n  4  [V] to function very quickly because you are afraid, excited, etc:\nMy mind raced as I tried to work out what was happening. * She took a deep breath to calm her racing pulse.\n  of engine\n  5  [V] to run too fast:\nThe truck came to rest against a tree, its engine racing.


Words: race meeting
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a series of races, especially for horses, held at one course over one day or several days


Words: racecourse
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE racetrack) noun\na track where horses race and the buildings, etc. that are connected with it


Words: racer
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person or an animal that competes in races:\nItaly’s champion downhill racer\n  2  a car, boat, etc. designed for racing:\nan ocean racer


Words: racetrack
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a track for races between runners, cars, bicycles, etc:\nYou can’t cross the road-it’s like a racetrack.\n  2  (AmE) = RACECOURSE


Words: racial
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [only before noun] happening or existing between people of different races:\nracial hatred / prejudice / tension / violence * racial equality * They have pledged to end racial discrimination in areas such as employment.\n  2  [usually before noun] connected with a person’s race:\nracial groups / minorities * a person’s racial origin * The community has a religious rather than a racial identity.\n    racially  adverb:\nThe attacks were not racially motivated. * racially mixed schools


Words: racing
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the sport of racing horses:\na racing stable * one of the racing world’s most popular characters\nsee also FLAT RACING, HORSE RACING\n  2  (usually in compounds) any sport that involves competing in races:\nmotor / yacht / greyhound racing * a racing driver


Words: racism
Meaning:
noun [U] (disapproving)\n  1  the unfair treatment of people who belong to a different race; violent behaviour towards them:\na victim of racism * ugly outbreaks of racism * Half a million people held a mass protest against racism last night.\n  2  the belief that some races of people are better than others:\nirrational racism\n    racist  noun:\nHe’s a racist. * The family was being harassed by racists.\n    racist adjective:\nracist groups / thugs * racist attitudes / attacks / remarks


Words: rack
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  (often in compounds) a piece of equipment, usually made of metal or wooden bars, that is used for holding things or for hanging things on:\na vegetable / wine / plate / toast rack * I looked through a rack of clothes at the back of the shop. * Remove the cakes from the oven and cool on a wire rack.\nsee also LUGGAGE RACK, ROOF RACK\n \n  2  (usually the rack) an instrument of TORTURE, used in the past for punishing and hurting people. Their arms and legs were tied to the wooden frame and then pulled in opposite directions, stretching the body:\nto put sb on the rack\n \n  3  ~ of lamb / pork a particular piece of meat that includes the front RIBS and is cooked in the oven:\na rack of lamb\n  4  a part of a machine that consists of a bar with parts that a wheel or GEAR can fit into\n IDIOMS \n  go to rack and ruin to get into a bad condition:\nThey let the house go to rack and ruin.\n  off the rack (AmE) = off the peg at PEG n.\n  on the rack feeling extreme pressure, anxiety or pain\n    verb (also less frequent wrack) [VN] [often passive] to make sb suffer great physical or mental pain:\nto be racked with / by guilt * Her face was racked with pain. * Violent sobs racked her whole body.\n IDIOMS \n  rack your brain(s) (also less frequent wrack your brain(s)) to think very hard or for a long time about sth:\nShe racked her brains, trying to remember exactly what she had said.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  rack up sth (especially AmE) to collect sth, such as profits or losses in a business, or points in a competition:\nThe company racked up $200 million in losses in two years. * In ten years of boxing he racked up a record 176 wins.


Words: racket
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [sing.] (informal) a loud unpleasant noise:\nStop making that terrible racket!\n \n  2  [C] (informal) a dishonest or illegal way of getting money:\na protection / extortion / drugs racket\n \n  3  (also racquet) [C] a piece of sports equipment used for hitting the ball, etc. in the games of tennis, SQUASH or BADMINTON. It has an OVAL frame, with strings stretched across and down it.\ncompare BAT\n \n  4  (rackets, racquets) [U] a game for two or four people played with rackets and a small hard ball in a court with four walls\ncompare SQUASH


Words: racketeer
Meaning:
noun\n(disapproving) a person who makes money through dishonest or illegal activities\n    racketeering noun [U]:\nHe was charged with fraud and racketeering.


Words: raconteur
Meaning:
noun\na person who is good at telling stories in an interesting and amusing way:\nShe was a witty raconteur.


Words: racquetball
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a game played especially in the US by two or four players on a court with four walls, using RACKETS and a small hollow rubber ball


Words: racy
Meaning:
adjective\n(racier, raciest) having a style that is exciting and amusing, sometimes in a way that is connected with sex:\na racy novel


Words: radar
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a system that uses radio waves to find the position and movement of objects, for example planes and ships, when they cannot be seen:\nThey located the ship by radar. * a radar screen / operator\ncompare SONAR


Words: radial
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective having a pattern of lines, etc. that go out from a central point towards the edge of a circle:\nthe radial pattern of public transport facilities\n    radially  adverb \n    noun (BrE also radial tyre) (AmE also radial tire) a car tyre with strong threads inside that point away from the outside part and make the tyre stronger and safer


Words: radiance
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  a special bright quality that shows in sb’s face, for example because they are very happy or healthy:\nthe youthful radiance of her beauty\n  2  warm light shining from sth:\nthe radiance of the sunset


Words: radiant
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (with sth) showing great happiness, love or health:\na radiant smile * The bride looked radiant. * She was radiant with health.\n  2  giving a warm bright light:\nThe sun was radiant in a clear blue sky.\n  3  [only before noun] (technical) sent out in rays from a central point:\nthe radiant heat / energy of the sun * a radiant heater (= one that sends out heat in rays)\n    radiantly adverb:\nradiantly happy * He smiled radiantly.


Words: radiate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  if a person radiates a particular quality or emotion, or if it radiates from them, people can see it very clearly:\n[VN] He radiated self-confidence and optimism. [also V]\n  2  if sth radiates heat, light or energy or heat, etc. radiates from it, the heat is sent out in all directions:\n[V] Heat radiates from the stove. [also VN]\n  3  [V +adv./prep.] (of lines, etc.) to spread out in all directions from a central point:\nFive roads radiate from the square. * The pain started in my stomach and radiated all over my body.


Words: radiation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] powerful and very dangerous rays that are sent out from RADIOACTIVE substances:\nhigh levels / doses of radiation that damage cells * the link between exposure to radiation and childhood cancer * a radiation leak from a nuclear power station * the radiations emitted by radium\n  2  [U] heat, energy, etc. that is sent out in the form of rays:\nultraviolet radiation * electromagnetic radiation from power lines\n  3  (also radiation therapy) [U] the treatment of CANCER and other diseases using radiation\ncompare CHEMOTHERAPY, RADIOTHERAPY


Words: radiator
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a hollow metal device for heating rooms. Radiators are usually connected by pipes through which hot water is pumped:\na central heating system with a radiator in each room\n \n  2  a device for cooling the engine of a vehicle or an aircraft


Words: radical
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  concerning the most basic and important parts of sth; thorough and complete:\nthe need for radical changes in education * demands for radical reform of the law * radical differences between the sexes\n  2  new, different and likely to have a great effect:\nradical ideas * a radical solution to the problem * radical proposals / measures\n  3  in favour of thorough and complete political or social change:\nthe radical wing of the party * radical politicians / students / writers\n  4  (AmE, slang) very good\n    radically  adverb:\nThe new methods are radically different from the old. * Attitudes have changed radically.\n    noun a person with radical opinions:\npolitical / religious radicals


Words: radicalize
Meaning:
(BrE also radicalise)  verb\n[VN] to make people more willing to consider new and different policies, ideas, etc.; to make people more politically RADICAL:\nRecent events have radicalized opinion on educational matters.


Words: radio
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  (often the radio) [U, sing.] the activity of broadcasting programmes for people to listen to; the programmes that are broadcast:\nThe interview was broadcast on radio and television. * The play was written specially for radio. * I listen to the radio on the way to work. * Did you hear the interview with him on the radio? * local / national radio * a radio programme / reporter / station\n \n  2  [C] a piece of equipment used for listening to programmes that are broadcast to the public:\nto turn the radio on / off * a car radio * a radio cassette player\nsee also CLOCK RADIO\n \n  3  [U] the process of sending and receiving messages through the air using ELECTROMAGNETIC waves:\nHe was unable to contact Blake by radio. * to keep in radio contact * radio signals / waves\n  4  [C] a piece of equipment, for example on ships or planes, for sending and receiving radio signals:\nto hear a gale warning on / over the ship’s radio\n    verb (radioing, radioed, radioed) to send a message to sb by radio: [V] The police officer radioed for help. * [VN] The warning was radioed to headquarters. [also V that, VN that, VN to inf]


Words: radio telescope
Meaning:
noun\na piece of equipment that receives radio waves from space and is used for finding stars and the position of spacecraft, etc.


Words: radio-
Meaning:
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs)\n  1  connected with radio waves or broadcasting:\nradio-controlled\n  2  connected with RADIOACTIVITY:\nradiotherapy


Words: radio-telephone
Meaning:
noun\na telephone that works by sending and receiving radio signals, used especially in cars, boats, etc.


Words: radioactive
Meaning:
adjective\nsending out harmful RADIATION caused when the NUCLEI (= central parts) of atoms are broken up\n    radioactivity  noun [U]:\nthe study of radioactivity * a rise in the level of radioactivity


Words: radiocarbon
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a RADIOACTIVE form of CARBON that is present in the materials of which living things are formed, used in CARBON DATING:\nradiocarbon analysis


Words: radiographer
Meaning:
noun\na person working in a hospital whose job is to take X-RAY photographs or to use X-rays to treat some illnesses, such as CANCER


Words: radiology
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the study and use of different types of RADIATION in medicine, for example to treat diseases


Words: radiotherapy
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the treatment of disease by RADIATION:\na course of radiotherapy\ncompare CHEMOTHERAPY\n    radiotherapist noun


Words: radish
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a small crisp red or white root vegetable with a strong taste, eaten raw in salads:\na bunch of radishes


Words: radium
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (Symbol Ra) a chemical element. Radium is a white RADIOACTIVE metal used in the treatment of diseases such as CANCER.


Words: radius
Meaning:
1  a straight line between the centre of a circle and any point on its outer edge; the length of this line\ncompare DIAMETER\n \n  2  a circular area that covers the distance mentioned from a central point:\nThey deliver to within a 5-mile radius of the store. * Doctors wish to examine everyone living within a 10-mile radius of the factory.\n \n  3  (anatomy) the shorter bone of the two bones in the lower part of the arm between the elbow and the wrist, on the same side as the thumb\nsee also ULNA


Words: radon
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (Symbol Rn) a chemical element. Radon is a colourless RADIOACTIVE gas used in the treatment of diseases such as CANCER.


Words: raffia
Meaning:
noun\n[U] soft material that looks like string and is made from the leaves of a type of PALM tree, used for weaving baskets, MATS, etc. or for tying things


Words: raffish
Meaning:
adjective\n(of sb’s behaviour, clothes, etc.) not very acceptable according to some social standards, but interesting and attractive:\nHe had a cosmopolitan, slightly raffish air.


Words: raffle
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a way of making money for a particular project or organization. People buy tickets with numbers on them and some of these numbers are later chosen to win prizes:\nraffle prizes / tickets * I won this bottle of wine in a raffle.\ncompare LOTTERY\n    verb [VN] to give sth as a prize in a raffle:\nThe toys will be raffled for charity.


Words: raft
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a flat structure made of pieces of wood tied together and used as a boat or floating platform\n \n  2  a small boat made of rubber or plastic that is filled with air:\nan inflatable raft\n \n  3  [usually sing.] ~ of sth (informal) a large number or amount of sth:\na whole raft of new proposals


Words: rafting
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the sport or activity of travelling down a river on a RAFT:\nWe went white-water rafting on the Colorado River.


Words: rag
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C, U] a piece of old, often torn, cloth used especially for cleaning things:\nI wiped the window with a damp rag. * Use a piece of old rag.\nsee also GLAD RAGS\n  2  [C] (informal, usually disapproving) a newspaper that you believe to be of low quality:\nthe local rag\n  3  a piece of RAGTIME music\n  4  (BrE) [U, C] an event or a series of events organized by students each year to raise money for charity:\nrag week\n IDIOMS \n  in rags wearing very old torn clothes:\nThe children were dressed in rags.\n  (from) rags to riches from being extremely poor to being very rich:\na rags-to-riches story * Hers was a classic tale of rags to riches.\n  lose your rag (BrE, informal) to get angry\nmore at RED adj.\n    verb (-gg-) [VN] ~ sb (about sth) (old-fashioned, BrE) to laugh at and/or play tricks on sb\nSYN TEASE


Words: raga
Meaning:
noun\na traditional pattern of notes used in Indian music; a piece of music based on one of these patterns


Words: ragbag
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] a collection of things that appear to have little connection with each other:\na ragbag of ideas / memories / stories


Words: rage
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U, C] a feeling of violent anger that is difficult to control:\nHis face was dark with rage. * to be shaking / trembling / speechless with rage * Sue stormed out of the room in a rage. * He flies into a rage if you even mention the subject.\n IDIOMS \n  be all the rage (informal) to be very popular and fashionable:\nFax machines in cars are all the rage in California.\n    verb\n  1  ~ (at / against / about sb/sth) to show that you are very angry about sth or with sb, especially by shouting:\n[V] He raged against the injustice of it all. * [V speech] ’That’s unfair!’ she raged.\n  2  [V] ~ (on) (of a storm, battle, argument, etc.) to continue in a violent way:\nThe riots raged for three days. * The blizzard was still raging outside.\n  3  [V]   [usually +adv./prep.] (of an illness, a fire, etc.) to spread very quickly:\nForest fires were raging out of control. * A flu epidemic raged through Europe.


Words: ragged
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of clothes) old and torn:\na ragged jacket\n  2  (of people) wearing old or torn clothes:\nragged children\n  3  having an outline, edge or surface that is not straight or even:\nragged clouds * a ragged coastline\n  4  not smooth or controlled:\nI could hear the sound of his ragged breathing. * Their performance was still very ragged.\n  5  (informal) very tired, especially after physical effort\n    raggedly adverb:\nraggedly dressed * She was breathing raggedly.\n    raggedness noun [U]\n IDIOMS \n  run sb ragged (informal) to make sb do a lot of work or make a big effort so that they become tired:\nFor 20 minutes the other team ran us ragged.


Words: raging
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  (of feelings or emotions) very strong:\na raging appetite / thirst * raging lust / jealousy\n  2  (of natural forces) very powerful:\na raging storm / tempest * The stream had become a raging torrent. * The building was now a raging inferno.\n  3  (of a pain or an illness) very strong or painful:\nI’ve got a raging headache. * He had a raging fever all night.\n  4  very serious and causing strong feelings:\nHis speech has provoked a raging debate. * From the way he talks anyone would think I was a raging revolutionary.


Words: raglan
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  (of a sleeve) sewn to the front and back of a coat, sweater, etc. in a line that slopes down from the neck to under the arm\n  2  (of a coat, sweater, etc.) having raglan sleeves:\na raglan cardigan


Words: ragtag
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (informal) (of a group of people or an organization) not well organized; giving a bad impression:\na ragtag band of rebels


Words: ragtime
Meaning:
noun\n[U] an early form of jazz, especially for the piano, first played by African American musicians in the early 1900s


Words: raid
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun ~ (on sth)\n  1  a short surprise attack on an enemy by soldiers, ships or aircraft:\nThey carried out a bombing raid on enemy bases.\nsee also AIR RAID\n  2  a surprise visit by the police looking for criminals or for illegal goods or drugs:\nThey were arrested during a dawn raid.\n  3  an attack on a building, etc. in order to commit a crime:\nan armed bank raid\nsee also RAM-RAIDING\n    verb [VN] \n  1  (of police) to visit a person or place without warning to look for criminals, illegal goods, drugs, etc:\nThe house was raided in the early hours.\n  2  (of soldiers, fighting planes, etc.) to attack a place without warning:\nVillages along the border are regularly raided. * a raiding party (= a group of soldiers, etc. that attack a place)\n  3  to enter a place, usually using force, and steal from it:\nMany treasures were lost when the tombs were raided in the last century. * (humorous) I caught him raiding the fridge again (= taking food from it).


Words: raider
Meaning:
noun\na person who makes a criminal raid on a place:\narmed / masked raiders * Raiders broke into the warehouse and stole goods worth ｣20 000.


Words: rail
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] a wooden or metal bar placed around sth as a barrier or to provide support:\nShe leaned on the ship’s rail and gazed out to sea.\nsee also GUARD RAIL, HANDRAIL\n \n  2  [C] a bar fixed to the wall for hanging things on:\na picture / curtain / towel rail\n \n  3  [C, usually pl.] each of the two metal bars that form the track that trains run on\n \n  4  [U] (often before another noun) railways/railroads as a means of transport:\nto travel / send sth by rail * rail travel / services / fares * a rail link / network\n IDIOMS \n  go off the rails (BrE, informal)\n1 to start behaving in a strange or unacceptable manner, for example, drinking a lot or taking drugs:\nShe went completely off the rails after her sister died.\n2 to lose control and stop functioning correctly:\nThe company has gone badly off the rails in recent years.\n  get back on the rails (informal) to become successful again after a period of failure, or to begin functioning normally again:\nHe has helped get the company back on the rails again.\nmore at JUMP v.\n    verb ~ (at / against sth/sb) (formal) to complain about sth/sb in a very angry way: [V] She railed against the injustice of it all. [also V speech] \n PHRASAL VERBS \n  rail sth in / off to separate an area or object from others by placing rails around it:\nThe machine was railed off as a safety precaution.


Words: railing
Meaning:
noun\n[C, usually pl.] a fence made of upright metal bars; one of these bars:\niron railings * I chained my bike to the park railings. * She leaned out over the railing.


Words: railroad
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n (AmE) = RAILWAY\n    verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth) to force sb to do sth before they have had enough time to decide whether or not they want to do it:\nI will not be railroaded into signing something I don’t agree with.\n  2  ~ sth (through / through sth) to make a group of people accept a decision, law, etc. quickly by putting pressure on them:\nThe bill was railroaded through the House.\n  3  (AmE) to decide that sb is guilty of a crime, without giving them a fair trial


Words: railway
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE railroad) noun\n \n  1  (BrE also railway line) a track with rails on which trains run:\nThe railway is still under construction. * a disused railway\n \n  2  a system of tracks, together with the trains that run on them, and the organization and people needed to operate them:\nHer father worked on the railways. * a railway station / worker / company * the Midland Railway * a model railway


Words: railwayman
Meaning:
noun\n(plural railwaymen ) (also railman) (both BrE) (AmE railroader) a person who works for a rail company


Words: rain
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U, sing.] water that falls from the clouds in separate drops:\nThere will be rain in all parts tomorrow. * Rain is forecast for the weekend. * Don’t go out in the rain. * It’s pouring with rain (= raining very hard). * heavy / torrential / driving rain * The rain poured down. * It looks like rain (= as if it is going to rain). * A light rain began to fall. * I think I felt a drop of rain.\nsee also ACID RAIN, RAINY -> WEATHER\n  2  (the rains) [pl.] the season of heavy continuous rain in tropical countries:\nThe rains come in September.\n  3  [sing.] ~ of sth a large number of things falling from the sky at the same time:\na rain of arrows / stones\n IDIOMS \n  come rain, come shine | (come) rain or shine whether there is rain or sun; whatever happens:\nHe goes jogging every morning, rain or shine.\nmore at RIGHT adj.\n    verb\n  1  [V] when it rains, water falls from the sky in drops:\nIs it raining? * It had been raining hard all night. * It hardly rained at all last summer. * It started to rain.\n  2  ~ (sth) (down) (on sb/sth) to fall or to make sth fall on sb/sth in large quantities:\n[V] Bombs rained (down) on the city’s streets. * Falling debris rained on us from above. * He covered his face as the blows rained down on him (= he was hit repeatedly). * [VN] The volcano erupted, raining hot ash over a wide area.\n IDIOMS \n  be raining cats and dogs (informal) to be raining heavily\n  it never rains but it pours (BrE) (AmE when it rains, it pours) (saying) used to say that when one bad thing happens to you, other bad things happen soon after\n  rain on sb’s parade (AmE) to spoil sth for sb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  be rained off (BrE) (AmE be rained out) (of an event) to be cancelled or to have to stop because it is raining:\nThe game has been rained off again.


Words: rain check
Meaning:
noun\n(especially AmE) a ticket that can be used later if a game, show, etc. is cancelled because of rain\n IDIOMS \n  take a rain check (on sth) (informal, especially AmE) to refuse an offer or invitation but say that you might accept it later:\n’Are you coming for a drink?’ ’Can I take a rain check?-I must get this finished tonight.’


Words: rainbow
Meaning:
noun\nan arch of different colours that appears in the sky when the sun shines through rain:\nall the colours of the rainbow


Words: rainfall
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] the total amount of rain that falls in a particular area in a particular amount of time; an occasion when rain falls:\nThere has been below average rainfall this month. * an average annual rainfall of 10 cm


Words: rainy
Meaning:
adjective\n(rainier, rainiest) having or bringing a lot of rain:\na rainy day * the rainy season * the rainiest place in Britain\n IDIOMS \n  save, keep, etc. sth for a rainy day to save sth, especially money, for a time when you will really need it


Words: raise
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  move upwards\n  1  [VN] to lift or move sth to a higher level:\nShe raised the gun and fired. * He raised a hand in greeting. * She raised her eyes from her work.\nOPP LOWER -> RISE\n  2  [VN] to move sth/sb/yourself to an upright position:\nSomehow we managed to raise her to her feet. * He raised himself up on one elbow.\nOPP LOWER\n  increase\n  3  [VN] ~ sth (to sth) to increase the amount or level of sth:\nto raise salaries / prices / taxes * They raised their offer to $500. * We need to raise public awareness of the issue. * How can we raise standards in schools? * Don’t tell her about the job until you know for sure-we don’t want to raise her hopes (= make her hope too much). * I’ve never heard him even raise his voice (= speak louder because he was angry).\n  collect money / people\n  4  [VN] to bring or collect money or people together; to manage to get or form sth:\nto raise funds / a loan * We are raising money for charity. * He set about raising an army.\nsee also FUND-RAISER\n  mention subject\n  5  [VN] to mention sth for people to discuss or sb to deal with:\nThe book raises many important questions. * I’m glad you raised the subject of money.\n  cause\n  6  to cause or produce sth; to make sth appear:\nto raise doubts / fears / suspicions in people’s minds * The plans for the new development have raised angry protests from local residents. * It wasn’t an easy audience but he raised a few laughs with his jokes. * It had been a difficult day but she managed to raise a smile. * The horses’ hooves raised a cloud of dust.\nsee also CURTAIN-RAISER, FIRE-RAISER\n  child / animal\n  7  (especially AmE) to care for a child or young animal until it is able to take care of itself:\n[VN] They were both raised in the South. * kids raised on a diet of hamburgers * [VN-N] They raised her (as) a Catholic. * I was born and raised a city boy.\ncompare BRING UP\n  farm animals / crops\n  8  [VN] to breed particular farm animals; to grow particular crops:\nto raise cattle / corn\n  end sth\n  9  [VN] to end a restriction on sb/sth:\nto raise a blockade / a ban / an embargo / a siege\n  on radio / phone\n  10  [VN] to contact sb and speak to them by radio or telephone:\nWe managed to raise him on his mobile phone.\n  dead person\n  11  [VN] ~ sb (from sth) to make sb who has died come to life again:\nChristians believe that God raised Jesus from the dead.\n IDIOMS \n  raise a / your hand against / to sb to hit or threaten to hit sb\n  raise your eyebrows (at sth) [often passive] to show that you disapprove of or are surprised by sth:\nEyebrows were raised when he arrived without his wife.\n  raise your glass (to sb) to hold up your glass and wish sb happiness, good luck, etc. before you drink\n  raise hell (informal) to protest angrily, especially in a way that causes trouble for sb\n  raise the roof to produce or make sb produce a lot of noise in a building, for example by shouting or CHEERING:\nTheir cheers raised the roof.\n  raise sb’s spirits to make sb feel more cheerful or brave:\nThe sunny weather raised my spirits a little.\nmore at ANTE, HACKLES, SIGHT n., TEMPERATURE\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  raise sth to sb/sth to build or place a statue, etc. somewhere in honour or memory of sb/sth:\nThe town raised a memorial to those killed in the war.\n    noun (AmE) = RISE


Words: raising
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] the act of raising sth:\nconsciousness raising * a raising of standards in schools\nsee also FUND-RAISING


Words: raison d’etre
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (from French) the most important reason for sb’s/sth’s existence:\nWork seems to be her sole raison d’etre.


Words: rake
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] a garden tool with a long handle and a row of metal points at the end, used for gathering fallen leaves and making soil smooth\n \n  2  [C] (old-fashioned) a man, especially a rich and fashionable one, who is thought to have low moral standards, for example because he drinks or gambles a lot or has sex with a lot of women\n \n  3  [sing.] (technical) the amount by which sth, especially the stage in a theatre, slopes\n    verb\n  1  to pull a rake over a surface in order to make it level or to remove sth:\n[VN] The leaves had been raked into a pile. * (figurative) She raked a comb through her hair. * [VN-ADJ] First rake the soil smooth. [also V]\n  2  [VN] to point a camera, light, gun, etc. at sb/sth and move it slowly from one side to the other:\nThey raked the streets with machine-gun fire. * Searchlights raked the grounds.\n  3  [V +adv./prep.] to search a place carefully for sth:\nShe raked around in her bag for her keys.\n  4  [VN, V] to scratch the surface of sth with a sharp object, especially your nails\n IDIOMS \n  rake sb over the coals (AmE) = haul sb over the coals at HAUL\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  rake in sth (informal) to earn a lot of money, especially when it is done easily:\nThe movie raked in more than $300 million. * She’s been raking it in since she started her new job.\n  rake over sth (informal, disapproving) to examine sth that happened in the past in great detail and keep talking about it, when it should be forgotten:\nShe had no desire to rake over the past.\n  rake sth<->up (informal, disapproving) to mention sth unpleasant that happened in the past and that other people would like to forget:\nRaking up the past will only make things worse.


Words: rake-off
Meaning:
noun\n(informal) a share of profits, especially from dishonest or illegal activity:\nShe got a 5% rake-off from the deal.


Words: rakish
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a man) acting like a RAKE (= in an immoral, etc. way):\nHe plays the novel’s rakish hero.\n  2  (of a hat) worn at an angle, and making the person wearing it look relaxed and confident:\nHe was wearing his hat at a rakish angle.\n    rakishly adverb:\nHe smiled rakishly.


Words: rally
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] a large public meeting, especially one held to support a particular idea or political party:\nto attend / hold a rally * a peace / protest rally * a mass rally in support of the strike\nsee also PEP RALLY\n  2  [C] (BrE) a race for motor vehicles over public roads:\nthe Monte Carlo rally * rally driving\n  3  [C] (in tennis and similar sports) a series of hits of the ball before a point is scored:\nThat was a great rally!\n  4  [sing.] (in sport or on the Stock Exchange) an act of returning to a strong position after a period of difficulty or weakness:\nAfter a furious late rally, they finally scored. * a rally in shares on the stock market\n    verb (rallies, rallying, rallied, rallied)\n  1  ~ (sb/sth) (around / behind / to sb/sth) to come together or bring people together in order to help or support sb/sth:\n[V] The cabinet rallied behind the Prime Minister. * Many national newspapers rallied to his support. * [VN] They have rallied a great deal of support for their campaign. * The country hastily rallied its defences.\n  2  [V] to become healthier, stronger, etc. after a period of illness, weakness, etc:\nHe never really rallied after the operation. * The champion rallied to win the second set 63.\n  3  [V] (finance) (especially of share prices or a country’s money) to increase in value after falling in value:\nThe company’s shares had rallied slightly by the close of trading. * The pound rallied against the dollar.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  rally round / around | rally round / around sb (of a group of people) to work together in order to help sb who is in a difficult or unpleasant situation:\nThe whole family rallied round when Mum was ill.


Words: RAM
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the abbreviation for ’random access memory’ (computer memory in which data can be changed or removed and can be looked at in any order):\n32 megabytes of RAM


Words: ram
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (-mm-)\n  1  [VN] (of a vehicle, a ship, etc.) to drive into or hit another vehicle, ship, etc. with force, sometimes deliberately:\nTwo passengers were injured when their taxi was rammed from behind by a bus.\n  2  [VN +adv./prep.] to push sth somewhere with force:\nShe rammed the key into the lock. * (figurative) The spending cuts had been rammed through Congress.\n IDIOMS \n  ram sth<->home (especially BrE) to emphasize an idea, argument, etc. very strongly to make sure people listen to it:\nThe ads are intended to ram home the dangers of driving too fast in fog.\nmore at THROAT\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  ram into sth | ram sth into sth to hit against sth or to make sth hit against sth with force:\nHe rammed his truck into the back of the one in front.\n    noun\n  1  a male sheep\ncompare EWE\n  2  a part in a machine that is used for hitting sth very hard or for lifting or moving things:\nhydraulic rams\nsee also BATTERING RAM


Words: ram-raiding
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (BrE) the crime of driving a vehicle into a shop/store window in order to steal goods\n    ram-raid noun\n    ram-raid verb [VN]\n    ram-raider noun


Words: Ramadan
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the 9th month of the Muslim year, when Muslims do not eat or drink between SUNRISE and SUNSET


Words: ramble
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [V] \n  1  [+adv./prep.] (BrE) to walk for pleasure, especially in the countryside:\nWe spent the summer rambling in Ireland.\n  2  (BrE) ~ (on) (about sb/sth) to talk about sb/sth in a confused way, especially for a long time:\nHe had lost track of what he was saying and began to ramble. * What is she rambling on about now?\n  3  (of plants) to grow in many different directions, especially over other plants or objects:\nClimbing plants rambled over the front of the house.\nsee also RAMBLING\n    noun a long walk for pleasure:\nto go for / on a ramble in the country


Words: rambler
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (especially BrE) a person who walks in the countryside for pleasure, especially as part of an organized group\n  2  a plant, especially a rose, that grows up walls, fences, etc.


Words: rambling
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  (of a building) spreading in various directions with no particular pattern:\nThey live in a rambling old house in the country.\n  2  (of speech or writing) very long and confused:\na rambling speech / letter\n  3  (of a plant) growing or climbing in all directions, for example up a wall:\na rambling rose\n    noun\n  1  [U] (especially BrE) the activity of walking for pleasure in the countryside:\na rambling club\n  2  (ramblings) [pl.] speech or writing that continues for a long time without saying much and seems very confused:\nthe ramblings of a madman


Words: ramification
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] one of the large number of complicated and unexpected results that follow an action or a decision:\nThese changes are bound to have widespread social ramifications.


Words: ramp
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a slope that joins two parts of a road, path, building, etc. when one is higher than the other:\nRamps should be provided for wheelchair users.\n \n  2  (AmE) = SLIP ROAD:\na freeway exit ramp\n \n  3  a slope or set of steps that can be moved, used for loading a vehicle or getting on or off a plane:\na loading ramp


Words: rampage
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [usually sing.] a sudden period of wild and violent behaviour, often causing damage and destruction:\nGangs of youths went on the rampage in the city yesterday. * A state of emergency was declared following overnight rampages by student demonstrators.\n    verb [V +adv./prep.] (of people or animals) to move through a place in a group, usually breaking things and causing damage:\nSeveral thousand demonstrators rampaged through the centre of the city. * a herd of rampaging elephants


Words: rampant
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of sth bad) existing or spreading everywhere in a way that cannot be controlled:\nrampant corruption / inflation * Unemployment is now rampant in most of Europe.\n  2  (of plants) growing thickly and very fast in a way that cannot be controlled:\nrampant vegetation / weeds\n    rampantly adverb


Words: rampart
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] a high wide wall of stone or earth with a path on top, built around a castle, town, etc. to defend it:\nVisitors can walk along the castle ramparts.


Words: ramrod
Meaning:
noun\nan iron rod used in the past to push explosive material into a gun\n IDIOMS \n  ramrod straight | (as) straight as a ramrod (of a person) with a very straight back and looking serious and formal:\nHer back was ramrod straight. * He stood there straight as a ramrod.


Words: ramshackle
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of buildings, vehicles, furniture, etc.) in a very bad condition and needing repair:\na ramshackle house\n  2  (of an organization or a system) badly organized or designed and not likely to last very long:\nThe opposition criticized the government’s ramshackle economic policies.


Words: ranch
Meaning:
noun\na large farm, especially in N America or Australia, where cows, horses, sheep, etc. are bred:\na cattle / sheep ranch * ranch hands (= the people who work on a ranch)\nsee also DUDE RANCH


Words: ranch house
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a house on a ranch\n  2  (AmE) a house built all on one level, that is very wide but not very deep from front to back and has a roof that is not very steep\ncompare BUNGALOW


Words: rancid
Meaning:
adjective\nif food containing fat is rancid, it tastes or smells unpleasant because it is no longer fresh:\nrancid butter * Butter soon goes / turns (= becomes) rancid in this heat. * There was a rancid smell coming from the kitchen.


Words: rancour
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE rancor)  noun\n[U] (formal) feelings of hatred and a desire to hurt other people, especially because you think that sb has done sth unfair to you:\nThere was rancour in his voice. * They divorced with remarkably little rancour. * She learned to accept criticism without rancour.\n    rancorous  adjective:\na rancorous legal battle * The talks became increasingly bitter and rancorous.


Words: random
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [usually before noun] done, chosen, etc. without sb thinking or deciding in advance what is going to happen:\nthe random killing of innocent people * a random sample / selection (= in which each thing has an equal chance of being chosen) * The information is processed in a random order.\n    randomly adverb:\nThe winning numbers are randomly selected by computer.\n    randomness noun [U]:\nIt introduced an element of randomness to the situation.\n    noun\n IDIOMS \n  at random without thinking or deciding in advance what is going to happen:\nShe opened the book at random (= not at any particular page) and started reading. * The terrorists fired into the crowd at random. * Names were chosen at random from a list.


Words: random access
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (computing) the ability in a computer to go straight to data items without having to read through items stored previously


Words: randomize
Meaning:
(BrE also randomise)  verb\n[VN] (technical) to use a method in an experiment, a piece of research, etc. that gives every item an equal chance of being considered; to put things in a RANDOM order


Words: range
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  variety\n  1  [C, usually sing.] ~ (of sth) a variety of things of a particular type:\nThe hotel offers a wide range of facilities and services. * There is a full range of activities for children. * This material is available in a huge range of colours.\n  limits\n  2  [C, usually sing.] the limits between which sth varies:\nMost of the students are in the 17-20 age range. * There will be an increase in the range of 0 to 3 per cent. * It’s difficult to find a house in our price range (= that we can afford). * This was outside the range of his experience.\n  of products\n  3  [C] a set of products of a particular type:\nour new range of hair products\nsee also MID-RANGE, TOP-OF-THE-RANGE\n  distance\n  4  [C, U] the distance over which sth can be seen or heard:\nThe child was now out of her range of vision (= not near enough for her to see).\n  5  [C, U] the distance over which a gun or other weapon can hit things:\nThese missiles have a range of 300 miles.\nsee also CLOSE-RANGE, LONG-RANGE, SHORT-RANGE\n  6  [C] the distance that a vehicle will travel before it needs more fuel\n  of mountains\n  7  [C] a line or group of mountains or hills:\nthe great mountain range of the Alps\n  for shooting\n  8  [C] an area of land where people can practise shooting or where bombs, etc. can be tested:\na shooting range * A device was exploded at the main nuclear testing range.\nsee also RIFLE RANGE\n  oven\n  9  [C] a large piece of equipment that can burn various fuels and is kept hot all the time, used for cooking, especially in the past\n  10  (AmE) = COOKER\n  for cows\n  11  (the range) [sing.] (AmE) a large open area for keeping cows, etc.\nsee also FREE-RANGE\n IDIOMS \n  in / within range (of sth) near enough to be reached, seen or heard:\nHe shouted angrily at anyone within range.\n  out of range (of sth) too far away to be reached, seen or heard:\nThe cat stayed well out of range of the children. * She hid away in her house, out of range of prying eyes.\n    verb\n  vary\n  1  [V] ~ from A to B | ~ between A and B to vary between two particular amounts, sizes, etc., including others between them:\nto range in size / length / price from A to B * Estimates of the damage range between $1 million and $5 million. * Accommodation ranges from tourist class to luxury hotels.\n  2  [V +adv./prep.] ~ (from A to B) to include a variety of different things in addition to those mentioned:\nShe has had a number of different jobs, ranging from chef to swimming instructor. * The conversation ranged widely (= covered a lot of different topics).\nsee also WIDE-RANGING\n  arrange\n  3  [VN +adv./prep.] [usually passive] (formal) to arrange people or things in a particular position or order:\nThe delegates ranged themselves around the table. * Spectators were ranged along the whole route of the procession.\n  move around\n  4  to move around an area: [V, +adv./prep.] He ranges far and wide in search of inspiration for his paintings. * [VN] Her eyes ranged the room.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  range yourself / sb against / with sb/sth [usually passive] to join with other people to oppose sb/sth:\nThe whole family seemed ranged against him.\n  range over sth to include a variety of different subjects:\nHis lecture ranged over a number of topics.


Words: ranger
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person whose job is to take care of a park, a forest or an area of countryside\n  2  Ranger (Guide) a girl who belongs to the part of the Guide Association in Britain for girls between the ages of 14 and 19


Words: rangy
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) (of a person or an animal) having long thin arms and/or legs:\na tall rangy boy with dark hair * a rangy breed of cattle


Words: rank
Meaning:
noun, verb, adjective \n    noun\n  position in organization / army, etc.\n  1  [U, C] the position, especially a high position, that sb has in a particular organization, society, etc:\nShe was not used to mixing with people of high social rank. * He rose through the ranks to become managing director. * Within months she was elevated to ministerial rank. * Promotion will mean that I’m immediately above him in rank.\nsee also RANKING\n  2  [C, U] the position that sb has in the army, navy, police, etc:\nHe was soon promoted to the rank of captain. * officers of junior / senior rank * a campaign to attract more women into the military ranks * officers, and other ranks (= people who are not officers) * The colonel was stripped of his rank (= lost his position as colonel).\n  3  (the ranks) [pl.] the position of ordinary soldiers rather than officers:\nHe served in the ranks for most of the war. * He rose from the ranks (= from being an ordinary soldier) to become a warrant officer.\n  quality\n  4  [sing.] the degree to which sb/sth is of high quality:\na painter of the first rank * Britain is no longer in the front rank of world powers. * The findings are arranged in rank order according to performance.\n  members of group\n  5  (the ranks) [pl.] the members of a particular group or organization:\nWe have a number of international players in our ranks. * At 50, he was forced to join the ranks of the unemployed. * There were serious divisions within the party’s own ranks.\n  line / row\n  6  [C] a line or row of soldiers, police, etc. standing next to each other:\nThey watched as ranks of marching infantry passed the window. * They fired at random into the enemy ranks.\n  7  [C] a line or row of people or things:\nmassed ranks of spectators * The trees grew in serried ranks (= very closely together).\nsee also TAXI RANK\n IDIOMS \n  break ranks\n1 (of soldiers, police, etc.) to fail to remain in line\n2 (of the members of a group) to refuse to support a group or an organization of which they are members:\nLarge numbers of MPs felt compelled to break ranks over the issue.\nmore at CLOSE v., PULL v.\n    verb (not used in the progressive tenses)\n  give position\n  1  ~ (sb) (as sth) to give sb/sth a particular position on a scale according to quality, importance, success, etc.; to have a position of this kind:\n[VN] The tasks have been ranked in order of difficulty. * She is currently the highest ranked player in the world. * top-ranked players * Voters regularly rank education as being more important than defence. * [VN-ADJ] Last year, he was ranked second in his age group. * [V-ADJ] At the height of her career she ranked second in the world. * [VN-N] The university is ranked number one in the country for engineering. * [V]   [often +adv./prep.] The restaurant ranks among the finest in town. * It certainly doesn’t rank as his greatest win. * This must rank with (= be as good as) one of the greatest movies ever made. * Health and education rank highly with voters. * [V] (AmE) You just don’t rank (= you’re not good enough).\n  put in line / row\n  2  [VN] [usually passive] to arrange objects in a line or row\n    adjective\n  1  having a strong unpleasant smell:\nThe house was full of the rank smell of urine.\n  2  [only before noun] used to emphasize a particular quality, state, etc:\nan example of rank stupidity * The winning horse was a rank outsider.\n  3  (of plants, etc.) growing too thickly:\nan area overgrown with rank grass and nettles


Words: ranking
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  the position of sb/sth on a scale that shows how good or important they are in relation to other similar people or things, especially in sport:\nHe has improved his ranking this season from 67th to 30th. * She has retained her No.1 world ranking.\n  2  (the rankings) [pl.] an official list showing the best players of a particular sport in order of how successful they are:\nHe is currently 16th in the world rankings.\n    adjective\n  1  (especially AmE) having a high or the highest rank in an organization, etc:\na ranking diplomat * He was the ranking officer (= the most senior officer present at a particular time).\n  2  (in compounds) having the particular rank mentioned:\nhigh-ranking / low-ranking police officers * a top-ranking player


Words: rankle
Meaning:
verb\n~ (with sb) if sth such as an event or a remark rankles, it makes you feel angry or upset for a long time:\n[V] Her comments still rankled. * His decision to sell the land still rankled with her. [also VN]


Words: ransack
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sth (for sth) to search a place, making it untidy and causing damage, usually because you are looking for sth:\nThe house had been ransacked by burglars.


Words: ransom
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [C, U] money that is paid to sb so that they will set free a person who is being kept as a prisoner by them:\nThe kidnappers demanded a ransom of ｣50 000 from his family. * a ransom demand / note * ransom money * They are refusing to pay ransom for her release.\n IDIOMS \n  hold sb to ransom\n1 to keep sb as a prisoner and demand that other people pay you an amount of money before you set them free\n2 (disapproving) to take action that puts sb in a very difficult situation in order to force them to do what you want\nmore at KING\n    verb [VN] to pay money to sb so that they will set free the person that they are keeping as a prisoner:\nThe kidnapped children were all ransomed and returned home unharmed.


Words: rant
Meaning:
verb\n[V, V speech] ~ (on) (about sth) | ~ (at sb) (disapproving) to speak or complain about sth in a loud and/or angry way\n    rant noun\n IDIOMS \n  rant and rave (disapproving) to show that you are angry by shouting or complaining loudly for a long time


Words: rap
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] a quick sharp hit or knock:\nThere was a sharp rap on the door.\n  2  [U] a type of modern music with a fast strong rhythm and words which are spoken fast, not sung:\na rap song / artist\n  3  [C] a rap song\n  4  [C] (AmE, informal) a criminal CONVICTION (= the fact of being found guilty of a crime):\na police rap sheet (= a record of the crimes sb has committed)\n  5  [sing.] (AmE, informal) an unfair judgement on sth or sb:\nHe denounced the criticisms as ’just one bum rap after another.’ * Wolves get a bad rap, says a woman who owns three.\n IDIOMS \n  (give sb / get) a rap on / over / across the knuckles (informal) (to give sb/receive) strong criticism for sth:\nWe got a rap over the knuckles for being late.\n  take the rap (for sb/sth) (informal) to be blamed or punished, especially for sth you have not done:\nShe was prepared to take the rap for the shoplifting, though it had been her sister’s idea.\nmore at BEAT v.\n    verb (-pp-)\n  1  to hit a hard object or surface several times quickly, making a noise:\n[V] She rapped angrily on the door. * [VN] He rapped the table with his pen.\n  2  ~ sth (out) to say sth suddenly and quickly in a loud, angry way:\n[VN] He walked through the store, rapping out orders to his staff. [also V speech]\n  3  [VN] ~ sb/sth (for sth / for doing sth) (used mainly in newspapers) to criticize sb severely, usually publicly:\nSome of the teachers were rapped for poor performance.\n  4  [V, VN] (music) to say the words of a rap\nsee also RAPPER\n IDIOMS \n  rap sb on / over the knuckles | rap sb’s knuckles to criticize sb for sth:\nThe company was rapped over the knuckles for broadcasting the interview.


Words: rapacious
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal, disapproving) wanting more money or goods than you need or have a right to\n    rapaciously adverb\n    rapacity  noun [U]:\nthe rapacity of landowners seeking greater profit


Words: rape
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] to force sb to have sex with you when they do not want to by threatening them or using violence\nsee also RAPIST\n    noun\n  1  [U, C] the crime of forcing sb to have sex with you, especially using violence:\nHe was charged with rape. * a rape victim * an increase in the number of reported rapes\nsee also DATE RAPE, RAPIST\n  2  [sing.] ~ (of sth) (literary) the act of destroying or spoiling an area in a way that seems unnecessary\n  3  (also oilseed rape) [U] a plant with bright yellow flowers, grown as food for farm animals and for its seeds that are used to make oil:\na field of rape * refined rape oil


Words: rapid
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] happening in a short period of time:\nrapid change / expansion / growth * a rapid rise / decline in sales * The patient made a rapid recovery.\n  2  done or happening very quickly:\na rapid pulse / heartbeat * The guard fired four shots in rapid succession. * The disease is spreading at a rapid rate. -> FAST\n    rapidity  noun [U]:\nthe rapidity of economic growth * The disease is spreading with alarming rapidity.\n    rapidly adverb:\na rapidly growing economy * Crime figures are rising rapidly.


Words: rapid-fire
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  (of questions, comments, etc.) spoken very quickly, one after the other\n  2  (of a gun) able to shoot bullets very quickly, one after the other


Words: rapids
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] part of a river where the water flows very fast, usually over rocks:\nto shoot the rapids (= to travel quickly over them in a boat)


Words: rapier
Meaning:
noun\na long thin light SWORD that has two sharp edges: (figurative) rapier wit (= very quick sharp wit)


Words: rapport
Meaning:
noun\n[sing., U] ~ (with sb) | ~ (between A and B) a friendly relationship in which people understand each other very well:\nShe understood the importance of establishing a close rapport with clients. * Honesty is essential if there is to be good rapport between patient and therapist. * There was little rapport between the two women.


Words: rapporteur
Meaning:
noun\n(from French, technical) a person officially chosen by an organization to investigate a problem and report on it:\nthe UN special rapporteur on human rights


Words: rapprochement
Meaning:
noun\n[sing., U] ~ (with sb) | ~ (between A and B) (from French, formal) a situation in which the relationship between two countries or groups of people becomes more friendly after a period during which they were enemies:\npolicies aimed at bringing about a rapprochement with China * There now seems little chance of rapprochement between the warring factions.


Words: rapt
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) so interested in one particular thing that you are not aware of anything else:\na rapt audience * She listened to the speaker with rapt attention. * He watched her with a rapt expression. * Jill stared at them blankly, rapt in thought.


Words: rapture
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) a feeling of extreme pleasure and happiness:\nCharles listened with rapture to her singing. * The children gazed at her in rapture. * Never before had she known such rapture.\n IDIOMS \n  be in, go into, etc. raptures (about / over sb/sth) to feel or express extreme pleasure or enthusiasm for sb/sth:\nThe critics went into raptures about her performance. * The last minute goal sent the fans into raptures.


Words: rapturous
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] expressing extreme pleasure or enthusiasm for sb/sth:\nrapturous applause * The Olympic team was given a rapturous welcome.\n    rapturously adverb:\nThe speech was rapturously received by the audience.


Words: rare
Meaning:
adjective (rarer, rarest)\n  1  ~ (for sb/sth to do sth) | ~ (to do sth) not done, seen, happening, etc. very often:\na rare disease / occurrence / sight * This weekend, visitors will get a rare chance to visit the private apartments. * It’s extremely rare for it to be this hot in April. * It is rare to find such loyalty these days. * On the rare occasions when they met he hardly even dared speak to her. * It was a rare (= very great) honour to be made a fellow of the college.\n  2  existing only in small numbers and therefore valuable or interesting:\na rare book / coin / stamp * a rare breed / plant * This species is extremely rare.\n  3  (of meat) cooked for only a short time so that the inside is still red:\n’How would you like your steak?’ ’Rare.’\ncompare WELL DONE\nsee also RARITY


Words: rarefied
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  (often disapproving) understood or experienced by only a very small group of people who share a particular area of knowledge or activity:\nthe rarefied atmosphere of academic life\n  2  (of air) containing less OXYGEN than usual:\nClimbers may experience difficulty breathing in the rarefied air at high altitudes.


Words: rarely
Meaning:
adverb\nnot very often:\nShe is rarely seen in public nowadays. * We rarely agree on what to do. * a rarely-performed play * (formal) Rarely has a debate attracted so much media attention. * You will rarely, if ever, have to wait longer than an hour.


Words: raring
Meaning:
adjective\n~ to do sth (informal) very enthusiastic about starting to do sth:\nThe new recruits arrived early, all dressed up and raring to go (= to start). * She is raring to get back to work after her operation.


Words: rarity
Meaning:
noun (plural rarities)\n  1  [C] a person or thing that is unusual and is therefore often valuable or interesting:\nWomen are still something of a rarity in senior positions in business. * His collection of plants contains many rarities.\n  2  (also less frequent rareness) [U] the quality of being rare:\nThe value of antiques will depend on their condition and rarity.


Words: rascal
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (humorous) a person, especially a child or man, who shows a lack of respect for other people and enjoys playing tricks on them:\nCome here, you little rascal! * I hear the old rascal’s been causing trouble again.\n  2  (old-fashioned) a dishonest man\n    rascally adjective (old-fashioned)


Words: rash
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  [C, usually sing.] an area of red spots on a person’s skin, caused by an illness or a reaction to sth:\nI woke up covered in a rash. * I come out in a rash (= a rash appears on my skin) if I eat chocolate. * The sun brought her out in (= caused) an itchy rash. * a heat rash (= caused by heat)\ncompare SPOT\n  2  [sing.] ~ (of sth) a lot of sth; a series of unpleasant things that happen over a short period of time\nSYN SPATE:\na rash of movies about life in prison * Rising prices are the result of the recent rash of strikes in the steel industry. * There has been a rash of burglaries in the area over the last month.\n    adjective ~ (to do sth) (of people or their actions) doing sth that may not be sensible without first thinking about the possible results; done in this way:\na rash young man * It would be rash to assume that everyone will agree with you on this. * Think twice before doing anything rash. * This is what happens when you make rash decisions.\n    rashly adverb:\nShe had rashly promised to lend him the money. * I see now that I may have acted rashly.\n    rashness noun [U]:\nHe bitterly regretted his rashness.


Words: rasher
Meaning:
noun\n(especially BrE) a thin slice of BACON (= meat from the back or sides of a pig):\na fried egg and two rashers of bacon


Words: rasp
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [sing.] an unpleasant harsh sound:\nThere was a rasp of impatience in his voice.\n  2  [C] a metal tool with a long blade covered with rows of sharp points, used for making rough surfaces smooth\n    verb\n  1  ~ (sth) (out) to say sth in an unpleasant harsh voice:\n[V speech] ’Where have you been?’ she rasped. * [VN] He rasped out some instructions. [also V]\n  2  [V] to make an unpleasant harsh sound:\na rasping cough / voice\n  3  [VN] to rub a surface with a rasp or with sth rough that works or feels like a rasp:\nThe wind rasped his face.


Words: raspberry
Meaning:
noun (plural raspberries)\n \n  1  a small dark red soft fruit that grows on bushes:\nraspberry jam\n \n  2  (AmE also Bronx cheer) (informal) a rude sound made by sticking out the tongue and blowing:\nto blow a raspberry at sb


Words: Rastafarian
Meaning:
(also informal Rasta) noun\na member of a Jamaican religious group which worships the former Emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie, and which believes that black people will one day return to Africa. Rastafarians often wear DREADLOCKS and have other distinguishing patterns of behaviour and dress.\n    Rastafarian (also informal Rasta) adjective\n    Rastafarianism noun [U]


Words: rat
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a small animal with a long tail, that looks like a large mouse, usually considered a PEST (= an animal which is disliked because it destroys food or spreads disease):\nrat poison * The police are all over town. He’s caught, like a rat in a trap.\n  2  (informal, disapproving) an unpleasant person, especially one who is not loyal or tricks sb:\nYou mean he just walked out on her after fifteen years? What a rat!\n IDIOMS  see SINK v., SMELL v.\n    verb (-tt-)\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  rat on sb (informal) to tell sb in authority about sth wrong that sb else has done:\nWhere I come from, you don’t rat on your friends.\n  rat on sth (BrE, informal) to not do sth that you have agreed or promised to do:\nThe government is accused of ratting on its promises to the unemployed.


Words: rat-tat
Meaning:
(also rat-a-tat-tat) noun\n[sing.] the sound of knocking, especially on a door:\na sharp rat-tat at / on the front door


Words: ratchet
Meaning:
noun\na wheel or bar with teeth along the edge and a metal piece that fits between the teeth, allowing movement in one direction only


Words: rate
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] a measurement of the speed at which sth happens:\nMost people walk at an average rate of 5 kilometres an hour. * The number of reported crimes is increasing at an alarming rate. * Figures published today show another fall in the rate of inflation. * At the rate you work, you’ll never finish!\n  2  [C] a measurement of the number of times sth happens or exists during a particular period:\nLocal businesses are closing at a / the rate of three a year. * a high / low / rising rate of unemployment * the annual crime / divorce rate * His pulse rate dropped suddenly. * a high success / failure rate\nsee also BIRTH RATE, DEATH RATE\n  3  [C] a fixed amount of money that is charged or paid for sth:\nadvertising / insurance / postal rates * a low / high hourly rate of pay * We offer special reduced rates for students. * a fixed-rate mortgage (= one in which the amount of money repaid each month is fixed for a particular period) * the basic rate of tax (= the lowest amount that is paid by everyone) * exchange / interest rates * rates of exchange / interest\nsee also BASE RATE\n  4  (rates) [pl.] (in Britain) a tax paid by businesses to a local authority for land and buildings that they use and in the past also paid by anyone who owned a house:\nbusiness rates\nsee also FIRST-RATE, SECOND-RATE, THIRD-RATE\n IDIOMS \n  at any rate (spoken)\n1 used to say that a particular fact is true in spite of what has happened in the past or what may happen in the future:\nWell, that’s one good piece of news at any rate. * I may be away on business next week but at any rate I’ll be back by Friday.\n2 used to show that you are being more accurate about sth that you have just said:\nHe said he’ll be coming tomorrow. At any rate, I think that’s what he said.\n3 used to show that what you have just said is not as important as what you are going to say:\nThere were maybe 60 or 70 people there. At any rate, the room was packed.\n  at a rate of knots (BrE, informal) very quickly:\nShe’s getting through her winnings at a rate of knots.\n  at this / that rate (spoken) used to say what will happen if a particular situation continues to develop in the same way:\nAt this rate, we’ll soon be bankrupt.\nmore at GOING adj.\n    verb (not used in the progressive tenses)\n  1  ~ sb/sth (as) sth | ~ as sth to have or think that sb/sth has a particular level of quality, value, etc:\n[VN] The university is highly rated for its research. * They rated him highly as a colleague. * [VN-ADJ] Voters continue to rate education high on their list of priorities. * [VN-N] The show was rated (as) a success by critics and audiences. * [V] The match rated as one of their worst defeats. * [V-ADJ] I’m afraid our needs do not rate very high with this administration.\n  2  [VN] (informal) to think that sb/sth is good:\nWhat did you think of the movie? I didn’t rate it myself.\n  3  [usually passive] to place sb/sth in a particular position on a scale in relation to similar people or things\nSYN RANK:\n[VN] The schools were rated according to their exam results. * a top-rated programme * [VN-N] She is currently rated number two in the world.\n  4  [VN] to be good, important, etc. enough to be treated in a particular way\nSYN MERIT:\nThe incident didn’t even rate a mention in the press. * Her death only rated a few lines in the local paper.\n  5  [VN] [usually passive] to state that a film/movie or video is suitable for a particular audience:\nThe cartoon was rated PG.\nsee also X-RATED, ZERO-RATED


Words: ratepayer
Meaning:
noun\n(in Britain in the past) a person who paid taxes to the local authority on the buildings and land they owned


Words: rather
Meaning:
adverb, exclamation \n    adverb\n  1  used to mean ’fairly’ or ’to some degree’, often when you are expressing slight criticism, disappointment or surprise:\nThe instructions were rather complicated. * She fell and hurt her leg rather badly. * I didn’t fail the exam; in fact I did rather well! * It was a rather difficult question. * It was rather a difficult question. * He looks rather like his father. * The patient has responded to the treatment rather better than expected. * He was conscious that he was talking rather too much. -> QUITE\n  2  used with a verb to make a statement sound less strong:\nI rather suspect we’re making a mistake. * We were rather hoping you’d be able to do it by Friday.\n  3  used to correct sth you have said, or to give more accurate information:\nShe worked as a secretary, or rather, a personal assistant. * In the end he had to walk-or rather run-to the office.\n  4  used to introduce an idea that is different or opposite to the idea that you have stated previously:\nThe walls were not white, but rather a sort of dirty grey.\n IDIOMS \n  rather you, him, etc. than me (informal) used for saying that you would not like to do sth that another person is going to do:\n’I’m going climbing tomorrow.’ ’Rather you than me!’\n  rather than instead of sb/sth:\nI think I’ll have a cold drink rather than coffee. * Why didn’t you ask for help, rather than trying to do it on your own?\n  would rather ...(than) (usually shortened to ’d rather) would prefer to:\nShe’d rather die than give a speech. * ’Do you want to come with us?’ ’No, I’d rather not.’ * Would you rather walk or take the bus? * ’Do you mind if I smoke?’ ’Well, I’d rather you didn’t.’\n    exclamation  /; also {speaker} ra:{3}:(r) / (old-fashioned, BrE) used to agree with sb’s suggestion:\n’How about a trip to the beach?’ ’Rather!’


Words: ratify
Meaning:
verb\n(ratifies, ratifying, ratified, ratified) [VN] to make an agreement officially valid by voting for or signing it:\nThe treaty was ratified by all the member states.\n    ratification  noun [U]:\nThe agreement is subject to ratification by the Senate.


Words: rating
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a measurement of how good, popular, important, etc. sb/sth is, especially in relation to other people or things:\nThe poll gave a popular approval rating of 39% for the President. * Education has been given a high-priority rating by the new administration. * The ’Cosby Show’ was the highest-rated network show with a rating of 26.\nsee also CREDIT RATING\n  2  (the ratings) [pl.] a set of figures that show how many people watch or listen to a particular television or radio programme, used to show how popular a programme is:\nThe show has gone up in the ratings. * The BBC is currently ahead in the ratings war.\n  3  [C] a number or letter that shows which groups of people a particular film/movie is suitable for:\nThe film was given a 15 rating by British censors. * The movie carries an R rating.\n  4  [C] (BrE) a sailor in the navy who is not an officer


Words: ratio
Meaning:
noun\n(plural ratios) ~ (of A to B) the relationship between two groups of people or things that is represented by two numbers showing how much larger one group is than the other:\nWhat is the ratio of men to women in the department? * The school has a very high teacher-student ratio. * The ratio of applications to available places currently stands at 100:1.


Words: ration
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] a fixed amount of food, fuel, etc. that you are officially allowed to have when there is not enough for everyone to have as much as they want, for example during a war:\nthe weekly butter ration * a ration book / card / coupon (= allowing you to claim your ration of sth)\n  2  (rations) [pl.] a fixed amount of food given regularly to a soldier or to sb who is in a place where there is not much food available:\nWe’re on short rations (= allowed less than usual) until fresh supplies arrive. * Once these latest rations run out, the country will again face hunger and starvation.\n  3  [sing.] ~ (of sth) an amount of sth that is thought to be normal or fair:\nAs part of the diet, allow yourself a small daily ration of sugar. * I’ve had my ration of problems for one day-you deal with it!\n    verb [VN] [often passive] ~ sb/sth (to sth) to limit the amount of sth that sb is allowed to have, especially because there is not enough of it available:\nEggs were rationed during the war. * The villagers are rationed to two litres of water a day.


Words: rational
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of behaviour, ideas, etc.) based on reason rather than emotions:\na rational argument / choice / decision * rational analysis / thought * There is no rational explanation for his actions.\n  2  (of a person) able to think clearly and make decisions based on reason rather than emotions:\nNo rational person would ever behave like that.\nOPP IRRATIONAL\n    rationality  noun [U]:\nthe rationality of his argument\n    rationally  adverb:\nto act / behave / think rationally * She argued her case calmly and rationally.


Words: rationale
Meaning:
noun\n~ (behind / for / of sth) (formal) the principles or reasons which explain a particular decision, course of action, belief, etc:\nWhat is the rationale behind these new exams?


Words: rationalism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (philosophy) the belief that all behaviour, opinions, etc. should be based on reason rather than on emotions or religious beliefs


Words: rationalist
Meaning:
noun\na person who believes in rationalism\n    rationalist (also rationalistic ) adjective [usually before noun]:\na rationalistic approach / position


Words: rationalize
Meaning:
(BrE also rationalise)  verb\n  1  to find or try to find a logical reason to explain why sb thinks, behaves, etc. in a way that is difficult to understand:\n[VN] an attempt to rationalize his violent behaviour [also V]\n  2  (BrE) to make changes to a business, system, etc. in order to make it more efficient, especially by spending less money:\n[VN] Twenty workers lost their jobs when the department was rationalized. [also V] \n    rationalization, rationalisation  noun [U, C]:\nNo amount of rationalization could justify his actions. * a need for rationalization of the industry


Words: rationing
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the policy of limiting the amount of food, fuel, etc. that people are allowed to have when there is not enough for everyone to have as much as they want:\nThe government may have to introduce water rationing. * wartime rationing (= introduced during a war) * credit rationing (= limiting the amount of money that people are allowed to borrow)


Words: rattan
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a SE Asian climbing plant with long thin strong stems used especially for making furniture:\na rattan chair


Words: rattle
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (informal)\n  1  to make a series of short loud sounds when hitting against sth hard; to make sth do this:\n[V] Every time a bus went past, the windows rattled. * He shook me so hard that my teeth rattled. [also VN]\n  2  [V +adv./prep.] (of a vehicle) to make a series of short loud sounds as it moves somewhere:\nA convoy of trucks rattled by.\n  3  [VN] to make sb nervous or frightened\nSYN UNNERVE:\nHe was clearly rattled by the question.\nsee also SABRE-RATTLING\n IDIOMS \n  rattle sb’s cage (spoken) to annoy sb:\nWho’s rattled his cage?\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  rattle around | rattle around sth (informal) to be living, working, etc. in a room or building that is too big:\nShe spent the last few years alone, rattling around the old family home.\n  rattle sth<->off to say sth aloud from memory without having to think too hard:\nShe can rattle off the names of all the presidents of the US.\n  rattle on (about sth) (informal) to talk continuously about sth that is not important or interesting, especially in an annoying way\n    noun\n  1  (also rattling) [usually sing.] a series of short loud sounds made when hard objects hit against each other:\nthe rattle of gunfire * From the kitchen came a rattling of cups and saucers.\nsee also DEATH RATTLE\n  2  a baby’s toy that makes a series of short loud sounds when it is shaken\n  3  (BrE) a wooden object that is held in one hand and makes a series of short loud sounds when you spin it round, used, for example, by people watching a football match


Words: rattlesnake
Meaning:
noun\na poisonous American snake that makes a noise like a rattle with its tail when it is angry or afraid


Words: ratty
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (BrE, informal) becoming angry very easily\nSYN GRUMPY, IRRITABLE:\nHe gets ratty if he doesn’t get enough sleep.\n  2  (AmE, informal) in bad condition\nSYN SHABBY:\nlong ratty hair * a ratty old pair of jeans\n  3  looking like a rat:\na ratty-looking man


Words: raucous
Meaning:
adjective\nsounding loud and harsh:\nraucous laughter / shouting * a raucous voice * a group of raucous young men * They grew more and more raucous as the evening went on.\n    raucously adverb\n    raucousness noun [U]


Words: raunchy
Meaning:
adjective (informal)\n  1  intended to be sexually exciting\nSYN SEXY:\na raunchy magazine / movie * Their stage act is a little too raunchy for television.\n  2  (AmE) looking dirty and untidy:\na raunchy old man


Words: ravage
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] to badly damage sth:\na country ravaged by civil war * a recession that has ravaged the textile industry


Words: ravages
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] the ~ of sth (written) the destruction caused by sth:\nthe ravages of inflation / poverty / war * Her looks had not survived the ravages of time.


Words: rave
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  ~ (about sb/sth) to talk or write about sth in a very enthusiastic way:\n[V] The critics raved about his performance in ’Hamlet’. [also V speech]\n  2  ~ (at sb) to shout in a loud and emotional way at sb because you are angry with them:\n[V] She was shouting and raving at them. [also V speech]\n  3  ~ (at sb) to talk or shout in a way that is not logical or sensible:\n[V] He wandered the streets raving at passers-by. [also V speech]\n IDIOMS  see RANT\n    noun (BrE)\n  1  (in Britain) a large party, held outside or in an empty building, at which people dance to fast electronic music and often take illegal drugs:\nan all-night rave\n  2  (AmE) = RAVE REVIEW:\nThe series has received raves from TV critics.


Words: rave review
Meaning:
(AmE also rave) noun\nan article in a newspaper or magazine that is very enthusiastic about a particular film/movie, book, etc:\nHer performance won rave reviews from the critics.


Words: raven
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun a large bird of the CROW family, with shiny black feathers and a harsh cry\n    adjective [only before noun] (literary) (of hair) shiny and black:\nraven-haired


Words: ravening
Meaning:
adjective\n(literary) (especially of animals) fierce and hungry:\nHe says the media are ravening wolves.


Words: ravenous
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a person or an animal) extremely hungry\nSYN STARVING:\nWhat’s for lunch? I’m absolutely ravenous.\n  2  [only before noun] (of hunger) very great:\na ravenous appetite\n    ravenously adverb:\nThe boy ate gratefully and ravenously. * Even after the meal, she was still ravenously hungry.


Words: raver
Meaning:
noun (BrE, informal)\n  1  (often humorous) a person who likes going out and who has an exciting social life:\nShe sounds like a right little raver.\n  2  a person who goes to RAVES:\nAround ten thousand ravers were expected to attend the open-air party.


Words: raving
Meaning:
adjective, adverb \n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  (of a person) talking or behaving in a way that shows they are crazy:\nThe man’s a raving lunatic.\n  2  used to emphasize a particular state or quality:\nShe’s no raving beauty. * His latest novel is already a raving success.\n    adverb\n IDIOMS \n  (stark) raving mad / bonkers (informal) completely crazy


Words: ravings
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] words that have no meaning, spoken by sb who is crazy:\nHe dismissed her words as the ravings of a hysterical woman.


Words: ravioli
Meaning:
noun\n[U] PASTA in the shape of small squares filled with meat, cheese, etc., usually served with a sauce


Words: ravish
Meaning:
verb [VN] (literary)\n  1  (of a man) to force a woman to have sex\nSYN RAPE\n  2  [usually passive] to give sb great pleasure


Words: ravishing
Meaning:
adjective\nextremely beautiful\nSYN GORGEOUS:\na ravishing blonde / dress / smile * She looked absolutely ravishing in a pale blue suit.\n    ravishingly adverb:\nravishingly beautiful


Words: raw
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  food\n  1  not cooked:\nraw meat * These fish are often eaten raw.\n  materials\n  2  [usually before noun] in its natural state; not yet changed, used or made into sth else:\nthe supply of raw materials to factories * raw cotton / sugar / wool * (figurative) Her childhood provided the raw material for her first novel.\n  information\n  3  [usually before noun] not yet organized into a form in which it can be easily used or understood:\nThis information is only raw data and will need further analysis.\n  emotions / qualities\n  4  [usually before noun] powerful and natural; not controlled or trained:\nsongs full of raw emotion * He started with nothing but raw talent and determination.\n  part of body\n  5  red and painful because the skin has been damaged:\nThere were raw patches on her feet where the shoes had rubbed.\n  person\n  6  [usually before noun] new to a job or an activity and therefore without experience or skill:\na raw beginner * raw recruits (= for example, in the army)\n  weather\n  7  very cold:\na raw north wind * It had been a wet raw winter.\n  description\n  8  honest, direct and sometimes shocking:\na raw portrayal of working-class life * (AmE) raw language (= containing many sexual details)\n    rawness noun [U] \n IDIOMS \n  a raw deal the fact of sb being treated unfairly:\nOlder workers often get a raw deal.\n    noun\n IDIOMS \n  catch / touch sb on the raw (BrE) to upset sb by reminding them of sth they are particularly sensitive about\n  in the raw in a way that does not hide the unpleasant aspects of sth:\nHe spent a couple of months on the streets to experience life in the raw.\nmore at NERVE n.


Words: ray
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a narrow beam of light, heat or other energy:\nthe sun’s rays * ultraviolet rays * The windows were shining in the reflected rays of the setting sun.\nsee also COSMIC RAYS, GAMMA RAYS, X-RAY\n \n  2  ~ of sth a small amount of sth good or of sth that you are hoping for:\nThere was just one small ray of hope.\n \n  3  a sea fish with a large broad flat body and a long tail, that is used for food\n \n  4  (also re) (music) the second note of a MAJOR scale\n IDIOMS \n  a ray of sunshine (informal) a person or thing that makes life brighter or more cheerful


Words: raze
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] to completely destroy a building, town, etc. so that nothing is left:\nThe village was razed to the ground. * The woodland was razed by fire.


Words: razor
Meaning:
noun\nan instrument that is used for shaving:\nan electric razor * a cut-throat / safety / disposable razor\ncompare SHAVER\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  be on the razor’s edge | be on a razor edge to be in a difficult situation where any mistake may be very dangerous:\nSocial workers operate on the razor’s edge.


Words: razor blade
Meaning:
noun\na thin sharp piece of metal that is used in a razor, especially one that can be thrown away when it is no longer sharp


Words: razor wire
Meaning:
noun\n[U] strong wire with sharp blades sticking out, placed on top of walls and around areas of land to keep people out


Words: razor-sharp
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  extremely sharp:\nrazor-sharp teeth * a razor-sharp blade / edge / knife\n  2  showing that sb is extremely intelligent:\na razor-sharp mind


Words: razor-thin
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (AmE) (of a victory in an election, etc.) won by a very small number of votes:\nThe Republican Senator won a third term by a razor-thin edge over his Democratic challenger.


Words: razz
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (old-fashioned, AmE, informal) to TEASE sb by saying or doing things to make people laugh at them


Words: razzle
Meaning:
noun\n IDIOMS \n  be / go (out) on the razzle (BrE, informal) to go out drinking, dancing and enjoying yourself


Words: razzmatazz
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (informal) a lot of noisy exciting activity that is intended to attract people’s attention:\nThe documentary focuses on all the razzmatazz of an American political campaign.


Words: RE
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the abbreviation for ’religious education’ (taught as a subject in schools):\nan RE teacher\n\n \n= RAY\n\npreposition\n(written) used at the beginning of a business letter, etc. to introduce the subject that it is about:\nRe your letter of 1 September ... * Re: travel expenses


Words: re-
Meaning:
prefix\n(in verbs and related nouns, adjectives and adverbs) again:\nreapply * reincarnation * reassuring


Words: re-echo
Meaning:
verb\nto be repeated many times; to repeat sth many times:\n[V] Their shouts re-echoed through the darkness. * Her words re-echoed in his mind. * The square echoed and re-echoed to the boom of a 21-gun salute. * [VN] He has constantly re-echoed the main theme of his acceptance speech: ’We want to be proud again!’.


Words: re-elect
Meaning:
verb\n~ sb (to sth) | ~ sb (as) sth to elect sb again:\n[VN] She was re-elected to parliament. * [VN-N] The committee voted to re-elect him (as) chairman.\n    re-election noun [U] (BrE):\nto stand for re-election * (AmE) to run for re-election


Words: re-enact
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to repeat the actions of a past event:\nMembers of the English Civil War Society will re-enact the battle.\n    re-enactment noun


Words: re-entry
Meaning:
noun [U] ~ (into sth)\n  1  the act of returning to a place or an area of activity that you used to be in:\nShe feared she would not be granted re-entry into Britain. * a re-entry programme for nurses (= for nurses returning to work after a long time doing sth else)\n  2  the return of a spacecraft into the earth’s atmosphere:\nThe capsule gets very hot on re-entry.


Words: re-examine
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to examine or think about sth again, especially because you may need to change your opinion\nSYN REASSESS:\nAll the evidence needs to be re-examined.\n    re-examination noun [U, sing.]:\nWe have called for a complete re-examination of the case.


Words: re-form
Meaning:
verb\nto form again or form sth again, especially into a different group or pattern:\n[V] The band is re-forming after 23 years. * [VN] The party has recently been re-formed.


Words: re-route
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to change the route that a road, vehicle, etc. normally follows:\nto re-route a road / telephone call * to re-route traffic * The flight was re-routed through Singapore. * (figurative) A large proportion of the defence budget has been re-routed to education.


Words: reach
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  arrive\n \n  1  [VN] to arrive at the place that you have been travelling to:\nThey didn’t reach the border until after dark. * The beach can only be reached by boat. * I hope this letter reaches you.\n \n  2  [VN] to come to sb’s attention:\nThe rumours eventually reached the President.\n \n  level / speed / stage\n \n  3  [VN] to increase to a particular level, speed, etc. over a period of time:\nThe conflict has now reached a new level of intensity. * Daytime temperatures can reach 40ｰC.\n  4  [VN] to arrive at a particular point or stage of sth after a period of time:\nHe first reached the finals in 1998. * His parents have not yet reached retirement age. * The negotiations have reached deadlock.\n  achieve aim\n  5  [VN] to achieve a particular aim\nSYN ARRIVE AT:\nto reach a conclusion / decision / verdict / compromise * Politicians again failed to reach an agreement.\nsee also FAR-REACHING\n  with hand / arm\n  6  [+adv./prep.] to stretch your hand towards sth in order to touch it, pick it up, etc:\n[V] She reached inside her bag for a pen. * He reached across the table to squeeze her hand. * [VN] He reached out his hand to touch her.\n  7  to be able to stretch your hand far enough in order to touch sth, pick sth up, etc:\n[V] ’Grab the end of the rope.’ ’I can’t reach that far!’ * [VN] Can you reach the light switch from where you’re sitting?\n  8  ~ sth (down) for sb | ~ sb (down) sth to stretch your hand out or up in order to get sth for sb: [VN, VNN] Can you reach that box down for me? * Can you reach me down that box?\n  be long enough\n  9  to be big enough, long enough, etc. to arrive at a particular point: [V, +adv./prep.] The carpet only reached halfway across the room. * [VN] Is the cable long enough to reach the socket?\n  contact sb\n  10  [VN] to communicate with sb, especially by telephone:\nDo you know where I can reach him?\n  be seen / heard by sb\n  11  [VN] to be seen or heard by sb:\nThrough television and radio we are able to reach a wider audience.\n IDIOMS \n  reach for the stars to try to be successful at sth that is difficult\nmore at EAR\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  reach out to sb to show sb that you are interested in them and/or want to help them:\nThe church needs to find new ways of reaching out to young people.\n    noun\n  of arms\n  1  [sing., U] the distance over which you can stretch your arms to touch sth; the distance over which a particular object can be used to touch sth else:\nAs a boxer, his long reach gives him a significant advantage. * The shot was well beyond the reach of the goalkeeper. * Cleaning fluids should be kept out of the reach of children. * He lashed out angrily, hitting anyone within his reach. * Use shears with a long reach for cutting high hedges.\n  of power / influence\n  2  [sing., U] the limit to which sb/sth has the power or influence to do sth:\nSuch matters are beyond the reach of the law. * Victory is now out of her reach. * The basic model is priced well within the reach of most people. * The company has now overtaken IBM in terms of size and reach.\n  of river\n  3  [C, usually pl.] a straight section of water between two bends on a river:\nthe upper / lower reaches of the Nile (= the part that is furthest from / nearest to the sea)\n  place far from centre\n  4  (reaches) [pl.] the outer, further, etc. ~ of sth the parts of an area or a place that are a long way from the centre:\nthe outer reaches of space * the eastern reaches of the continent * (figurative) an exploration of the deepest reaches of the human mind\n  sections of organization\n  5  (reaches) [pl.] the higher, lower, etc. ~ of sth the higher, etc. sections of an organization, a system, etc:\nThere are still few women in the upper reaches of the civil service. * Many clubs in the lower reaches of the league are in financial difficulty.\n IDIOMS \n  within (easy) reach (of sth) close to sth:\nThe house is within easy reach of schools and sports facilities. * Verona and Padua are both within easy reach for day trips.


Words: reachable
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] that is possible to reach:\nThe farm is only reachable by car. * The capital is reachable in less than an hour by plane.


Words: react
Meaning:
verb [V] \n  1  ~ (to sth) (by doing sth) to change or behave in a particular way as a result of or in response to sth:\nLocal residents have reacted angrily to the news. * I nudged her but she didn’t react. * You never know how he is going to react. * The market reacted by falling a further two points.\n  2  to become ill/sick after eating, breathing, etc. a particular substance:\nPeople can react badly to certain food additives.\n  3  ~ (with sth) | ~ (together) (chemistry) (of substances) to experience a chemical or physical change when coming into contact with another substance:\nIron reacts with water and air to produce rust. * When an acid and an alkali react together the result is a salt and water.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  react against sb/sth to show dislike or opposition in response to sth, especially by deliberately doing the opposite of what sb wants you to do:\nHe reacted strongly against the artistic conventions of his time.


Words: reaction
Meaning:
noun\n  to event / situation\n  1  [C, U] ~ (to sb/sth) what you do, say or think as a result of sth that has happened:\nWhat was his reaction to the news? * My immediate reaction was one of shock. * A spokesman said the changes were not in reaction to the company’s recent losses. * There has been a mixed reaction to her appointment as director. * The decision provoked an angry reaction from local residents. * I tried shaking him but there was no reaction.\n  change in attitudes\n  2  [C, usually sing, U] ~ (against sth) a change in people’s attitudes or behaviour caused by disapproval of the attitudes, etc. of the past:\nThe return to traditional family values is a reaction against the permissiveness of recent decades.\n  to drugs\n  3  [C, U] a response by the body, usually a bad one, to a drug, chemical substance, etc:\nto suffer / have an allergic reaction to a drug\n  to danger\n  4  (reactions) [pl.] the ability to move quickly in response to sth, especially if in danger:\na skilled driver with quick reactions\n  against progress\n  5  [U] opposition to social or political progress or change:\nThe forces of reaction made change difficult.\n  science\n  6  [C, U] (technical) a chemical change produced by two or more substances acting on each other:\na chemical / nuclear reaction\nsee also CHAIN REACTION\n  7  [U, C] a force shown by sth in response to another force, which is of equal strength and acts in the opposite direction:\nAction and reaction are equal and opposite.


Words: reactionary
Meaning:
noun\n(plural reactionaries) (disapproving) a person who is opposed to political or social change\n    reactionary adjective:\na reactionary attitude / government * reactionary forces / politics


Words: reactive
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (formal) showing a reaction or response:\nThe police presented a reactive rather than preventive strategy against crime.\ncompare PROACTIVE\n  2  (chemistry) tending to show chemical change when mixed with another substance:\nhighly reactive substances


Words: reactor
Meaning:
(also nuclear reactor) noun\na large structure used for the controlled production of nuclear energy:\nplans to build a new reactor at the nuclear power plant


Words: read
Meaning:
verb  \n    verb\n )\n \n  words / symbols\n \n  1  (not used in the progressive tenses) to look at and understand the meaning of written or printed words or symbols:\n[V] She’s still learning to read. * Some children can read and write before they go to school. * [VN] I can’t read your writing. * Can you read music? * I’m trying to read the map.\n \n  2  ~ (sth) (to sb / yourself) to go through written or printed words, etc. in silence or aloud to others:\n[V] I’m going to go to bed and read. * He liked reading to his grandchildren. * [VN] to read a book / a magazine / the newspaper * Have you read any Steinbeck (= novels by him)? * He read the poem aloud. * [VN, VNN] Go on-read it to us. * She read us a story.\nsee also PROOFREAD\n \n  discover by reading\n  3  ~ (about / of sth) (not used in the progressive tenses) to discover or find out about sb/sth by reading:\n[V] I read about the accident in the local paper. * [V that] I read that he had resigned. * [VN] Don’t believe everything you read in the papers.\n  sb’s mind / thoughts\n  4  [VN] ~ sb’s mind / thoughts to guess what sb else is thinking\n  sb’s lips\n  5  [VN] ~ sb’s lips to look at the movements of sb’s lips to learn what they are saying\nsee also LIP-READ\n  understand\n  6  [VN] ~ sth (as sth) to understand sth in a particular way\nSYN INTERPRET:\nHow do you read the present situation? * Silence must not always be read as consent.\n  of a piece of writing\n  7  [V speech] to have sth written on it; to be written in a particular way:\nThe sign read ’No admittance’. * I’ve changed the last paragraph. It now reads as follows ...\n  8  [V] to give a particular impression when read:\nGenerally, the article reads very well. * The poem reads like (= sounds as if it is) a translation.\n  measuring instrument\n  9  [VN] (of measuring instruments) to show a particular weight, pressure, etc:\nWhat does the thermometer read?\n  10  [VN] to get information from a measuring instrument:\nA man came to read the gas meter.\n  hear\n  11  [VN] to hear and understand sb speaking on a radio set:\n’Do you read me?’ ’I’m reading you loud and clear.’\n  replace word\n  12  [VN] ~ A for B | ~ B as A to replace one word, etc. with another when correcting a text:\nFor ’madam’ in line 3 read ’madman’.\n  subject at university\n  13  ~ (for) sth (BrE, rather old-fashioned) to study a subject, especially at a university:\n[VN] I read English at Oxford. * [V] She’s reading for a law degree.\n  computing\n  14  [VN] ~ sth (into sth) (of a computer or the person using it) to take information from a disk:\nMy computer can’t read the disk you sent. * to read a file into a computer\n IDIOMS \n  read between the lines to look for or discover a meaning in sth that is not openly stated:\nReading between the lines, I think Clare needs money.\n  read sb like a book to understand easily what sb is thinking or feeling\n  read my lips (spoken) used to tell sb to listen carefully to what you are saying:\nRead my lips: no new taxes (= I promise there will be no new taxes).\n  read (sb) the Riot Act (BrE) to tell sb forcefully that they must not do sth\n ORIGIN  From an Act of Parliament passed in 1715 to prevent riots. It made it illegal for a group of twelve or more people to refuse to split up if they were ordered to do so and part of the Act was read to them.\n  take it / sth as read (BrE) to accept sth without discussing it:\nCan we take it as read that you want the job?\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  read sth<->back to read a message, etc. aloud in order to check that it is correct\n  read sth into sth to think that sth means more than it really does:\nDon’t read too much into what she says.\n  read on to continue reading:\nThat’s the story so far. Now read on ...\n  read sth<->out to read sth aloud, especially to other people\n  read sth<->over / through to read sth carefully from beginning to end to look for mistakes or check details\n  read sth<->up | read up on sb/sth to read a lot about a subject:\nI’ll need to read up on the case before the meeting.\n    noun  [sing.] (informal)\n  1  (especially BrE) an act or period of reading sth:\nI was having a quiet read when the phone rang. * Can I have a read of your newspaper when you’ve finished?\n  2  a good, interesting, etc. ~ a book, article, etc. that is good, etc:\nHis thrillers are always a gripping read.\n    adjective  (used after an adverb) (of a person) having knowledge that has been gained from reading books, etc:\nShe’s very widely read in law.\nsee also WELL READ


Words: readable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a book, article, etc.) that is easy, interesting and enjoyable to read:\na highly readable account of life in prison * More examples would have made the explanation more readable.\n  2  (of written or printed words) clear and easy to read\nSYN LEGIBLE:\nThe lettering on the front of the building is no longer readable.\nsee also MACHINE-READABLE\n    readability  noun [U]


Words: reader
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who reads, especially one who reads a lot or in a particular way:\nan avid reader of science fiction * a fast / slow reader * The reader is left to draw his or her own conclusions.\n  2  a person who reads a particular newspaper, magazine, etc:\nreaders’ letters * Are you a ’Times’ reader?\n  3  an easy book that is intended to help people learn to read their own or a foreign language:\na series of graded English readers\n  4  (usually Reader) a senior teacher at a British university just below the rank of a PROFESSOR:\nShe is Reader in Music at Edinburgh.\n  5  (computing) an electronic device that reads data stored in one form and changes it into another form so that a computer can perform operations on it\n  6  (technical) a machine that produces on a screen a large image of a text stored on a MICROFICHE or MICROFILM\nsee also MIND-READER, NEWSREADER


Words: readership
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [usually sing.] the number or type of people who read a particular newspaper, magazine, etc:\na readership of around 10 000 * In its new format, the magazine hopes to attract a much wider readership. * a business / female readership * As an author she has a small but loyal readership.\n  2  (usually Readership) ~ (in sth) (BrE) the position of a Reader at a university:\nShe currently holds a Readership in Geography at the University of Hull.


Words: readily
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  quickly and without difficulty:\nAll ingredients are readily available from your local store.\n  2  in a way that shows you do not object to sth:\nMost people readily accept the need for laws.


Words: readiness
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] ~ (for sth) the state of being ready or prepared for sth:\nEveryone has doubts about their readiness for parenthood.\n  2  [U, sing.] ~ (of sb) (to do sth) the state of being willing to do sth:\nOver half the people interviewed expressed their readiness to die for their country.


Words: reading
Meaning:
noun\n  activity\n  1  [U] the activity of sb who reads:\nMy hobbies include reading and painting. * He needs more help with his reading. * Are you any good at map reading? * reading glasses (= worn when reading) * a reading lamp / light (= one that can be moved to shine light onto sth that you are reading) * She has a reading knowledge of German (= she can understand written German).\n  2  [sing.] an act of reading sth:\nA closer (= more detailed) reading of the text reveals just how desperate he was feeling. * We are all expected to attend the reading of her will.\n  books / articles\n  3  [U] books, articles, etc. that are intended to be read:\nreading matter / material * a series of reading books for children * a reading list (= a list of books, etc. that students are expected to read for a particular subject) * further reading (= at the end of a book, a list of other books that give more information about the same subject) * The report makes for interesting reading (= it is interesting to read) * The article is not exactly light reading (= it is not easy to read).\n  way of understanding\n  4  [C] ~ (of sth) the particular way in which you understand a book, situation, etc.\nSYN INTERPRETATION:\na literal reading of the text * My own reading of events is less optimistic.\n  measurement\n  5  [C] the amount or number shown on an instrument used for measuring sth:\nMeter readings are taken every three months.\n  event\n  6  [C] an event at which sth is read to an audience for entertainment; a piece of literature that is read at such an event:\na poetry reading * The evening ended with a reading from her latest novel.\n  from bible\n  7  [C] a short section from the Bible that is read aloud as part of a religious service:\nThe reading today is from the Book of Daniel.\n  in parliament\n  8  [C] one of the stages during which a BILL (= a proposal for a new law) must be discussed and accepted by a parliament before it can become law:\nThe bill looks like it will be given a second reading.


Words: reading age
Meaning:
noun\na person’s ability to read, measured by comparing it with the average ability of children of a particular age:\na 30-year-old man with a reading age of eight


Words: readjust
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [V] ~ (to sth) to get used to a changed or new situation:\nChildren are highly adaptable-they just need time to readjust. * Once again he had to readjust to living alone.\n  2  [VN] to change or move sth slightly:\nShe got out of the car and readjusted her dress.\n    readjustment noun [C, U]:\nHe has made a number of readjustments to his technique. * a painful period of readjustment


Words: readmit
Meaning:
verb (-tt-) [VN] [often passive] ~ sb (to sth)\n  1  to allow sb to join a group, an organization or an institution again\n  2  to take sb into a hospital again after they had been allowed to leave:\nHe was readmitted only a week after being discharged.\n    readmission  noun [U, C] ~ (to sth)


Words: ready
Meaning:
adjective, verb, adverb, noun \n    adjective (readier, readiest)\n  prepared / available\n  1  [not before noun] ~ (for sth) | ~ (to do sth) fully prepared for what you are going to do:\nAre you nearly ready? * I’m just getting the kids ready for school. * Right, we’re ready to go. * ’Shall we go?’ ’I’m ready when you are!’ * Volunteers were ready and waiting to pack the food in boxes. * I was twenty years old and ready for anything. * I’m not sure if Karen is ready for marriage yet.\n  2  [not before noun] ~ (for sth) | ~ (to do sth) completed and available to be used:\nCome on, dinner’s ready! * The new building should be ready by 2002. * Can you help me get everything ready for the party? * The contract will be ready to sign in two weeks.\n  3  available to be used easily and immediately:\nAll the relevant records are easily available ready to hand. * (BrE) a ready meal (= one that you buy already prepared and that you only have to heat up) * a ready supply of wood * a ready source of income\nsee also READILY, READINESS, ROUGH-AND-READY\n  willing\n  4  [not before noun] ~ (for / with sth) | ~ (to do sth) willing and quick to do or give sth:\nI was very angry and ready for a fight. * She’s always ready with advice. * He’s always ready to help his friends. * Don’t be so ready to believe the worst about people.\n  likely to do sth\n  5  ~ to do sth likely to do sth very soon:\nShe looked ready to collapse at any minute.\n  needing sth\n  6  ~ for sth needing sth as soon as possible:\nRight, I’m ready for bed. * After the long walk, we were all ready for a drink.\n  quick / clever\n  7  [only before noun] quick and clever:\nShe has great charm and a ready wit.\n  available\n IDIOMS \n  make ready (for sth) (formal) to prepare:\nto make ready for the President’s visit\n  ready, steady, go! (BrE) (also (get) ready, (get) set, go AmE, BrE) what you say to tell people to start a race\n  ready to roll (informal) ready to start:\nThe show is just about ready to roll.\n    verb (readies, readying, readied, readied) ~ sb / yourself / sth (for sth) (formal) to prepare sb/yourself/sth for sth: [VN] Western companies were readying themselves for the challenge from Eastern markets. [also V to inf, VN to inf] \n    adverb (used before a past participle, especially in compounds) already done:\nready-cooked meals * The concrete was ready mixed. * ready-pasted wallpaper\n    noun (the ready) [sing.] (also readies [pl.]) (BrE, informal) money that you can use immediately\n IDIOMS \n  at the ready available to be used immediately:\nWe all had our cameras at the ready. * Have your questions at the ready.


Words: ready money
Meaning:
(also ready cash) noun\n[U] (informal) money in the form of coins and notes that you can spend immediately:\nHe’s short of ready money.


Words: ready-made
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  prepared in advance so that you can eat or use it immediately:\nready-made pastry / pizzas\n  2  (old-fashioned) (especially of clothes) made in standard sizes, not to the measurements of a particular customer:\na ready-made suit\n  3  already provided for you so you do not need to produce or think about it yourself:\nWhen he married her he also took on a ready-made family.


Words: ready-to-wear
Meaning:
adjective\n(of clothes) made in standard sizes, not to the measurements of a particular customer:\nthis winter’s ready-to-wear collections from top designers


Words: reaffirm
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (written) to state sth again in order to emphasize that it is still true:\nThe President reaffirmed his commitment to democratic elections.\n    reaffirmation  noun [C, U]


Words: reagent
Meaning:
noun\n(chemistry) a substance used to cause a chemical reaction, especially in order to find out if another substance is present


Words: real
Meaning:
adjective, adverb \n    adjective\n  not imagined\n  1  actually existing or happening and not imagined or pretended:\nIt wasn’t a ghost; it was a real person. * pictures of animals, both real and mythological * In the movies guns kill people instantly, but it’s not like that in real life. * Politicians seem to be out of touch with the real world.\n  problem / danger\n  2  a real problem, danger, etc. is one that actually exists, is serious, and should not be ignored:\nThe growth of violent crime is a very real problem. * There’s no real possibility of them changing their minds. * We have a real chance of success.\n  true\n  3  [only before noun] actual or true, rather than what appears to be true:\nTell me the real reason. * Bono’s real name is Paul Hewson. * See the real Africa on one of our walking safaris. * I do my best to hide my real feelings from others.\n  genuine\n  4  [only before noun] having all the important qualities that it should have to deserve to be called what it is called:\nShe never had any real friends at school. * his first real kiss\n  5  genuine and not false or artificial:\nAre those real flowers? * real gold / silk / leather\n  feelings / qualities\n  6  strong and sincere:\nI had no real interest in politics. * He was making a real effort to be nice to her. * She has not shown any real regret for what she did.\n  for emphasis\n  7  [only before noun] used to emphasize a state or quality:\nHe looks a real idiot. * This accident could have produced a real tragedy. * Her next play was a real contrast. * This is a real privilege.\n  money / incomes\n  8  [only before noun] when the effect of such things as price rises on the power of money to buy things is included in the sums:\nReal wage costs have risen by 10% in the past year. * This represents a reduction of 5% in real terms.\n IDIOMS \n  for real genuine or serious:\nThis is not a fire drill-it’s for real. * (AmE) He managed to convince voters that he was for real. * I don’t think her tears were for real.\n  get real (informal) used to tell sb that they are behaving in a stupid or unreasonable way\n  the real thing (informal) the genuine thing:\nAre you sure it’s the real thing (= love), not just infatuation?\nmore at MCCOY, POWER n.\n    adverb (AmE, ScotE, informal) very:\nThat tastes real good. * He’s a real nice guy. * I’m real sorry.\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \n (low priority)real / true\nThere is a difference between real and true in their main meanings. Something that is real actually exists or happens and is not imagined: Was it real or was it a dream? Something is true if it agrees with the known facts and is not invented: Is the news true? * a movie based on a true story.\nIn some other meanings, both words can be used. For example, you can use either real or true to talk about what is actually the case when this is different from what appears to be the case: Tell me the real reason why he resigned. * He seems quiet but reveals his true character on the football field. You can also use either word to talk about an example of something that has all the important qualities it should have: She was his first real girlfriend. * This job will be a true test of the new system.\n______________________________


Words: real estate
Meaning:
noun [U] (especially AmE)\n  1  (also realty) property in the form of land or buildings:\nMy father sold real estate.\n  2  the business of selling houses or land for building:\nto work in real estate


Words: real time
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (computing) the fact that there is only a very short time between a computer system receiving information and dealing with it:\nTo make the training realistic the simulation operates in real time. * real-time missile guidance systems


Words: real-life
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] actually happening or existing in life, not in books, stories or films/movies:\na novel based on real-life events * a real-life Romeo and Juliet\nOPP FICTIONAL


Words: realign
Meaning:
verb [VN] (written)\n  1  to change the position or direction of sth slightly:\nThe road was realigned to improve visibility. * The physiotherapist massaged the shoulder to realign the joint.\n  2  to make changes to sth in order to adapt it to a new situation:\nThe company has been forced to realign its operations in the area.\n  3  ~ yourself (with sb/sth) to change your opinions, policies, etc. so that they are the same as those of another person, group, etc:\nThe rebel MPs have realigned themselves with the opposition party.\n    realignment noun [U, C] ~ (of sth):\nthe realignment of personal goals * political realignments


Words: realism
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  a way of seeing, accepting and dealing with situations as they really are without being influenced by your emotions or false hopes:\nThere was a new mood of realism among the leaders at the peace talks.\n  2  (of novels, paintings, films / movies, etc.) the quality of being very like real life:\nthe gritty realism of the new drama serial\n  3  (also Realism) a style in art or literature that shows things and people as they are in real life\ncompare ROMANTICISM, IDEALISM


Words: realist
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who accepts and deals with a situation as it really is and does not try to pretend that it is different:\nI’m a realist-I know you can’t change people overnight.\n  2  a writer, painter, etc. whose work represents things as they are in real life


Words: realistic
Meaning:
adjective ~ (to do sth)\n  1  accepting in a sensible way what it is actually possible to do or achieve in a particular situation:\na realistic assessment / view * We have to be realistic about our chances of winning. * It is not realistic to expect people to spend so much money.\n  2  sensible and appropriate; possible to achieve:\nWe must set realistic goals. * a realistic target / deadline * to pay a realistic price / salary\n  3  representing things as they are in real life:\na realistic drawing * We try to make these training courses as realistic as possible. * realistic graphics\nOPP UNREALISTIC


Words: realistically
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  used to say what you think can actually be achieved in a particular situation:\nRealistically, there is little prospect of a ceasefire.\n  2  in a way that shows sb accepts in a sensible way what it is actually possible to do or achieve:\nHow many can you realistically hope to sell? * Kate spoke realistically about the task ahead.\n  3  in a way that represents things as they are in real life:\na fireplace with realistically glowing coals


Words: reality
Meaning:
noun (plural realities)\n  1  [U] the true situation and the problems that actually exist in life, in contrast to how you would like life to be:\nShe refuses to face reality. * You’re out of touch with reality. * The reality is that there is not enough money to pay for this project. * They seemed to have the perfect marriage but the reality was very different.\n  2  [C] a thing that is actually experienced or seen, in contrast to what people might imagine:\nthe harsh realities of life * This decision reflects the realities of the political situation. * The paperless office is still far from being a reality. * Will time travel ever become a reality?\n IDIOMS \n  in reality used to say that a situation is different from what has just been said or from what people believe:\nOutwardly she seemed confident but in reality she felt extremely nervous. * In reality, human beings and dinosaurs never lived on earth at the same time.\nsee also VIRTUAL REALITY


Words: realizable
Meaning:
(BrE also realisable)  adjective\n  1  possible to achieve or make happen:\nrealizable objectives / goals\n  2  that can be sold and turned into money:\nrealizable assets


Words: realization
Meaning:
(BrE also realisation)  noun\n  1  [U, sing.] ~ (that ...) | ~ (of sth) the process of becoming aware of sth:\nthe sudden realization of what she had done * There is a growing realization that changes must be made. * As realization dawned, he went pale.\n  2  [U] ~ (of sth) the process of achieving a particular aim, etc:\nIt was the realization of his greatest ambition. * the realization of political goals\n  3  [U] ~ of your assets (formal) the act of selling sth that you own, such as property, in order to get the money that you need for sth\n  4  [U, C] ~ (of sth) (formal) the act of producing a sound, play, design, etc.; or the thing that is produced


Words: realize
Meaning:
(BrE also realise)  verb\n  be / become aware\n  1  (not used in the progressive tenses) to understand or become aware of a particular fact or situation:\n[V (that)] I didn’t realize (that) you were so unhappy. * The moment I saw her, I realized something was wrong. * [V wh-] I don’t think you realize how important this is to her. * [V] The situation was more complicated than they had at first realized. * They managed to leave without any of us realizing. * [VN] I hope you realize the seriousness of this crime. * Only later did she realize her mistake. * [VN that] There was a cheer when it was realized that everyone was safely back.\n  achieve sth\n  2  [VN] to achieve sth important that you very much want to do:\nShe never realized her ambition of becoming a professional singer. * We try to help all students realize their full potential (= be as successful as they are able to be).\n  happen\n  3  [VN] [usually passive] if sb’s fears are realized, the things that they are afraid will happen, do happen:\nHis worst fears were realized when he saw that the door had been forced open.\n  sell\n  4  [VN] ~ your assets (formal) to sell things that you own, for example property, in order to get the money that you need for sth\n  5  [VN] (formal) (of goods, etc.) to be sold for a particular amount of money:\nThe paintings realized $2 million at auction.\n  make sth real\n  6  [VN] (formal) to produce sth that can be seen or heard, based on written information or instructions:\nThe stage designs have been beautifully realized.


Words: reallocate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sth (to sb/sth) to change the way money or materials are shared between different people, groups, projects, etc.\nSYN REDISTRIBUTE:\nGovernment funds were reallocated to the new local authorities.\n    reallocation  noun [U]


Words: really
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  used to say what is actually the fact or the truth about sth:\nWhat do you really think about it? * Tell me what really happened. * They are not really my aunt and uncle. * I can’t believe I am really going to meet the princess.\n  2  (usually spoken) used to emphasize sth you are saying or an opinion you are giving:\nI want to help, I really do. * Now I really must go. * I really don’t mind. * He really likes you. * I really and truly am in love this time.\n  3  used to emphasize an adjective or adverb:\na really hot fire * I’m really sorry. * She was driving really fast.\n  4  (usually spoken) used, often in negative sentences, to reduce the force of sth you are saying:\nI don’t really agree with that. * It doesn’t really matter. * ’Did you enjoy the book?’ ’Not really’ (= ’no’ or ’not very much’). * We’ve done well, really.\n HELP NOTE  The position of really can change the meaning of the sentence. I don’t really know means that you are not sure about something; I really don’t know emphasizes that you do not know. (Look at sense 2.)\n  5  (usually spoken) used in questions and negative sentences when you want sb to say ’no’:\nDo you really expect me to believe that? * I don’t really need to go, do I?\n  6  (spoken) used to express interest in or surprise at what sb is saying:\n’We’re going to Japan next month.’ ’Oh, really?’ * ’She’s resigned.’ ’Really? Are you sure?’\n  7  (spoken) used to show that you disapprove of sth sb has done:\nReally, you could have told us before.


Words: realm
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an area of activity, interest, or knowledge:\nin the realm of literature / science * At the end of the speech he seemed to be moving into the realms of fantasy.\n  2  (formal) a country ruled by a king or queen:\nthe defence of the realm\n IDIOMS \n  beyond / within the realms of possibility not possible/possible:\nA successful outcome is not beyond the realms of possibility.


Words: realpolitik
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (from German) a system of politics that is based on the actual situation and needs of a country or political party rather than on moral principles


Words: ream
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (reams) [pl.] (informal) a large quantity of writing:\nShe wrote reams in the exam.\n  2  [C] (technical) 500 sheets of paper


Words: reap
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] to obtain sth, especially sth good, as a direct result of sth that you have done:\nThey are now reaping the rewards of all their hard work.\n  2  [V, VN] to cut and collect a crop, especially corn, from a field\n IDIOMS \n  reap a / the harvest (BrE) to benefit or suffer as a direct result of sth that you have done\n  you reap what you sow (saying) you have to deal with the bad effects or results of sth that you originally started


Words: reappear
Meaning:
verb\n[V] to appear again after not being heard of or seen for a period of time:\nShe went upstairs and did not reappear until morning. * The moon reappeared from behind a cloud.\n    reappearance  noun [U, sing.]


Words: reapply
Meaning:
verb (reapplies, reapplying, reapplied, reapplied)\n  1  [VN] to put another layer of a substance on a surface:\nSunblock should be reapplied every hour.\n  2  [V] ~ (for sth) to make another formal request for sth:\nPrevious applicants for the post need not reapply.\n  3  [VN] to use sth again, especially in a different situation:\nStudents are taught a number of skills that can be reapplied throughout their studies.


Words: reappoint
Meaning:
verb\n~ sb (as) sth | ~ sb (to sth) to give sb the job that they used to have in the past: [VN, VN-N] After the trial he was reappointed (as) treasurer.\n    reappointment noun [U]


Words: reappraisal
Meaning:
noun\n[C, usually sing, U] the act of examining sth again to see if it needs to be changed:\na reappraisal of the country’s defence needs


Words: reappraise
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to think again about the value or nature of sth to see if your opinion about it should be changed\nSYN REASSESS:\nThe system needs to be continually reappraised.


Words: rear
Meaning:
noun, adjective, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  (usually the rear) [sing.] the back part of sth:\nA trailer was attached to the rear of the truck. * There are toilets at both front and rear of the plane. * A high gate blocks the only entrance to the rear. -> BACK\n \n  2  (also rear end) [C, usually sing.] (informal) the part of the body that you sit on\nSYN BOTTOM:\na kick in the rear * He spends all day sitting on his rear end in front of a computer.\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  bring up the rear to be at the back of a line of people, or last in a race:\nDavid was the first to reach the summit, followed by Pat, leaving Fergus to bring up the rear.\n    adjective [only before noun] at or near the back of sth:\nfront and rear windows * the rear entrance of the building\n    verb\n  1  [VN] [often passive] ~ sb/sth (on sth) to care for young children or animals until they are fully grown\nSYN BRING SB UP, RAISE:\nShe reared a family of five on her own. * Lions usually manage to rear about half the number of cubs born to them.\n  2  [VN] to breed or keep animals or birds, for example on a farm:\nto rear poultry / cattle\n  3  [V] ~ (up) (of an animal, especially a horse) to raise itself on its back legs, with the front legs in the air:\nThe horse reared, throwing its rider.\n  4  [V] (of sth large) to seem to lean over you, especially in a threatening way:\nThe great bulk of the building reared up against the night sky.\n IDIOMS \n  sth rears its (ugly) head if sth unpleasant rears its head or rears its ugly head, it appears or happens\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  rear sb/sth on sth [usually passive] to give a person or an animal a particular type of food, entertainment, etc. while they are young:\nI was the son of sailors and reared on stories of the sea.


Words: rear-end
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (informal, especially AmE) (of a vehicle or driver) to drive into the back of another vehicle:\nThere was a loud crash as someone rear-ended me.


Words: rearguard
Meaning:
noun\n(usually the rearguard) [sing.+sing./pl. v.] a group of soldiers that protect the back part of an army especially when the army is RETREATING after it has been defeated\nOPP VANGUARD


Words: rearguard action
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] a struggle to change or stop sth even when it is not likely that you will succeed:\nThey have been fighting a rearguard action for two years to stop their house being demolished.


Words: rearing
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the process of caring for children as they grow up, teaching them how to behave as members of society\n  2  the process of breeding animals or birds and caring for them as they grow:\nlivestock rearing


Words: rearm
Meaning:
verb\nto obtain, or supply sb with, new or better weapons, armies, etc:\n[V] The country was forbidden to rearm under the terms of the treaty. * [VN] Rebel troops were being rearmed.\n    rearmament  noun [U]


Words: rearrange
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to change the position or order of things; to change your position:\nWe’ve rearranged the furniture in the bedroom. * She rearranged herself in another pose.\n  2  to change the time, date or place of an event\nSYN RESCHEDULE:\nCan we rearrange the meeting for next Tuesday at 2?\n    rearrangement noun [C, U]


Words: reason
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] ~ (why ...) | ~ (that ...) | ~ (for sth / for doing sth) a cause or an explanation for sth that has happened or that sb has done:\nI’d like to know the reason why you’re so late. * We aren’t going for the simple reason that we can’t afford it. * She gave no reasons for her decision. * I have no particular reason for doubting him. * He said no but he didn’t give a reason. * For some reason (= one that I don’t know or don’t understand) we all have to come in early tomorrow. * She resigned for personal reasons. * For reasons of security the door is always kept locked. * He wants to keep them all in his office for reasons best known to himself. * people who, for whatever reason, are unable to support themselves * ’Why did she do that?’ ’She must have her reasons (= secret reasons which she does not want to tell). * (formal) He was excused by reason of (= because of) his age. -> CAUSE\n  2  [U] ~ (to do sth) | ~ (why ...) | ~ (for sth / for doing sth) a fact that makes it right or fair to do sth:\nThey have reason to believe that he is lying. * We have every reason (= have very good reasons) to feel optimistic. * This result gives us all the more reason for optimism. * She complained, with reason (= rightly), that she had been underpaid. * You have no reason to accuse him of laziness.\n  3  [U] the power of the mind to think in a logical way, to understand and have opinions, etc:\nOnly human beings are capable of reason (= of thinking in a logical way, etc.). * to lose your reason (= become mentally ill) * the conflict between faith and reason\n  4  [U] what is possible, practical or right:\nI can’t get her to listen to reason. * Why can’t they see reason? * to be open to reason (= to be willing to accept sensible advice) * He’s looking for a job and he’s willing to do anything within reason.\n IDIOMS \n  it stands to reason (informal) it must be clear to any sensible person who thinks about it:\nIt stands to reason that they’ll go if you don’t pay them enough.\nmore at RHYME n.\n    verb\n  1  to form a judgement about a situation by considering the facts and using your power to think in a logical way:\n[V that] She reasoned that she must have left her bag on the train. * [V] They couldn’t fire him, he reasoned. He was the only one who knew how the system worked. [also V speech]\n  2  [V] to use your power to think and understand:\nthe human ability to reason\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  reason sth out to try and find the answer to a problem by using your power to think in a logical way:\nReason it out for yourself!\n  reason with sb to talk to sb in order to persuade them to be more sensible:\nI tried to reason with him, but he wouldn’t listen.\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nreason / explanation / excuse / pretext / grounds\nA reason is the cause of something or something that explains why a particular thing has happened: His reason for resigning was that he was under stress. * She didn’t give a reason for her decision. * Police cannot name the man for legal reasons.\nIf you describe something as an explanation rather than a reason, you may simply be repeating what someone has said: His explanation for resigning was that he was under stress (= that is what he said and it may or may not be true).\nAn excuse may be true or invented and is a reason that you give to explain or defend your behaviour. If you call something an excuse you may not believe that it is true or you may think that it is not a good enough reason: What’s your excuse for being late this time?\nA pretext is a false reason that someone gives for doing something in order to hide the real reason: He got into the house on the pretext of checking the gas (= but he really wanted to steal something).\nThe grounds for something are the reasons for doing, saying or believing it, especially in a formal or legal situation: I left my job on medical grounds. * She had good grounds for divorce.\n______________________________


Words: reasonable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (to do sth) fair, practical and sensible:\nIt is reasonable to assume that he knew beforehand that this would happen. * Be reasonable! We can’t work late every night. * Any reasonable person would have done exactly as you did. * The prosecution has to prove beyond reasonable doubt that he is guilty of murder. * We have reasonable grounds for believing that you are responsible. * You must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the information that you provide is correct. * It seems a perfectly reasonable request to make.\nOPP UNREASONABLE\n  2  acceptable and appropriate in a particular situation:\nHe made us a reasonable offer for the car. * You must submit your claim within a reasonable time.\n  3  (of prices) not too expensive\nSYN FAIR:\nWe sell good quality food at reasonable prices.\n  4  [usually before noun] fairly good, but not very good\nSYN AVERAGE:\na reasonable standard of living * The hotel was reasonable, I suppose (= but not excellent). * There’s a reasonable chance that he’ll come.\n    reasonableness noun [U]


Words: reasonably
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  to a degree that is fairly good but not very good:\nThe instructions are reasonably straightforward. * She seems reasonably happy in her new job.\n  2  in a logical and sensible way:\nWe tried to discuss the matter calmly and reasonably.\n  3  in a fair way:\nHe couldn’t reasonably be expected to pay back the loan all at once. * The apartments are reasonably priced (= not too expensive).


Words: reasoned
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (of an argument, opinion, etc.) presented in a logical way that shows careful thought:\nHis claims were supported with proofs and reasoned argument. * She argued her point in a reasoned and intelligent manner.


Words: reasoning
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the process of thinking about things in a logical way; opinions and ideas that are based on logical thinking:\nWhat is the reasoning behind this decision? * This line of reasoning is faulty.


Words: reassemble
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] to fit the parts of sth together again after it has been taken apart:\nWe had to take the table apart and reassemble it upstairs.\n  2  [V] to meet together again as a group after a break:\nThe class reassembled after lunch.


Words: reassert
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] to make other people recognize again your right or authority to do sth, after a period when this has been in doubt:\nShe found it necessary to reassert her position.\n  2  [VN] ~ itself to start to have an effect again, after a period of not having any effect:\nHe thought about giving up his job, but then common sense reasserted itself.\n  3  to state again, clearly and firmly, that sth is true:\n[V that] He reasserted that all parties should be involved in the talks. * [VN] Traditional values have been reasserted.\n    reassertion noun [sing., U]


Words: reassess
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to think again about sth to decide if you need to change your opinion of it\nSYN REAPPRAISE:\nAfter reassessing the situation, she decided to do nothing.\n    reassessment noun [U, C]:\nStudents were allowed to hand in corrected work again for reassessment. * She decided that a complete reassessment of her career was due.


Words: reassign
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [often passive] ~ sb (to sth) to give sb a duty, position, or responsibility again:\nAfter his election defeat he was reassigned to the diplomatic service.


Words: reassurance
Meaning:
noun ~ (that ...)\n  1  [U] the fact of giving advice or help that takes away a person’s fears or doubts:\nto give / provide / offer reassurance * Teenagers need love, encouragement and reassurance from their parents. * She is very insecure and constantly seeks reassurance that he loves her.\n  2  [C] something that is said or done to take away a person’s fears or doubts:\nWe have been given reassurances that the water is safe to drink.


Words: reassure
Meaning:
verb\n[V] ~ sb (about sth) to say or do sth that makes sb less frightened or worried:\n[VN] They tried to reassure her, but she still felt anxious. * [VN that] The doctor reassured him that there was nothing seriously wrong.


Words: reassuring
Meaning:
adjective\nmaking you feel less worried or uncertain about sth:\na reassuring smile * It’s reassuring (to know) that we’ve got the money if necessary.\n    reassuringly adverb:\nShe smiled reassuringly. * ’We’ll take good care of you,’ he said reassuringly.


Words: reawaken
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (written) to make you feel a particular emotion again or to make you remember sth again\nSYN REKINDLE:\nThe place reawakened childhood memories.


Words: rebate
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an amount of money that is paid back to you because you have paid too much:\na tax rebate\n  2  an amount of money that is taken away from the cost of sth, before you pay for it:\nBuyers are offered a cash rebate.


Words: rebel
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun \n  1  a person who fights against the government of their country:\nrebel forces * Armed rebels advanced towards the capital. * Some parts of the country fell into rebel hands.\n  2  a person who opposes sb in authority over them within an organization, a political party, etc:\nA number of Tory rebels are planning to vote against the government.\n  3  a person who does not like to obey rules or who does not accept normal standards of behaviour, dress, etc:\nI’ve always been the rebel of the family. * He was a rebel in his teens but he’s a respectable citizen these days.\n    verb sth) to fight against or refuse to obey an authority, for example a government, a system, your parents, etc:\nHe later rebelled against his strict religious upbringing. * Most teenagers find something to rebel against.


Words: rebellion sth
Meaning:
1  [U, C] an attempt by some of the people in a country to change their government, using violence:\nThe north of the country rose in rebellion against the government. * The army put down the rebellion.\n  2  [U, C] opposition to authority within an organization, a political party, etc:\n(a) back-bench rebellion * Some members are in rebellion against proposed cuts in spending.\n  3  [U] opposition to authority; being unwilling to obey rules or accept normal standards of behaviour, dress, etc:\nTeenage rebellion often starts in the home.


Words: rebellious
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  unwilling to obey rules or accept normal standards of behaviour, dress, etc:\nrebellious teenagers * He has always had a rebellious streak.\n  2  opposed to the government of a country; opposed to those in authority within an organization:\nrebellious cities / factions * Rebellious back-benchers are threatening to vote against the government.\n    rebelliously adverb:\n’I don’t care!’ she said rebelliously.\n    rebelliousness noun [U]


Words: rebirth
Meaning:
noun [U, sing.]\n  1  a period of new life, growth or activity:\nthe seasonal cycle of death and rebirth * The company underwent a rebirth five years ago and is now a market leader. * the rebirth of a ferry link between Liverpool and Ireland\n  2  a spiritual change when a person’s faith becomes stronger or they CONVERT to another religion


Words: reboot
Meaning:
verb\n[VN, V] (computing) if you reboot a computer or it reboots, you switch it off and then start it again immediately


Words: reborn
Meaning:
verb, adjective \n    verb [VN] (be reborn) (used only in the passive without by)\n  1  to become active or popular again:\nWith the coming of television, old legends such as those of Robin Hood and King Arthur were reborn.\n  2  to be born again:\nIf you were reborn as an animal, which animal would you be?\n    adjective\n  1  having become active again:\na reborn version of social democracy\n  2  having experienced a complete spiritual change:\nreborn evangelical Christians\nsee also BORN-AGAIN


Words: rebound
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb  [V] \n  1  ~ (from / off sth) to bounce back after hitting sth:\nThe ball rebounded from the goalpost and Owen headed it in.\n  2  ~ (on sb) (formal) if sth that you do rebounds on you, it has an unpleasant effect on you, especially when the effect was intended for sb else\nSYN BACKFIRE\n  3  (business) (of prices, etc.) to rise again after they have fallen:\nShare prices rebounded after Friday’s losses.\n    noun \n  1  (sport) a ball that hits sth and bounces back:\nGiggs headed the rebound into the net.\n  2  (in basketball) the act of catching the ball after a player has thrown it at the BASKET and has not scored a point\n  3  (especially business) a positive reaction that happens after sth negative:\nThere are signs of an economic rebound.\n IDIOMS \n  on the rebound while you are sad and confused, especially after a relationship has ended:\nPaul left her and three months later she married Angus on the rebound. * They first met when he was on the rebound from a broken relationship.


Words: rebuff
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) an unkind refusal of a friendly offer, request or suggestion:\nHer offer of help was met with a sharp rebuff.\n    rebuff verb:\n[VN] They rebuffed her request for help.


Words: rebuild
Meaning:
[VN] \n  1  to build or put sth together again:\nAfter the earthquake, the people set about rebuilding their homes. * He rebuilt the engine using parts from cars that had been scrapped.\n  2  to make sth/sb complete and strong again:\nWhen she lost her job, she had to rebuild her life completely. * attempts to rebuild the shattered post-war economy * After the divorce, it took me a long time to rebuild my confidence.


Words: rebuilding
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] the process of building sth again:\nthe rebuilding of London’s churches after the Great Fire of 1666


Words: rebuke
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [often passive] ~ sb (for sth / for doing sth) (formal) to speak severely to sb because they have done sth wrong\nSYN REPRIMAND:\nThe company was publicly rebuked for having neglected safety procedures. * She rebuked herself for her stupidity.\n    rebuke noun [C, U]:\nHe was silenced by her stinging rebuke. * She answered with no hint of rebuke.


Words: rebut
Meaning:
verb\n(-tt-) [VN] (formal) to say or prove that a statement or criticism is false\nSYN REFUTE:\nan attempt to publicly rebut rumours of a divorce\n    rebuttal  noun [C, U]:\nThe accusations met with a firm rebuttal.


Words: recalcitrant
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) unwilling to obey rules or follow instructions; difficult to control:\na recalcitrant child / attitude\n    recalcitrance  noun [U]


Words: recall
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb \n  1  (formal) (not used in the progressive tenses) to remember sth:\n[VN] She could not recall his name. * [V] If I recall correctly, he lives in Luton. * [V -ing] I can’t recall meeting her before. * [V that] He recalled that she always came home late on Wednesdays. * [V wh-] Can you recall exactly what happened? [also VN -ing, V speech]\n  2  (not used in the progressive tenses) to make sb think of sth:\nThe poem recalls Eliot’s ’The Waste Land’.\n  3  [VN] to order sb to return:\nBoth countries recalled their ambassadors. * He was recalled to military duty. * They have both been recalled to the Welsh squad (= selected as members of the team after a time when they were not selected).\n  4  [VN] to ask for sth to be returned, often because there is sth wrong with it:\nThe company has recalled all the faulty hairdryers.\n    noun \n  1  [U] the ability to remember sth that you have learned or sth that has happened in the past:\nShe has amazing powers of recall. * to have instant recall (= to be able to remember sth immediately) * to have total recall (= to be able to remember all the details of sth)\n  2  [sing.] an official order or request for sb/sth to return, or for sth to be given back:\nThomas’s recall to the Welsh team * Hundreds of machines are still in use in spite of a recall by the manufacturers.\n IDIOMS \n  beyond recall impossible to bring back to the original state; impossible to remember:\nThe paintings were damaged beyond recall.


Words: recant
Meaning:
verb\n[VN, V] (formal) to say, often publicly, that you no longer have the same belief or opinion that you had before\n    recantation  noun [C, U]:\nHe made a public recantation of all his former beliefs.


Words: recap
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (-pp-) ~ (on sth) | ~ sth = RECAPITULATE:\n[V] Let me just recap on what we’ve decided so far. [also VN, V wh-] \n    noun = RECAPITULATION


Words: recapitulate
Meaning:
verb\n(formal) (also recap) ~ (on sth) | ~ sth to repeat or give a summary of what has already been said, decided, etc:\n[V] To recapitulate briefly, the three main points are these ... [also VN, V wh-]\n    recapitulation  noun [C, U] (formal) (also recap)


Words: recapture
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to win back a place, position, etc. that was previously taken from you by an enemy or a competitor:\nGovernment troops soon recaptured the island.\n  2  to catch a person or an animal that has escaped\n  3  to bring back a feeling or repeat an experience that you had in the past:\nHe was trying to recapture the happiness of his youth.\n    recapture noun [U]:\nthe recapture of towns occupied by the rebels


Words: recast
Meaning:
verb (recast, recast) [VN] \n  1  ~ sth (as / in sth) to change sth by organizing or presenting it in a different way:\nShe recast her lecture as a radio talk.\n  2  ~ sb (as sth) to change the actors or the role of a particular actor in a play, etc.


Words: recede
Meaning:
verb [V] \n \n  1  (written) to move gradually away from sb or away from a previous position:\nThe sound of the truck receded into the distance. * She watched his receding figure.\n \n  2  (written) (especially of a problem, feeling or quality) to become gradually weaker or smaller:\nThe prospect of bankruptcy has now receded (= it is less likely). * The pain was receding slightly.\n \n  3  (of hair) to stop growing at the front of the head:\na middle-aged man with receding hair / a receding hairline\n \n  4  a ~ chin a chin that slopes backwards towards the neck


Words: receipt
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (AmE also sales slip) [C] ~ (for sth) a piece of paper that shows that goods or services have been paid for:\nCan I have a receipt, please? * to make out (= write) a receipt\n \n  2  (formal) ~ (of sth) [U] the act of receiving sth:\nto acknowledge receipt of a letter * The goods will be dispatched on receipt of an order form. * Are you in receipt of any state benefits?\n \n  3  (receipts) [pl.] (business) money that a business, bank or government receives:\nnet / gross receipts


Words: receivable
Meaning:
adjective\n(business) (usually following a noun) (of bills, accounts, etc.) for which money has not yet been received:\naccounts receivable


Words: receive
Meaning:
verb\n  get / accept\n  1  [VN] ~ sth (from sb/sth) (rather formal) to get or accept sth that is sent or given to you:\nto receive a letter / present / phone call * to receive information / payment / thanks * He received an award for bravery from the police service.\n  treatment / injury\n  2  [VN] ~ sth (from sb) to experience or be given a particular type of treatment or an injury:\nWe received a warm welcome from our hosts. * Emergency cases will receive professional attention immediately. * to receive severe injuries\n  react to sth\n  3  [VN] [usually passive] ~ sth (with sth) to react to sth new, in a particular way:\nThe play was well received by the critics. * The proposals have been favourably received by most political commentators. * The statistics were received with concern.\n  guests\n  4  [VN] [often passive] ~ sb (with sth) | ~ sb (as sth) (formal) to welcome or entertain a guest, especially formally:\nHe was received as an honoured guest at the White House.\n  as member of sth\n  5  [VN] ~ sb (into sth) to officially recognize and accept sb as a member of a group:\nThree young people were received into the Church at Easter.\n  tv / radio\n  6  [VN] to change broadcast signals into sounds or pictures on a television, radio, etc:\nto receive programmes via satellite\n  7  [VN] to be able to hear a radio message that is being sent by sb:\nI’m receiving you loud and clear.\n  stolen goods\n  8  [VN, V] (especially BrE) to buy or accept goods that you know have been stolen\n  in sport\n  9  (in tennis, etc.) to be the player that the SERVER hits the ball to:\n[V] Hingis won the toss and chose to receive. [also VN]\n IDIOMS \n  be at / on the receiving end (of sth) (informal) to be the person that an action, etc. is directed at, especially an unpleasant one:\nShe found herself on the receiving end of a great deal of criticism.


Words: received
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (formal) accepted by most people as being correct:\nThe received wisdom is that they cannot win. * They challenged received ideas about education.


Words: receiver
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  the part of a telephone that you hold close to your mouth and ear:\nto pick up / lift / put down / replace the receiver\ncompare HANDSET\n \n  2  a piece of radio or television equipment that changes broadcast signals into sound or pictures:\na satellite receiver\ncompare TRANSMITTER\n \n  3  (also official receiver) (law) a person who is chosen by a court of law to be in charge of a company that is BANKRUPT:\nto call in the receivers * The company has been put in the hands of the receiver. * A receiver was appointed by the court to handle the company’s affairs.\n  4  a person who receives sth:\nMolly’s more of a giver than a receiver.\n  5  a person who buys or accepts stolen goods, knowing that they have been stolen\n  6  (in American football) a player who plays in a position in which the ball can be caught when it is being passed forward


Words: receivership
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (law) the state of a business being controlled by an official receiver because it has no money:\nFive hundred jobs were lost when the company went into receivership last year. * Her company has been in receivership for six months now.


Words: recent
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] that happened or began only a short time ago:\na recent development / discovery / event * his most recent visit to Poland * There have been many changes in recent years.


Words: recently
Meaning:
adverb\nnot long ago:\nWe received a letter from him recently. * Until recently they were living in York. * I haven’t seen them recently (= it is some time since I saw them). * Have you used it recently (= in the recent past)?


Words: receptacle
Meaning:
noun\n  1  ~ (for sth) (formal) a container for putting sth in:\nIn the backyard there was a large receptacle for catching rainwater. * (figurative) The seas have been used as a receptacle for a range of industrial toxins.\n  2  (AmE) = SOCKET (1)


Words: reception
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U] (especially BrE) the area inside the entrance of a hotel, an office building, etc. where guests or visitors go first when they arrive:\nthe reception area * We arranged to meet in reception at 6.30. * You can leave a message with reception. * (AmE, BrE) the reception desk\n \n  2  [C] a formal social occasion to welcome sb or celebrate sth:\na wedding reception * A champagne reception was held at the Swallow Hotel. * They hosted a reception for 75 guests.\n \n  3  [sing.] the type of welcome that is given to sb/sth:\nHer latest album has met with a mixed reception from fans. * Delegates gave him a warm reception as he called for more spending on education.\n \n  4  [U] the quality of radio and television signals that are broadcast:\ngood / bad reception\n  5  [U] the act of receiving or welcoming sb:\nthe reception of refugees from the war zone * (BrE) a reception class (= the first class at school for children aged 4 or 5) * (BrE) a reception centre for refugees (= a place where people can receive temporary help and accommodation)


Words: reception room
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) (used especially when advertising houses for sale) a room in a house where people can sit, for example a living room or DINING ROOM


Words: receptionist
Meaning:
noun\na person whose job is to deal with people arriving at or telephoning a hotel, an office building, a doctor’s SURGERY, etc.


Words: receptive
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to sth) willing to listen to or to accept new ideas or suggestions:\nShe was always receptive to new ideas. * He gave an impressive speech to a receptive audience.\n    receptiveness, receptivity  noun [U]:\nreceptivity to change


Words: receptor
Meaning:
noun\n(biology) a nerve ending in the body that reacts to changes such as heat or cold and makes the body react in a particular way


Words: recess
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun \n  1  [C, U] a period of time during the year when the members of a parliament, committee, etc. do not meet:\nParliament went into its long summer recess. * The court is in recess until October.\n  2  [C] a short break in a trial in a court of law:\nThe judge called a short recess.\n  3  [U] (AmE) = BREAK -> BREAK\n  4  [C] a part of a wall that is set further back than the rest of the wall, forming a space \nSYN ALCOVE:\na recess for books\n  5  [C, usually pl.] the part of a place that is furthest from the light and hard to see or get to:\nHe stared into the dark recesses of the room. * (figurative) The doubt was still there, in the deep recesses of her mind.\n    verb  [often passive]\n  1  (AmE) to take or to order a recess:\n[VN] The hearing was recessed for the weekend. [also V]\n  2  [VN] ~ sth (in / into sth) to put sth in a position that is set back into a wall, etc:\nThe lights should be recessed into the ceiling. * recessed shelves


Words: recession
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] a difficult time for the economy of a country, when there is less trade and industrial activity than usual and more people are unemployed:\nthe impact of the current recession on manufacturing * The economy is in deep recession. * active policies to pull the country out of recession * These industries have been hard hit by recession.\n  2  [U] (formal) the movement backwards of sth from a previous position:\nthe gradual recession of the flood water


Words: recessionary
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] connected with a recession or likely to cause one:\nrecessionary conditions


Words: recessive
Meaning:
adjective\n(biology) a recessive physical characteristic only appears in a child if it has two GENES for this characteristic, one from each parent. It does not appear if a DOMINANT characteristic is also present.


Words: recharge
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to fill a battery with electrical power; to be filled with electrical power:\n[VN] He plugged his razor in to recharge it. * [V] The drill takes about three hours to recharge.\n  2  [V] (informal) to get back your strength and energy by resting for a time:\nWe needed the break in order to recharge.\n    rechargeable adjective:\nrechargeable batteries\n IDIOMS \n  recharge your batteries to get back your strength and energy by resting for a while


Words: recherche
Meaning:
adjective\n(from French, formal, usually disapproving) unusual and not easy to understand, chosen in order to impress people


Words: recidivist
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) a person who continues to commit crimes, and seems unable to stop, even after being punished\n    recidivism  noun [U]


Words: recipe
Meaning:
noun\n  1  ~ (for sth) a set of instructions that tells you how to cook sth and the items of food you need for it:\na recipe for chicken soup * vegetarian recipes * a recipe book\n  2  ~ for sth a method or an idea that seems likely to have a particular result:\nHis plans are a recipe for disaster. * What’s her recipe for success?


Words: reciprocal
Meaning:
adjective\ninvolving two people or groups who agree to help each other or behave in the same way to each other:\nThe two colleges have a reciprocal arrangement whereby students from one college can attend classes at the other. * a reciprocal relationship between citizens and the state * Anita had a reciprocal arrangement with her brother-each would take care of the other’s children if the need arose.\n    reciprocally  adverb


Words: reciprocate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ (sth) (with sth) to behave or feel towards sb in the same way as they behave or feel towards you:\n[VN] Her passion for him was not reciprocated. * They wanted to reciprocate the kindness that had been shown to them. * He smiled but his smile was not reciprocated. * [V] I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or to reciprocate with a remark of my own.\n  2  [V] (technical) to move backwards and forwards in a straight line:\na reciprocating action / movement\n    reciprocation  noun [U]


Words: reciprocity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) a situation in which two people, countries, etc. provide the same help or advantages to each other


Words: recital
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a public performance of music or poetry, usually given by one person or a small group:\nto give a piano recital\n  2  a spoken description of a series of events, etc. that is often long and boring:\nThey both launched into a recital of their misfortunes.


Words: recitation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] an act of saying aloud a piece of poetry or literature that you have learned:\nWe were entertained with songs and recitations. * At that time children were encouraged to learn poems for recitation.\n  2  [C] an act of talking or writing about a series of things:\nShe continued her recitation of the week’s events.


Words: recitative
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (music) a passage in an opera or ORATORIO that is sung in the rhythm of ordinary speech with many words on the same note


Words: recite
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ (sth) (to sb) to say aloud a poem, piece of literature, etc. that you have learned, especially to an audience:\n[VN] Each child had to recite a poem to the class. [also V, V wh-, V speech]\n  2  ~ sth (to sb) to say aloud a list or series of things:\n[VN] They recited all their grievances to me. * She could recite a list of all the kings and queens. [also V wh-, V speech]


Words: reckless
Meaning:
adjective\nshowing a lack of care about danger and the possible results of your actions:\nHe showed a reckless disregard for his own safety. * She was a good rider, but reckless. * He had always been reckless with money. * (BrE) to cause death by reckless driving\n    recklessly adverb:\nHe admitted driving recklessly. * She had fallen hopelessly and recklessly in love.\n    recklessness noun [U]


Words: reckon
Meaning:
verb\n  1  (informal) to think sth or have an opinion about sth:\n[V (that)] I reckon (that) I’m going to get that job. * (spoken) He’ll be famous one day. What do you reckon (= do you agree)? * [V] It’s worth a lot of money, I reckon. * (spoken) ’They’ll never find out.’ ’You reckon?’ (= I think you may be wrong about that)\n  2  (be reckoned) (not used in the progressive tenses) to be generally considered to be sth:\n[VN to inf] Children are reckoned to be more sophisticated nowadays. * [VN-N] It was generally reckoned a success. [also VN-ADJ]\n  3  [V to inf] (informal) to expect to do sth:\nWe reckon to finish by ten. * He wasn’t reckoning to pay so much.\n  4  ~ sth (at sth) to calculate an amount, a number, etc:\n[VN] I could see him reckoning the cost as I spoke. * The age of the earth is reckoned at about 4 600 million years. * [V (that)] They reckon (that) their profits are down by at least 20%. * [VN to inf] The journey was reckoned to take about two hours.\n HELP NOTE  This pattern is usually used in the passive. [also VN that]\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  reckon on sth to expect sth to happen or to rely on sth happening:\nThey hadn’t reckoned on a rebellion. * [+ -ing] We’d reckoned on having good weather.\n  reckon sth<->up (especially BrE) to calculate the total amount or number of sth:\nHe reckoned up the cost of everything in his mind.\n  reckon with sb/sth\n1 [usually passive] to consider or treat sb/sth as a serious opponent, problem, etc:\nThey were already a political force to be reckoned with.\n2 (usually used in negative sentences) to consider sth as a possible problem that you should be prepared for:\n[+ -ing] I didn’t reckon with getting caught up in so much traffic.\n  reckon without sb/sth (especially BrE) to not consider sb/sth as a possible problem that you should be prepared for:\nThey had reckoned without the determination of the opposition.


Words: reckoning
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] the act of calculating sth, especially in a way that is not very exact:\nBy my reckoning you still owe me ｣5.\n  2  [C, usually sing, U] a time when sb’s actions will be judged to be right or wrong and they may be punished:\nIn the final reckoning truth is rewarded. * Officials concerned with environmental policy predict that a day of reckoning will come.\n IDIOMS \n  in / into / out of the reckoning (especially BrE) (especially in sport) among/not among those who are likely to win or be successful:\nPhelan is fit again and could come into the reckoning.


Words: reclaim
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sth (from sb/sth) to get sth back or to ask to have it back after it has been lost, taken away, etc:\nYou’ll have to go to the police station to reclaim your wallet. * The team reclaimed the title from their rivals.\nsee also BAGGAGE RECLAIM\n  2  ~ sth (from sth) to make land that is naturally too wet or too dry suitable to be built on, farmed, etc:\nThe site for the airport will be reclaimed from the swamp. * reclaimed marshland\n  3  [usually passive] if a piece of land is reclaimed by desert, forest, etc., it turns back into desert, etc. after being used for farming or building\n  4  ~ sth (from sth) to obtain materials from waste products so that they can be used again:\n80% of aluminium could be reclaimed.\nsee also RECYCLE\n  5  ~ sb (from sth) to rescue sb from a bad or criminal way of life\n    reclamation  noun [U]:\nland reclamation


Words: recline
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [V] ~ (against / in / on sth) (formal) to sit or lie in a relaxed way, with your body leaning backwards:\nShe was reclining on a sofa. * a reclining figure (for example in a painting)\n  2  when a seat reclines or when you recline a seat, the back of it moves into a comfortable sloping position:\n[V] a reclining chair / seat [also VN]


Words: recliner
Meaning:
(also recliner chair) noun\n(especially AmE) a soft comfortable chair with a back that can be pushed back at an angle so that you can lean back in it


Words: recluse
Meaning:
noun\na person who lives alone and likes to avoid other people:\nto lead the life of a recluse\n    reclusive  adjective:\na reclusive millionaire / lifestyle


Words: recognition
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the act of remembering who sb is when you see them, or of identifying what sth is:\nHe glanced briefly towards her but there was no sign of recognition. * the automatic recognition of handwriting and printed text by computer\n  2  [sing., U] ~ (that ...) the act of accepting that sth exists, is true or is official:\na growing recognition that older people have potential too * There is a general recognition of the urgent need for reform. * to seek international / official / formal recognition as a sovereign state * The government granted full diplomatic recognition to the republics.\n  3  [U] ~ (for sth) public praise and reward for sb’s work or actions:\nShe gained only minimal recognition for her work. * He received the award in recognition of his success over the past year.\n IDIOMS \n  to change, alter, etc. beyond / out of (all) recognition to change so much that you can hardly recognize it:\nThe town has changed beyond recognition since I was last here. * Capitalism has been reformed almost out of all recognition.


Words: recognizable
Meaning:
(BrE also recognisable)  adjective\n~ (as sth/sb) easy to know or identify:\nThe building was easily recognizable as a prison. * After so many years she was still instantly recognizable.\nOPP UNRECOGNIZABLE\n    recognizably, recognisably  adverb


Words: recognizance
Meaning:
(BrE also recognisance)  noun\n[U] (law) a promise by sb who is accused of a crime to appear in a court of law on a particular date; a sum of money paid as a GUARANTEE of this promise


Words: recognize
Meaning:
(BrE also recognise)  verb (not used in the progressive tenses)\n  1  [VN] ~ sb/sth (by / from sth) to know who sb is or what sth is when you see or hear them, because you have seen or heard them or it before:\nI recognized him as soon as he came in the room. * Do you recognize this tune? * I recognized her by her red hair.\n  2  ~ sth (as sth) to admit or to be aware that sth exists or is true:\n[VN] They recognized the need to take the problem seriously. * Drugs were not recognized as a problem then. * [V wh-] Nobody recognized how urgent the situation was. * [V that] We recognized that the task was not straightforward. * [VN that] It was recognized that this solution could only be temporary. [also VN to inf]\n  3  ~ sb/sth (as sth) to accept and approve of sb/sth officially:\n[VN] recognized schools / qualifications * The UK has refused to recognize the new regime. * [VN to inf] He is recognized to be their natural leader.\n HELP NOTE  This pattern is usually used in the passive.\n  4  [VN] (be recognized (as sth)) to be thought of as very good or important by people in general:\nThe book is now recognized as a classic. * She’s a recognized authority on the subject.\n  5  [VN] to give sb official thanks for sth that they have done or achieved:\nHis services to the state were recognized with the award of a knighthood.


Words: recoil
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb  [V] \n  1  ~ (from sb/sth) | ~ (at sth) (written) to move your body quickly away from sb/sth because you find them or it frightening or unpleasant:\nShe recoiled from his touch. * He recoiled in horror at the sight of the corpse.\n  2  ~ (from sth / from doing sth) | ~ (at sth) (written) to react to an idea or a situation with strong dislike or fear:\nShe recoiled from the idea of betraying her own brother.\n  3  (of a gun) to move suddenly backwards when you fire it\n    noun  [U, sing.] a sudden movement backwards, especially of a gun when it is fired:\nThe recoil was so violent it almost tore the weapon from his grasp.


Words: recollect
Meaning:
verb\n(not used in the progressive tenses) (rather formal) to remember sth, especially by making an effort to remember it:\n[VN] She could no longer recollect the details of the letter. * [V wh-] I don’t recollect what he said. * [VN -ing] I recollect him / his saying that it was dangerous. * [V] As far as I can recollect, she wasn’t there on that occasion. [also V speech, V that, V -ing]


Words: recollection
Meaning:
noun (formal)\n  1  [U] ~ (of sth / of doing sth) the ability to remember sth; the act of remembering sth\nSYN MEMORY:\nI have no recollection of meeting her before. * My recollection of events differs from his. * To the best of my recollection (= if I remember correctly) I was not present at that meeting.\n  2  [C] a thing that you remember from the past\nSYN MEMORY:\nto have a clear / vivid / dim / vague recollection of sth * his early recollections of his father


Words: recommence
Meaning:
verb\n(formal) to begin again; to start doing sth again:\n[V] Work on the bridge will recommence next month. * [VN] The two countries agreed to recommence talks the following week. [also V -ing]


Words: recommend
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] ~ sb/sth (to sb) (for / as sth) to tell sb that sth is good or useful, or that sb would be suitable for a particular job, etc:\nCan you recommend a good hotel? * I recommend the book to all my students. * She was recommended for the post by a colleague. * The hotel’s new restaurant comes highly recommended (= a lot of people have praised it).\n  2  to advise a particular course of action; to advise sb to do sth:\n[VN] The report recommended a 10% pay increase. * It is dangerous to exceed the recommended dose. * a recommended price of $50 * [V (that)] I recommend (that) he see a lawyer. * (BrE also) I recommend (that) he should see a lawyer. * [VN (that)] It is strongly recommended that the machines should be checked every year. * [VN to inf] We’d recommend you to book your flight early. * [V -ing] He recommended reading the book before seeing the movie. [also VN -ing, V wh-]\n  3  [VN] ~ sb/sth (to sb) to make sb/sth seem attractive or good:\nThis system has much to recommend it.


Words: recommendation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] ~ (to sb) (for / on / about sth) an official suggestion about the best thing to do:\nto accept / reject a recommendation * The committee made recommendations to the board on teachers’ pay and conditions. * I had the operation on the recommendation of my doctor. * The major recommendation is for a change in the law.\n  2  [U] the act of telling sb that sth is good or useful or that sb would be suitable for a particular job, etc:\nWe chose the hotel on their recommendation (= because they recommended it). * It’s best to find a builder through personal recommendation. * The girl lived up to her mother’s recommendation of being ’good with children’.\n  3  [C] (especially AmE) a formal letter or statement that sb would be suitable for a particular job, etc:\nThe company gave her a glowing recommendation.


Words: recompense
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U] ~ (for sth/sb) (formal) something, usually money, that you are given because you have suffered in some way, or as a payment for sth:\nThere must be adequate recompense for workers who lose their jobs. * I received $1 000 in recompense for loss of earnings.\n    verb [VN] ~ sb (for sth) (formal) to do sth for sb or give them a payment for sth that they have suffered\nSYN COMPENSATE:\nThere was no attempt to recompense the miners for the loss of their jobs.


Words: reconcile
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sth (with sth) to find a satisfactory way of dealing with two or more ideas, needs, etc. that seem to be opposed to each other:\nan attempt to reconcile the need for industrial development with concern for the environment * It was hard to reconcile his career ambitions with the needs of his children.\n  2  [usually passive] ~ sb (with sb) to make people become friends again after an argument or a disagreement:\nThe pair were reconciled after Jackson made a public apology. * He has recently been reconciled with his wife.\n  3  ~ sb / yourself (to sth) to make sb/yourself accept an unpleasant situation because it is not possible to change it:\nHe could not reconcile himself to the prospect of losing her.\n    reconcilable  adjective


Words: reconciliation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [sing.] ~ (between A and B) | ~ (with sb) an end to a disagreement and the start of a good relationship again:\nTheir change of policy brought about a reconciliation with Britain.\n  2  [U] ~ (between A and B) | ~ (with sth) the process of making it possible for two different ideas, facts, etc. to exist together without being opposed to each other:\nthe reconciliation between environment and development * the reconciliation of rights and duties within a democracy


Words: recondite
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) not known about or understood by many people:\na recondite issue / matter / subject


Words: recondition
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [often passive] to repair sth so that it is in good condition and works well:\na reconditioned engine


Words: reconnaissance
Meaning:
(also BrE informal recce) (also AmE informal recon) noun\n[C, U] the activity of getting information about an area for military purposes, using soldiers, planes, etc:\nto make an aerial reconnaissance of the island * Time spent on reconnaissance is seldom wasted. * a reconnaissance aircraft / mission / satellite


Words: reconnoitre
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE reconnoiter)  verb\nto get information about an area, especially for military purposes, by using soldiers, planes, etc:\n[VN] A naval patrol was sent to reconnoitre the approaches to the bay. [also V]


Words: reconquer
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to take control again of a country or city by force, after having lost it:\nThe city was reconquered by Christian forces in 1085.


Words: reconsider
Meaning:
verb\nto think about sth again, especially because you might want to change a previous decision or opinion:\n[VN] to reconsider your decision / position * The company was forced to reconsider its plans for expansion. * [V] Recent information may persuade the board to reconsider. [also V wh-]\n    reconsideration  noun [U, sing.]:\nThey called for a reconsideration of the issue.


Words: reconstitute
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sth / itself (as sth) (formal) to form an organization or a group again in a different way:\nThe group reconstituted itself as a political party.\n  2  [usually passive] to bring dried food, etc. back to its original form by adding water:\nreconstituted orange juice / eggs\n    reconstitution  noun [U]


Words: reconstruct
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sth (from sth) to build or make sth again that has been damaged or that no longer exists:\nOld London Bridge was bought by an American and reconstructed in the US. * They have tried to reconstruct the settlement as it would have been in Iron Age times.\n  2  to be able to describe or show exactly how a past event happened, using the information you have gathered:\nInvestigators are trying to reconstruct the circumstances of the crash.


Words: reconstruction
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the process of changing or improving the condition of sth or the way it works; the process of putting sth back into the state it was in before:\nthe reconstruction of the educational system * the post-war reconstruction of Germany * a reconstruction period\n  2  [U] the activity of building again sth that has been damaged or destroyed:\nthe reconstruction of the sea walls\n  3  [C] a copy of sth that no longer exists:\nThe doorway is a 19th century reconstruction of Norman work.\n  4  [C] a short film showing events that are known to have happened in order to try and get more information or better understanding, especially about a crime:\nLast night police staged a reconstruction of the incident.


Words: reconstructive
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (of medical treatment) that involves RECONSTRUCTING part of a person’s body because it has been badly damaged or because the person wants to change its shape:\nreconstructive surgery


Words: reconvene
Meaning:
verb\n[V, VN] if a meeting, parliament, etc. reconvenes or if sb reconvenes it, it meets again after a break


Words: record
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n \n \n  written account\n \n  1  [C] ~ (of sth) a written account of sth that is kept so that it can be looked at and used in the future:\nYou should keep a record of your expenses. * medical / dental records * Last summer was the wettest on record.\n \n  music\n \n  2  [C] a thin round piece of plastic on which music, etc. is recorded:\nto play a record * a record collection * a record company (= one which produces and sells records)\n \n  highest / best\n  3  [C] the best result or the highest or lowest level that has ever been reached, especially in sport:\nShe holds the world record for the 100 metres. * to break the record (= to achieve a better result than there has ever been before) * to set a new record * There was a record number of candidates for the post. * I got to work in record time. * record profits / sales * Unemployment has reached a record high (= the highest level ever).\n  of sb / sth’s past\n  4  [sing.] ~ (on sth) the facts that are known about sb/sth’s past behaviour, character, achievements, etc:\nThe report criticizes the government’s record on housing. * The airline has a good safety record. * He has an impressive record of achievement.\nsee also TRACK RECORD\n  of crimes\n  5  (also criminal record) [C] the fact of having committed crimes in the past:\nDoes he have a record?\n IDIOMS \n  (just) for the record\n1 used to show that you want what you are saying to be officially written down and remembered:\nJust for the record I would like to clarify something my colleague said earlier.\n2 used to emphasize a point that you are making, so that the person you are speaking to takes notice:\nAnd, for the record, he would be the last person I’d ask.\n  off the record if you tell sb sth off the record, it is not yet official and you do not want them to repeat it publicly:\nStrictly off the record, some members of staff will have to be made redundant.\n  put / place sth on (the) record | be / go on (the) record (as saying ...) to say sth publicly or officially so that it may be written down and repeated:\nHe didn’t want to go on the record as either praising or criticizing the proposal. * I should like to place on record my sincere thanks to all those who have given support.\n  put / set the record straight to give people the correct information about sth in order to make it clear that what they previously believed was in fact wrong:\nTo put the record straight, I do not support that idea and never have done.\nmore at MATTER n.\n    verb \n  keep account\n  1  to keep a permanent account of facts or events by writing them down, filming them, storing them in a computer, etc:\n[VN] Her childhood is recorded in the diaries of those years. * You should record all your expenses during your trip. * [V wh-] His job is to record how politicians vote on major issues. [also V that, VN that]\n  make copy\n  2  to make a copy of music, a film/movie, etc. by storing it on tape or a disc so that you can listen to or watch it again:\n[VN] Did you remember to record ’Friends’ for me? * a recorded programme / concert * [VN -ing] He recorded the class rehearsing before the performance. * [V] Tell me when the tape starts recording.\n  music\n  3  to perform music so that it can be copied onto and kept on tape:\n[VN] The band is back in the US recording their new album. [also V]\n  make official statement\n  4  to make an official or legal statement about sth:\n[VN] The coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death. [also V that]\n  of measuring instrument\n  5  to show a particular measurement or amount:\n[VN] The thermometer recorded a temperature of 40ｰC. [also V wh-]


Words: record-breaker
Meaning:
noun\na person or thing that achieves a better result or higher level than has ever been achieved before\n    record-breaking adjective [only before noun]:\na record-breaking jump


Words: recorded delivery
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE certified mail) noun\n[U] a method of sending a letter or parcel/package in which the person sending it gets an official note to say it has been posted and the person receiving it must sign a form when it is delivered:\nI’d like to send this (by) recorded delivery.\ncompare REGISTERED MAIL


Words: recorder
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (in compounds) a machine for recording sound or pictures or both:\na tape / cassette recorder * a video recorder\nsee also FLIGHT RECORDER\n \n  2  a musical instrument in the shape of a pipe that you blow into, with holes that you cover with your fingers\n \n  3  a judge in a court of law in some parts of Britain and the US\n \n  4  a person who keeps a record of events or facts:\nIn natural history the careful observer and recorder was very important in the advance of the science.


Words: recording
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] sound or pictures that have been recorded on tape, video, etc:\na cassette / tape / video recording * a hit recording on cassette and CD * a recording of English music for clarinet and orchestra\n  2  [U] the process of making a record, tape, film/movie, etc:\nduring the recording of the show * recording equipment / techniques * a recording session / studio\n  3  [U] the process or act of writing down and storing information for official purposes:\nthe recording of financial transactions


Words: recount
Meaning:
verb\n~ sth (to sb) (formal) to tell sb about sth, especially sth that you have experienced:\n[VN] She was asked to recount the details of the conversation to the court. * [V wh-] They recounted what had happened during those years. [also V speech]\n\n verb\n[VN] to count sth again, especially votes\n    recount  noun:\nThe defeated candidate demanded a recount.


Words: recoup
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to get back an amount of money that you have spent or lost\nSYN RECOVER:\nWe hope to recoup our initial investment in the first year.


Words: recourse
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) the fact of having to, or being able to, use sth that can provide help in a difficult situation:\nYour only recourse is legal action. * She made a complete recovery without recourse to surgery. * The government, when necessary has recourse to the armed forces.


Words: recover
Meaning:
verb\n  from illness\n  1  [V] ~ (from sth) to get well again after being ill/sick, hurt, etc:\nHe’s still recovering from his operation.\n  from sth unpleasant\n  2  [V] ~ (from sth) to return to a normal state after an unpleasant or unusual experience or a period of difficulty:\nIt can take many years to recover from the death of a loved one. * The economy is at last beginning to recover.\n  money\n  3  [VN] ~ sth (from sb/sth) to get back the same amount of money that you have spent or that is owed to you\nSYN RECOUP:\nHe is unlikely to ever recover his legal costs.\n  sth lost / stolen\n  4  [VN] ~ sth (from sb/sth) to get back or find sth that was lost, stolen or missing:\nThe police eventually recovered the stolen paintings. * Six bodies were recovered from the wreckage.\n  position / status\n  5  [VN] to win back a position, level, status, etc. that has been lost\nSYN REGAIN:\nThe team recovered its lead in the second half.\n  senses / emotions\n  6  [VN] to get back the use of your senses, control of your emotions, etc.\nSYN REGAIN:\nIt took her a few minutes to recover consciousness. * to recover your sight / hearing * She seemed upset but quickly recovered herself.\n    recovered adjective [not before noun]:\nShe is now fully recovered from her injuries.


Words: recoverable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  that you can get back after it has been spent or lost:\nTravel expenses will be recoverable from the company. * recoverable costs / damages\n  2  that can be obtained from the ground:\nrecoverable oil reserves


Words: recovery
Meaning:
noun (plural recoveries)\n  1  [U, C, usually sing.] ~ (from sth) the process of becoming well again after an illness or injury:\nMy father has made a full recovery from the operation. * to make a remarkable / quick / speedy / slow recovery * She is on the road to (= making progress towards) recovery.\n  2  [U, C, usually sing.] ~ (in sth) the process of improving or becoming stronger again:\nThe government is forecasting an economic recovery. * a recovery in consumer spending * The economy is showing signs of recovery.\n  3  [U] ~ (of sth) the action or process of getting sth back that has been lost or stolen:\nThere is a reward for information leading to the recovery of the missing diamonds.\n  4  [U] (also recovery room [C]) the room in a hospital where patients are kept immediately after an operation:\nYour mother is now in recovery.


Words: recreate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to make sth that existed in the past exist or seem to exist again:\nThe movie recreates the glamour of 1940s Hollywood.\n    recreation  noun [C, U]:\nThe writer attempts a recreation of the sights and sounds of his childhood.


Words: recreation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the fact of people doing things for enjoyment, when they are not working:\nthe need to improve facilities for leisure and recreation * the increasing use of land for recreation\n  2  [C] (BrE) a particular activity that sb does when they are not working:\nHis recreations include golf, football and shooting.


Words: recreation room
Meaning:
(also AmE informal rec room) noun\n  1  a room in a school, a hospital, an office building, etc. in which people can relax, play games, etc.\n  2  (AmE) a room in a private house used for games, entertainment, etc.


Words: recreational
Meaning:
adjective\nconnected with activities that people do for enjoyment when they are not working:\nrecreational activities / facilities * These areas are set aside for public recreational use.


Words: recrimination
Meaning:
noun\n[C, usually pl., U] an angry statement that sb makes accusing sb else of sth, especially in response to a similar statement from them:\nbitter recriminations * We spent the rest of the evening in mutual recrimination.\n    recriminatory  adjective:\nrecriminatory behaviour


Words: recruit
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  to find new people to join a company, an organization, the armed forces, etc:\n[VN] The police are trying to recruit more officers from ethnic minorities. * They recruited several new members to the club. * [V] He’s responsible for recruiting at all levels. [also VN to inf]\n  2  [VN to inf] to persuade sb to do sth, especially to help you:\nWe were recruited to help peel the vegetables.\n  3  [VN] to form a new army, team, etc. by persuading new people to join it:\nto recruit a task force\n    recruiter noun\n    recruitment noun [U]:\nthe recruitment of new members * a recruitment drive\n    noun\n  1  a person who has recently joined the armed forces or the police:\nthe training of new recruits * He spoke of us scornfully as raw recruits (= people without training or experience).\n  2  a person who joins an organization, a company, etc:\nattempts to attract new recruits to the nursing profession


Words: rectangle
Meaning:
noun\na flat shape with four straight sides, two of which are longer than the other two, and four angles of 90ｰ\n \n    rectangular  adjective


Words: rectify
Meaning:
verb\n(rectifies, rectifying, rectified, rectified) [VN] (formal) to put right sth that is wrong\nSYN CORRECT:\nto rectify a fault / mistake * We must take steps to rectify the situation.\n    rectification  noun [U]


Words: rectilinear
Meaning:
adjective (technical)\n  1  in a straight line:\nrectilinear motion\n  2  having straight lines:\nrectilinear forms


Words: rectitude
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) the quality of thinking or behaving in a correct and honest way:\nto have a sense of moral rectitude * She is a model of rectitude.


Words: rector
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an Anglican priest who is in charge of a particular area, (called a PARISH). In the past a rector received an income directly from this area.\ncompare VICAR\n  2  (in Britain) a person who is in charge of a university, college or school


Words: rectum
Meaning:
noun\n(plural rectums or recta ) (anatomy) the end section of the tube through which solid waste leaves the body at the ANUS


Words: recumbent
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal) (of a person’s body or position) lying down:\nher recumbent body / form * in a recumbent posture


Words: recuperate
Meaning:
verb (formal)\n  1  [V] ~ (from sth) to get back your health, strength or energy after being ill/sick, tired, injured, etc.\nSYN RECOVER:\nHe’s still recuperating from his operation. * After an exhausting few weeks I needed some time to recuperate.\n  2  [VN] to get back money that you have spent or lost\nSYN RECOVER, RECOUP:\nHe hoped to recuperate at least some of his losses.\n    recuperation  noun [U]:\nIt was a period of rest and recuperation.


Words: recuperative
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) helping you to get better after you have been ill/sick, very tired, etc:\nthe recuperative powers of a good night’s sleep


Words: recur
Meaning:
verb\n(-rr-) [V] to happen again or a number of times:\nThis theme recurs several times throughout the book. * a recurring illness / problem / nightmare


Words: recurrence
Meaning:
noun\n[C, usually sing, U] if there is a recurrence of sth, it happens again:\nattempts to prevent a recurrence of the illness / problem * The trouble with a back injury is that there is a great risk of recurrence.


Words: recurrent
Meaning:
adjective\nthat happens again and again:\nrecurrent bleeding / infections * recurrent costs / expenditure * Poverty is a recurrent theme in her novels.


Words: recurring decimal
Meaning:
noun\n(mathematics) a DECIMAL FRACTION in which the same figure or group of figures is repeated for ever, for example 3.999 ...:\nThe recurring decimal 3.999 ...is also described as 3.9 recurring.


Words: recycle
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n \n  1  to treat things that have already been used so that they can be used again:\nDenmark recycles nearly 85% of its paper. * This envelope is made from recycled paper.\n \n  2  to use the same ideas, methods, jokes, etc. again:\nHe recycled all his old jokes.\n \n    recyclable  adjective:\nrecyclable plastic\n \n    recycling noun [U]:\nthe recycling of glass * a recycling plant


Words: red
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective (redder, reddest) (informal)\n  1  having the colour of blood or fire:\na red car / sunset * The lights (= traffic lights) changed to red before I could get across.\n  2  (of the eyes) BLOODSHOT (= with thin lines of blood in them) or surrounded by red or very pink skin:\nHer eyes were red from crying.\n  3  (of the face) bright red or pink, especially because you are angry, embarrassed or ashamed:\nHe stammered something and went very red in the face.\n  4  (of hair or an animal’s fur) reddish-brown in colour:\na red-haired girl * red deer / squirrels\nsee also REDHEAD\n  5  (informal) (sometimes disapproving, politics) having very LEFT-WING political opinions\ncompare PINK\n    redness noun [U, sing.]:\nYou may notice redness and swelling after the injection.\n IDIOMS \n  red in tooth and claw involving opposition or competition that is violent and without pity:\nnature, red in tooth and claw\n  a red rag to a bull something that is likely to make sb very angry:\nIf you criticize him, it’s like a red rag to a bull-he gets absolutely furious.\nmore at PAINT v.\n    noun\n  1  [C, U] the colour of blood or fire:\nShe often wears red. * the reds and browns of the woods in the fall (= of the leaves) * I’ve marked the corrections in red (= in red ink). * The traffic lights were on red.\n  2  [U, C] red wine:\nWould you prefer red or white? * an Italian red\n  3  [C] (informal) (disapproving, politics) a person with very LEFT-WING political opinions\ncompare PINKO\n IDIOMS \n  be in the red (informal) to owe money to your bank because you have spent more than you have in your account:\nThe company has plunged $37 million into the red. * My account is $100 in the red.\ncompare BE IN THE BLACK\n  see red (informal) to become very angry:\nPeople who drop litter make me see red.


Words: red admiral
Meaning:
noun\na BUTTERFLY (= a flying insect with large colourful wings) that has black wings with bright red marks on them


Words: red alert
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] a situation in which you are prepared for sth dangerous to happen; a warning of this:\nFollowing the bomb blast, local hospitals have been put on red alert. * The water authority has issued a red alert until the cause of the pollution has been removed.


Words: red card
Meaning:
noun\n(in football) a card shown by the REFEREE to a player who has broken the rules of the game and is not allowed to play for the rest of the game\ncompare YELLOW CARD


Words: red carpet
Meaning:
(usually the red carpet) noun\n[sing.] a strip of red carpet laid on the ground for an important visitor to walk on when he or she arrives:\nI didn’t expect to be given the red carpet treatment!


Words: red cent
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (AmE) (especially after a negative) a very small amount of money:\nI didn’t get a red cent for all my work.


Words: red flag
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a flag used to warn people of danger:\nYou mustn’t swim when the red flag is flying.\n  2  a red flag as a symbol of revolution or COMMUNISM


Words: red giant
Meaning:
noun\n(astronomy) a large star towards the end of its life that is relatively cool and gives out a reddish light


Words: red herring
Meaning:
noun\nan unimportant fact, idea, event, etc. that takes people’s attention away from the important ones:\nHe deliberately threw a red herring into the conversation.\n ORIGIN  From the custom of using the scent of a smoked, dried herring (which was red) to train dogs to hunt.


Words: red light
Meaning:
noun\na signal telling the driver of a vehicle to stop:\nto go through a red light (= not to stop at one)


Words: red meat
Meaning:
noun\n[U] meat that is dark brown in colour when it has been cooked, such as beef and LAMB\ncompare WHITE MEAT


Words: red pepper
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] a hollow red fruit that is eaten, raw or cooked, as a vegetable\n  2  [U] (especially AmE) = CAYENNE


Words: red tape
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (disapproving) official rules that seem more complicated than necessary and prevent things from being done quickly:\nbureaucratic red tape * You have to go through endless red tape to get a residence permit.\n ORIGIN  From the custom of tying up official documents with red or pink tape.


Words: red wine
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] wine that gets its red colour from the skins of the grapes\n  2  [C] a glass of red wine\ncompare ROSﾉ, WHITE WINE


Words: red-blooded
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (informal) full of strength and energy, often sexual energy:\nred-blooded young males


Words: red-brick
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  (of buildings, walls, etc.) built with bricks of a reddish-brown colour:\nred-brick cottages\n  2  (becoming old-fashioned) (of universities in Britain) built in the late 19th or early 20th century, in contrast to older universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge\ncompare OXBRIDGE


Words: red-eye
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (also red-eye flight) [C] (informal, especially AmE) a flight in a plane at night, on which you cannot get enough sleep:\nWe took the red-eye to Boston.\n  2  [U] the appearance of having red eyes that people sometimes have in photographs taken using FLASH:\na flash mode that is designed to reduce the red-eye effect


Words: red-hot
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of metal or sth burning) so hot that it looks red:\nRed-hot coals glowed in the fire.\n  2  showing strong feeling:\nher red-hot anger\n  3  (informal) new, exciting and of great interest to people:\na red-hot issue\n  4  used to describe the person, animal or team that is considered almost certain to win a race, etc:\nThe race was won by the red-hot favourite.


Words: red-letter day
Meaning:
noun\nan important day, or a day that you will remember, because of sth good that happened then:\nbirthdays, wedding anniversaries and other red-letter days * It was a red-letter day for United, who won a place in Saturday’s final.


Words: redcurrant
Meaning:
noun\na very small red berry that grows in bunches on a bush and can be eaten:\nredcurrant jelly * a redcurrant bush


Words: redden
Meaning:
verb\nto become red; to make sth red:\n[V] The sky was reddening. * He could feel his face reddening with embarrassment. * He stared at her and she reddened. [also VN]


Words: redecorate
Meaning:
verb\nto put new paint and/or paper on the walls of a room or house:\n[V] We’ve just redecorated. * [VN] The house has been fully redecorated.\n    redecoration  noun [U]


Words: redeem
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to make sb/sth seem less bad\nSYN COMPENSATE FOR:\nThe excellent acting wasn’t enough to redeem a weak plot. * The only redeeming feature of the job (= good thing about it) is the salary. * She seems to have no redeeming qualities (= good aspects of her character) at all.\n  2  ~ yourself to do sth to improve the opinion that people have of you, especially after you have done sth bad:\nHe has a chance to redeem himself after last week’s mistakes.\n  3  (in Christianity) to save sb from the power of evil:\nJesus Christ came to redeem us from sin.\n  4  to pay the full sum of money that you owe sb; to pay a debt:\nto redeem a loan / mortgage\n  5  to exchange sth such as shares or VOUCHERS for money or goods:\nThis voucher can be redeemed at any of our branches.\n  6  to get back a valuable object from sb by paying them back the money you borrowed from them in exchange for the object:\nHe was able to redeem his watch from the pawnshop.\n  7  (formal) ~ a pledge / promise to do what you have promised to do


Words: redeemable
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (against sth) that can be exchanged for money or goods:\nThese vouchers are redeemable against any future purchase.


Words: redefine
Meaning:
verb\nto change the nature or limits of sth; to make people consider sth in a new way:\n[VN] The new constitution redefined the powers of the president. * [V wh-] We need to redefine what we mean by democracy.\n    redefinition  noun [U, C]


Words: redemption
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (formal) the act of saving or state of being saved from the power of evil; the act of REDEEMING:\nthe redemption of the world from sin\n  2  (finance) the act of exchanging shares for money (= of REDEEMING them)\n IDIOMS \n  beyond / past redemption too bad to be saved or improved


Words: redeploy
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sb/sth (to sth) to move sb/sth to a new position or job:\nOur troops are to be redeployed elsewhere. * Most of the employees will be redeployed to other parts of the company.\n    redeployment noun [U]:\nthe redeployment of staff / resources


Words: redevelop
Meaning:
verb\nto change an area by building new roads, houses, factories, etc:\n[VN] The city has plans to redevelop the site. [also V]\n    redevelopment noun [U]:\ninner-city redevelopment


Words: redirect
Meaning:
verb [VN] ~ sth (to sth)\n  1  to use sth, for example money, in a different way or for a different purpose:\nResources are being redirected to this important new project. * You need to redirect your energies into more worthwhile activities.\n  2  to send sth to a different address or in a different direction:\nInquiries on this matter are being redirected to the press office. * (BrE) Make sure you get your mail redirected to your new address.\n    redirection noun [sing., U]:\na sudden redirection of economic policy * (BrE) the redirection of mail


Words: rediscover
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to find again sth that had been forgotten or lost:\nThe manuscript was rediscovered in a private library. * With this new album he has rediscovered his musical roots.\n    rediscovery  noun [U, C] (plural rediscoveries)


Words: redistribute
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to share sth out among people in a different way:\nWealth needs to be redistributed from the rich to the poor.\n    redistribution  noun [U, sing.]:\nthe redistribution of wealth


Words: redneck
Meaning:
noun\n(informal, disapproving) (sometimes offensive) a man who lives in a country area of the US, has little education and has strong CONSERVATIVE political opinions


Words: redo
Meaning:
verb\n(redoes ) [VN] to do sth again or differently:\nA whole day’s work had to be redone. * We’ve just redone the bathroom (= decorated it again).


Words: redolent
Meaning:
with sth (literary)\n  1  making you think of the thing mentioned:\nan atmosphere redolent of the sea and ships\n  2  smelling strongly of the thing mentioned:\na kitchen redolent with the smell of baking\n    redolence  noun [U]:\nthe redolence of herbs and spices


Words: redouble
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (written) to increase sth or make it stronger:\nThe leading banks are expected to redouble their efforts to keep the value of the dollar down. * redoubled strength / enthusiasm * Their doubts were redoubled by this news.


Words: redoubt
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (literary) a place or situation in which sb/sth is protected when they are being attacked or threatened\n  2  a small building from which soldiers can fight and defend themselves


Words: redoubtable
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) if a person is redoubtable, they have very strong qualities that make you respect them and perhaps feel afraid of them:\na redoubtable leader * He was dreading his interview with the redoubtable Mrs Fitton.


Words: redound
Meaning:
verb\n\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  redound to sth (rare, formal) to improve the impression that people have of you:\nTheir defeat redounds to the glory of those whom they attacked.


Words: redraft
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to write an article, a letter, etc. again in order to improve it or make changes\n    redraft noun


Words: redraw
Meaning:
verb\n(redrew ) [VN] to make changes to sth such as the borders of a country or region, a plan, an arrangement, etc:\nAfter the war the map of Europe was redrawn. * to redraw the boundaries between male and female roles in the home


Words: redress
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb  [VN] (formal) to correct sth that is unfair or wrong:\nto redress an injustice / a grievance\n IDIOMS \n  redress the balance to make a situation equal or fair again\n    noun  against sth) (formal) payment, etc. that you should get for sth wrong that has happened to you or harm that you have suffered\nSYN COMPENSATION:\nto seek legal redress for unfair dismissal * to have little / no prospect of redress


Words: reduce
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] ~ sth (from sth) (to sth) | ~ sth (by sth) to make sth less or smaller in size, quantity, price, etc:\nReduce speed now (= on a sign). * Costs have been reduced by 20% over the past year. * Giving up smoking reduces the risk of heart disease. * The number of employees was reduced from 40 to 25.\n  2  [VN, V] if you reduce a liquid or a liquid reduces, you boil it so that it becomes less in quantity\n  3  [V] (AmE, informal) to lose weight by limiting the amount and type of food that you eat:\na reducing plan\n IDIOMS \n  reduced circumstances the state of being poorer than you were before. People say ’living in reduced circumstances’ to avoid saying ’poor’.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  reduce sb/sth (from sth) to sth / to doing sth [usually passive] to force sb/sth into a particular state or condition, usually a worse one:\na beautiful building reduced to rubble * She was reduced to tears by their criticisms. * They were reduced to begging in the streets.\n  reduce sth to sth to change sth to a more general or more simple form:\nWe can reduce the problem to two main issues.


Words: reducible
Meaning:
adjective\n~ to sth (formal) that can be described or considered simply as sth:\nThe problem is not reducible to one of money.


Words: reduction
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] ~ (in sth) an act of making sth less or smaller; the state of being made less or smaller:\na 33% reduction in the number of hospital beds available * There has been some reduction in unemployment. * a significant / substantial / drastic reduction in costs * The report recommends further reductions in air and noise emissions.\n  2  [C] an amount of money by which sth is made cheaper:\nThere are reductions for children sharing a room with two adults.\n  3  [C] a copy of a photograph, map, picture, etc. that is made smaller than the original one\nOPP ENLARGEMENT


Words: reductionism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (technical) (often disapproving) the belief that complicated things can be explained by considering them as a combination of simple parts\n    reductionist  adjective, noun:\nHe was a reductionist who believed that everything could be explained in materialistic terms.


Words: reductive
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal, often disapproving) that tries to explain sth complicated by considering it as a combination of simple parts


Words: redundancy
Meaning:
noun (plural redundancies)\n  1  [U, C, usually pl.] (BrE) the situation when sb has to leave their job because there is no more work available for them:\nThousands of factory workers are facing redundancy in the New Year. * to accept / take voluntary redundancy (= to offer to leave your job) * the threat of compulsory redundancies * redundancy payments * 200 workers have been issued with redundancy notices.\nsee also LAY-OFF\n  2  [U] (formal or technical) the state of not being necessary or useful:\nNatural language is characterized by redundancy (= words are used that are not really necessary for sb to understand the meaning).


Words: redundant
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (BrE) (of a person) without a job because there is no more work available for you in a company:\nto be made redundant from your job * redundant employees / workers\n  2  not needed or useful:\nThe picture has too much redundant detail.\n    redundantly adverb


Words: redwood
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C] a very tall tree that grows especially in California:\ngiant redwoods\n \n  2  [U] the reddish wood of the redwood tree


Words: reed
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a tall plant like grass with a hollow stem that grows in or near water:\nreed beds (= where they grow) * The edge of the lake was fringed with reeds.\n \n  2  a small thin piece of CANE, metal or plastic in some musical instruments such as the OBOE or the CLARINET that moves very quickly when air is blown over it, producing a sound


Words: reedy
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  (of a voice or sound) high and not very pleasant\n  2  full of reeds:\nreedy river banks


Words: reef
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a long line of rocks or sand near the surface of the sea:\na coral reef * the Great Barrier Reef\n \n  2  a part of a sail that can be tied or rolled up to make the sail smaller in a strong wind\n    verb [VN] (technical) to make a sail smaller by tying or rolling up part of it:\nThey set sail with the sails reefed against the strong winds.


Words: reef knot
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually square knot) noun\na type of double knot that will not become undone easily


Words: reefer
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (also reefer jacket) a short thick woollen jacket, usually dark blue, with two rows of buttons\n  2  (old-fashioned, slang) a cigarette containing MARIJUANA


Words: reek
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [V] ~ (of sth)\n  1  to smell very strongly of sth unpleasant:\nHis breath reeked of tobacco.\n  2  (disapproving) to suggest very strongly that sth unpleasant or suspicious is involved in a situation:\nHer denials reeked of hypocrisy.\n    noun [sing.] a strong unpleasant smell:\nthe reek of cigarettes and beer


Words: reel
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  (especially BrE) (AmE usually spool) a round object around which you wind such things as cotton thread, wire or film; the film, wire, thread, etc. that is wound around a reel:\na cotton reel * a reel on a fishing rod * reels of magnetic tape * a new reel of film * The hero was killed in the final reel (= in the final part of the film / movie).\n \n  2  a fast Scottish, Irish or American dance, usually for two or four couples; a piece of music for this dance\n    verb [V] \n  1  [usually +adv./prep.] to move in a very unsteady way, for example because you are drunk or have been hit:\nI punched him on the chin, sending him reeling backwards. * She was reeling after several glasses of wine. * He reeled under the blow.\n  2  ~ (at / from / with sth) to feel very shocked or upset about sth:\nI was still reeling from the shock.\n  3  to seem to be spinning around and around:\nWhen he opened his eyes, the room was reeling.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  reel sth<->in / out to wind sth on/off a reel:\nI slowly reeled the fish in.\n  reel sth<->off to say or repeat sth quickly without having to stop or think about it:\nShe immediately reeled off several names.


Words: ref.
Meaning:
abbreviation\nreference (used especially in business as a way of identifying sth such as a document):\nour ref.: 3498


Words: refectory
Meaning:
noun\n(plural refectories) a large room in which meals are served, especially in a religious institution and in some schools and colleges in Britain:\na refectory table


Words: refer
Meaning:
verb\n(-rr-)\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  refer to sb/sth (as sth) to mention or speak about sb/sth:\nThe victims were not referred to by name. * Her mother never referred to him again. * You know who I’m referring to. * She always referred to Ben as ’that nice man’. * I promised not to refer to the matter again.\n  refer to sb/sth\n1 to describe or be connected to sb/sth:\nThe star refers to items which are intended for the advanced learner. * The term ’Arts’ usually refers to humanities and social sciences. * This paragraph refers to the events of last year. * The term ’accent’ refers to pronunciation. The term ’dialect’ refers to vocabulary and grammar.\n2 to look at sth or ask a person for information\nSYN CONSULT:\nYou may refer to your notes if you want. * to refer to a dictionary / an expert\n  refer sb/sth to sb/sth to send sb/sth to sb/sth for help, advice or a decision:\nMy doctor referred me to a specialist. * The case was referred to the Court of Appeal. * (formal) May I refer you to my letter of 14 May?


Words: referable
Meaning:
adjective\n~ to sth (formal) that can be related to sth else:\nThese symptoms may be referable to virus infection rather than parasites.


Words: referee
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  (also informal ref) the official who controls the game in some sports, such as football, basketball and boxing:\nHe was sent off for arguing with the referee.\ncompare UMPIRE\n \n  2  (BrE) a person who gives information about your character and ability, usually in a letter, for example when you are applying for a job:\nThe principal often acts as a referee for his students.\n \n  3  a person who is asked to settle a disagreement:\nto act as a referee between the parties involved\n  4  a person who reads and checks the quality of a technical article before it is published\n    verb\n  1  to act as the referee in a game:\n[V] He began refereeing in 1980. * a refereeing decision * [VN] Who refereed the final?\n  2  [VN] to read and check the quality of a technical article before it is published


Words: reference
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  mentioning sb / sth\n  1  [C, U] ~ (to sb/sth) a thing you say or write that mentions sb/sth else; the act of mentioning sb/sth:\nThe book is full of references to growing up in India. * She made no reference to her illness but only to her future plans. * the President’s passing reference to (= brief mention of) the end of the war\n  looking for information\n  2  [U] the act of looking at sth for information:\nKeep the list of numbers near the phone for easy reference. * I wrote down the name of the hotel for future reference (= because it might be useful in the future). * The library contains many popular works of reference (= reference books).\n  asking for advice\n  3  [U] (formal) ~ (to sb/sth) the act of asking sb for help or advice:\nThe emergency nurse can treat minor injuries without reference to a doctor.\n  number / word / symbol\n  4  [C] (abbreviation ref.) a number, word or symbol that shows where sth is on a map, or where you can find a piece of information:\nThe map reference is Y4. * Please quote your reference number when making an enquiry.\n  for new job\n  5  [C] a letter written by sb who knows you, giving information about your character and abilities, especially to a new employer:\nWe will take up references after the interview.\n  6  [C] a person who agrees to write a reference, for you, for example when you are applying for a job\nSYN REFEREE:\nMy previous boss will act as a reference for me.\n  in book\n  7  [C] a note in a book that tells you where a particular piece of information comes from:\nThere is a list of references at the end of each chapter.\nsee also CROSS-REFERENCE, FRAME OF REFERENCE, TERMS OF REFERENCE\n IDIOMS \n  in / with reference to (formal or written) used to say what you are talking or writing about:\nWith reference to your letter of July 22 ...\n    verb [VN] (written) to refer to sth; to provide a book, etc. with references:\nEach chapter is referenced, citing literature up to 1999.


Words: reference book
Meaning:
noun\na book that contains facts and information, that you look at when you need to find out sth particular:\ndictionaries, encyclopedias and other reference books


Words: reference library
Meaning:
noun\na library containing books that can be read in the library but cannot be borrowed\ncompare LENDING LIBRARY


Words: referendum
Meaning:
noun\n(plural referendums or referenda) [C, U] ~ (on sth) an occasion when all the people of a country can vote on an important issue:\nIreland decided to hold a referendum on divorce. * The changes were approved by referendum.


Words: referral
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] ~ (to sb/sth) the act of sending sb who needs professional help to a person or place that can provide it:\nillnesses requiring referral to hospitals * to make a referral * The report suggests that doctors should reduce their rate of referral (= to specialists). * a referral form / letter


Words: refill
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb  [VN] to fill sth again:\nHe refilled her glass. * She refilled the kettle with fresh water.\n    refillable  adjective:\na refillable gas cylinder\n    noun \n  1  another drink of the same type:\nWould you like a refill?\n  2  an amount of sth, sold in a cheap container, that you use to fill up a more expensive container that is now empty


Words: refine
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to make a substance pure by taking other substances out of it:\nthe process of refining oil / sugar\n  2  to improve sth by making small changes to it:\nShe has refined her playing technique over the years. * This theory still needs a little refining.


Words: refined
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] (of a substance) made pure by having other substances taken out of it:\nrefined sugar\n  2  (of a person) polite, well educated and able to judge the quality of things; having the sort of manners that are considered typical of a high social class:\nShe was a lady of very refined tastes. * Beneath his refined manners and superficial elegance the man was a snake.\nOPP UNREFINED


Words: refinement
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a small change to sth that improves it:\nThis particular model has a further refinement. * all the refinements of modern technology\n  2  [C] ~ of sth a thing that is an improvement on an earlier, similar thing:\nThe new plan is a refinement of the one before.\n  3  [U] the process of improving sth or of making sth pure:\nthe refinement of industrial techniques * the refinement of uranium\n  4  [U] the quality of being polite and well educated and able to judge the quality of things; the state of having the sort of manners that are considered typical of a high social class:\na person of considerable refinement * an atmosphere of refinement


Words: refinery
Meaning:
noun\n(plural refineries) a factory where a substance such as oil is REFINED (= made pure):\nan oil refinery * a sugar refinery


Words: refit
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (-tt-) to repair or fit new parts, equipment, etc. to sth:\nHe spent ｣70 000 refitting his yacht.\n    refit  noun:\nThe ship has undergone a complete refit.


Words: reflate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN, V] (economics) to increase the amount of money that is used in a country, usually in order to increase the demand for goods\ncompare DEFLATE, INFLATE\n    reflation  noun [U]\n    reflationary  adjective:\nreflationary policies / measures


Words: reflect
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (in sth) to show the image of sb/sth on the surface of sth such as a mirror, water or glass:\nHis face was reflected in the mirror. * She could see herself reflected in his eyes.\n  2  [VN] to throw back light, heat, sound, etc. from a surface:\nThe windows reflected the bright afternoon sunlight. * When the sun’s rays hit the earth, a lot of the heat is reflected back into space. * This material absorbs the sound, and doesn’t reflect it.\n  3  [VN] to show or be a sign of the nature of sth or of sb’s attitude or feeling:\nOur newspaper aims to reflect the views of the local community. * His music reflects his interest in African culture.\n  4  ~ (on / upon sth) to think carefully and deeply about sth:\n[V] Before I decide, I need time to reflect. * She was left to reflect on the implications of her decision. * [V that] On the way home he reflected that the interview had gone well. [also V wh-, V speech]\n IDIOMS \n  reflect well, badly, etc. on sb/sth to make sb/sth appear to be good, bad, etc. to other people:\nThis incident reflects badly on everyone involved.


Words: reflected glory
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (disapproving) admiration or praise that is given to sb, not because of sth that they have done, but because of sth that sb connected with them has done:\nShe basked in the reflected glory of her daughter’s success.


Words: reflection
Meaning:
(BrE also less frequent reflexion)  noun\n \n  1  [C] an image in a mirror, on a shiny surface, on water, etc:\nHe admired his reflection in the mirror.\n \n  2  [U] the action or process of sending back light, heat, sound, etc. from a surface\n \n  3  [C] a sign that shows the state or nature of sth:\nYour clothes are often a reflection of your personality. * The increase in crime is a sad reflection on (= shows sth bad about) our society today.\n \n  4  [U] careful thought about sth, sometimes over a long period of time:\nShe decided on reflection to accept his offer after all. * A week off would give him time for reflection.\n  5  [C, usually pl.] your written or spoken thoughts about a particular subject or topic:\na book of her reflections on childhood\n  6  [C] an account or a description of sth:\nThe article is an accurate reflection of events that day.\n IDIOMS  see MATURE adj.


Words: reflective
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (written) thinking deeply about things:\na quiet and reflective man\n  2  reflective surfaces send back light or heat:\nreflective car number plates * On dark nights children should wear reflective clothing.\n  3  ~ of sth (written) typical of a particular situation or thing; showing the state or nature of sth:\nHis abilities are not reflective of the team as a whole. * Everything you do or say is reflective of your personality.\n    reflectively adverb:\nShe sipped her wine reflectively.


Words: reflector
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a surface that reflects light\n \n  2  a small piece of special glass or plastic that is put on a bicycle, or on clothing, so that it can be seen at night when light shines on it


Words: reflex
Meaning:
noun\nan action or a movement of your body that happens naturally in response to sth and that you cannot control; sth that you do without thinking:\nThe doctor tested her reflexes. * to have quick / slow reflexes * a reflex response / reaction * Only the goalkeeper’s reflexes (= his ability to react quickly) stopped the ball from going in. * Almost as a reflex action, I grab my pen as the phone rings.


Words: reflexive
Meaning:
adjective\na reflexive word or form of a word shows that the action of the verb affects the person who performs the action:\nIn ’He cut himself’, ’cut’ is a reflexive verb and ’himself’ is a reflexive pronoun.


Words: refloat
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to make a boat or ship float again, for example after it has become stuck on the bottom in shallow water:\nA salvage team had battled for five days to refloat the ship.


Words: reforestation
Meaning:
(BrE also reafforestation) noun\n(technical) the act of planting new trees in an area where there used to be a forest\ncompare DEFORESTATION


Words: reform
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [VN] to improve a system, an organization, a law, etc. by making changes to it:\nproposals to reform the social security system * The law needs to be reformed. * a reforming administration\n  2  to improve your behaviour; to make sb do this:\n[VN] She thought she could reform him. * [V] He has promised to reform.\n    reformed adjective:\na reformed character / alcoholic * a Reformed Jew (= one who practises a form of Judaism that has changed some aspects of worship in order to adapt to modern society)\n    noun [U, C] change that is made to a social system, an organization, etc. in order to improve or correct it:\na government committed to reform * economic / electoral / constitutional reform * the reform of the educational system * reforms in education * far-reaching / major / sweeping reforms


Words: reformation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] (formal) the act of improving or changing sb/sth\n  2  (the Reformation) [sing.] new ideas in religion in 16th century Europe that led to attempts to reform the Roman Catholic Church and to the forming of the Protestant Churches; the period of time when these changes were taking place


Words: reformatory
Meaning:
(plural reformatories) (also reform school) noun\n(AmE) (old-fashioned in British English) a type of school that young criminals are sent to instead of prison


Words: reformer
Meaning:
noun\na person who works to achieve political or social change:\nsocial / political / religious reformers


Words: reformist
Meaning:
adjective\nwanting or trying to change political or social situations:\na reformist leader / party * a reformist programme / movement\n    reformist noun


Words: refract
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (physics) (of water, air, glass, etc.) to make a ray of light change direction when it goes through at an angle:\nLight is refracted when passed through a prism.\n    refraction  noun [U]


Words: refractory
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (formal) (of a person) difficult to control; behaving badly\n  2  (medical) (of a disease or medical condition) difficult to treat or cure


Words: refrain
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [V] ~ (from sth / from doing sth) (formal) to stop yourself from doing sth, especially sth that you want to do:\nPlease refrain from smoking. * They appealed to the protesters to refrain from violence. * He has refrained from criticizing the government in public.\n    noun\n  1  a comment or complaint that is often repeated:\nComplaints about poor food in schools have become a familiar refrain. * The protest began with a small group, but then the others took up the refrain.\n  2  the part of a song that is repeated after each verse\nSYN CHORUS


Words: refresh
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to make sb feel less tired or less hot:\nThe long sleep had refreshed her. * The following morning she awoke refreshed. * He refreshed himself with a cool shower.\n  2  (informal, especially AmE) to fill sb’s glass or cup again:\nLet me refresh your glass. * He went into the kitchen to refresh their drinks.\n  3  ~ your / sb’s memory to remind yourself/sb of sth, especially with the help of sth that can be seen or heard:\nHe had to refresh his memory by looking at his notes.


Words: refresher course
Meaning:
(also refresher especially in AmE) noun\na short period of training to improve your skills or to teach you about new ideas and developments in your job


Words: refreshing
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  pleasantly new or different:\nIt made a refreshing change to be taken seriously for once. * It’s refreshing to meet someone who is so dedicated to their work.\n  2  making you feel less tired or hot:\na refreshing drink / shower * The breeze was cool and refreshing.\n    refreshingly adverb:\nrefreshingly different / honest / simple * The house was refreshingly cool inside.


Words: refreshment
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (refreshments) [pl.] drinks and small amounts of food that are provided or sold to people in a public place or at a public event:\nLight refreshments will be served during the break. * Tickets include the price of refreshments.\n  2  [U] (formal) food and drink:\nIn York we had a short stop for refreshment. * Can we offer you some refreshment? * a refreshment room / kiosk / tent * (humorous) liquid refreshment (= alcoholic drink)\n  3  [U] (formal) the fact of making sb feel stronger or less tired or hot:\na place to rest and find refreshment for mind and body


Words: refried beans
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] beans that have been boiled and fried in advance and are heated again when needed, used especially in Mexican cooking


Words: refrigerate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to make food, etc. cold in order to keep it fresh or preserve it:\nOnce opened, this product should be kept refrigerated. * a refrigerated lorry / truck\n    refrigeration  noun [U]:\nKeep all meat products under refrigeration.


Words: refuel
Meaning:
verb\n(-ll-, AmE -l-) to fill sth, especially a plane, with fuel in order to continue a journey; to be filled with fuel:\n[VN] to refuel a plane * [V] The planes needed to refuel before the next mission. * a refuelling stop


Words: refuge
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] ~ (from sb/sth) shelter or protection from danger, trouble, etc:\nA further 300 people have taken refuge in the US embassy. * They were forced to seek refuge from the fighting. * a place of refuge * As the situation at home got worse she increasingly took refuge in her work.\n  2  [C] ~ (from sb/sth) a place, person or thing that provides shelter or protection for sb/sth:\nHe regarded the room as a refuge from the outside world. * a wetland refuge for birds, waders and wild fowl\n  3  [C] a building that provides a temporary home for people in need of shelter or protection from sb/sth:\na women’s refuge * a refuge for the homeless\n  4  (BrE) = TRAFFIC ISLAND


Words: refugee
Meaning:
noun\na person who has been forced to leave their country or home, because there is a war or for political, religious or social reasons:\na steady flow of refugees from the war zone * political / economic refugees * a refugee camp


Words: refund
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun store:\na tax refund * to claim / demand / receive a refund * If there is a delay of 12 hours or more, you will receive a full refund of the price of your trip.\n    verb  ~ sth (to sb) | ~ sb sth to give sb their money back, especially because they have paid too much or because they are not satisfied with sth they bought: [VN] Tickets cannot be exchanged or money refunded. * [VN, VNN] We will refund your money to you in full if you are not entirely satisfied. * We will refund you your money in full.\n    refundable adjective:\na refundable deposit * Tickets are not refundable.


Words: refurbish
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to clean and decorate a room, building, etc. in order to make it more attractive, more useful, etc:\nThe theatre has been extensively refurbished.\n    refurbishment noun [U, C]:\nThe hotel is closed for refurbishment. * This is just one of several planned refurbishments.


Words: refusal
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] ~ (of sth) | ~ (to do sth) an act of saying or showing that you will not do, give or accept sth:\nthe refusal of a request / an invitation / an offer * a blunt / flat / curt refusal * His refusal to discuss the matter is very annoying.\nsee also FIRST REFUSAL


Words: refuse
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to say that you will not do sth that sb has asked you to do:\n[V] Go on, ask her; she can hardly refuse. * [V to inf] He flatly refused to discuss the matter. * She refused to accept that there was a problem.\n  2  [VN] to say that you do not want sth that has been offered to you\nSYN TURN DOWN:\nI politely refused their invitation. * The job offer was simply too good to refuse.\n  3  [VNN] to say that you will not give sb sth that they want or need:\nThey refused him a visa. * She would never refuse her kids anything.\n\n noun\n[U] (written) waste material that has been thrown away\nSYN RUBBISH / GARBAGE:\ndomestic / household refuse * the city refuse dump * refuse collection / disposal -> RUBBISH


Words: refute
Meaning:
verb [VN] (formal)\n  1  to prove that sth is wrong\nSYN REBUT:\nto refute an argument / a theory\n  2  to say that sth is not true or fair \nSYN DENY:\nShe refutes any suggestion that she behaved unprofessionally.\n    refutable  adjective\n    refutation  noun [C, U]:\na refutation of previously held views


Words: reg
Meaning:
abbreviation\n(BrE, informal) REGISTRATION:\na V reg car (= a car with ’V’ in its registration number, showing the year that it was registered)


Words: regain
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to get back sth you no longer have, especially an ability or a quality:\n[VN] I struggled to regain some dignity. * The party has regained control of the region. * She paused on the edge, trying to regain her balance. * He did not regain consciousness (= wake up after being unconscious) for several days.\n  2  (literary) to get back to a place that you have left:\nThey finally managed to regain the beach.


Words: regal
Meaning:
adjective\ntypical of a king or queen, and therefore impressive:\nregal power * the regal splendour of the palace * She dismissed him with a regal gesture.\ncompare ROYAL\n    regally  adverb


Words: regale
Meaning:
verb\n\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  regale sb with sth to amuse or entertain sb with stories, jokes, etc:\nHe regaled us with tales of his days as a jazz pianist.


Words: regalia
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the special clothes that are worn or objects that are carried at official ceremonies:\na portrait of the queen in full regalia


Words: regard
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sb/sth (with sth) | ~ sb/sth as sth to think about sb/sth in a particular way:\nHer work is very highly regarded. * Capital punishment was regarded as inhuman and immoral. * He regards himself as a patriot. * She is widely regarded as the current leader’s natural successor.\n  2  (formal) to look at sb/sth, especially in a particular way:\nHe regarded us suspiciously.\n IDIOMS \n  as regards sb/sth (formal) concerning or in connection with sb/sth:\nI have little information as regards her fitness for the post. * As regards the first point in your letter ...\n    noun\n  1  [U] ~ to / for sb/sth (formal) attention to or thought and care for sb/sth:\nto do sth with scant / little / no regard for sb/sth * to have / pay / show little regard for other people’s property * He was driving without regard to speed limits. * Social services should pay proper regard to the needs of inner-city areas.\n  2  [U] ~ (for sb/sth) (formal) respect or admiration for sb:\nHe held her in high regard (= had a good opinion of her). * I had great regard for his abilities. * Children no longer have proper regard for their parents and teachers.\n  3  (regards) [pl.] used to send greetings at the end of a letter, or when asking sb to give your greetings to another person who is not present:\nWith kind regards, Yours ... * Give your brother my regards when you see him.\n IDIOMS \n  have regard to sth (law) to remember and think carefully about sth:\nIt is always necessary to have regard to the terms of the contract. * New sites for waste disposal will be determined having regard to environmental matters.\n  in this / that regard (formal) concerning what has just been mentioned:\nI have nothing further to say in this regard.\n  in / with regard to sb/sth (formal) concerning sb/sth:\na country’s laws in regard to human rights * The company’s position with regard to overtime is made clear in their contracts.\nmore at AS conj.


Words: regarding
Meaning:
preposition\nconcerning sb/sth; about sb/sth:\nShe has said nothing regarding your request. * Call me if you have any problems regarding your work.


Words: regardless
Meaning:
adverb\npaying no attention, even if the situation is bad or there are difficulties:\nThe weather was terrible but we carried on regardless.


Words: regardless of
Meaning:
preposition\npaying no attention to sth/sb; treating sth/sb as not being important:\nThe club welcomes all new members regardless of age. * He went ahead and did it, regardless of the consequences. * The amount will be paid to everyone regardless of whether they have children or not.


Words: Regency
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] of or in the style of the period 181120 in Britain, when George, Prince of Wales, was REGENT (= ruled the country in place of the king, his father):\nRegency architecture / furniture


Words: regency
Meaning:
noun\n(plural regencies) a period of government by a REGENT (= a person who rules a country in place of the king or queen)


Words: regenerate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] to make an area, institution, etc. develop and grow strong again:\nThe money will be used to regenerate the commercial heart of the town.\n  2  (biology) to grow again; to make sth grow again:\n[V] Once destroyed, brain cells do not regenerate. * [VN] If the woodland is left alone, it will regenerate itself in a few years.\n    regeneration  noun [U]:\neconomic / environmental regeneration * the regeneration of cells in the body\n    regenerative  adjective:\nthe regenerative powers of nature


Words: regent
Meaning:
(also Regent)  noun\na person who rules a country because the king or queen is too young, old, ill, etc:\nto act as regent\n    regent (also Regent) adjective [after noun]:\nthe Prince Regent


Words: regime
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a method or system of government, especially one that has not been elected in a fair way:\na fascist / totalitarian / military regime * an oppressive / brutal regime\n  2  a method or system of organizing or managing sth:\nOur tax regime is one of the most favourable in Europe.\n  3  = REGIMEN:\na dietary / fitness regime


Words: regimen
Meaning:
(also regime) noun\n(medical or formal) a set of rules about food and exercise or medical treatment that you follow in order to stay healthy or to improve your health:\na strict regimen * a daily regimen of exercise


Words: regiment
Meaning:
pl. v.]\n  1  a large group of soldiers that is commanded by a COLONEL:\nan armoured / a cavalry / an infantry / a tank regiment * the Parachute / SAS Regiment * He enlisted in the Lancashire regiment.\n  2  (written) a large number of people or things


Words: regimental
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] connected with a particular regiment of soldiers:\na regimental flag / band / parade * regimental headquarters


Words: regimented
Meaning:
adjective (disapproving)\n  1  involving strict discipline and/or organization:\nThe school imposes a very regimented lifestyle on its students.\n  2  arranged in strict groups, patterns, etc:\nregimented lines of trees\n    regimentation  noun [U]:\nShe rebelled against the regimentation of school life.


Words: region
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a large area of land, usually without exact limits or borders:\nthe Arctic / tropical / desert regions * one of the most densely populated regions of North America\n  2  [C] one of the areas that a country is divided into, that has its own customs and/or its own government:\nthe Basque region of Spain\n  3  (the regions) [pl.] (BrE) all of a country except the capital city:\nPeople in the regions should not have to travel to London to fly to the United States.\n  4  [C] a part of the body, usually one that has a particular character or problem:\npains in the abdominal region\n IDIOMS \n  in the region of used when you are giving a number, price, etc. to show that it is not exact:\nHe earns somewhere in the region of ｣20 000.


Words: regional
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] of or relating to a region:\nregional variations in pronunciation * the conflict between regional and national interests * regional councils / elections / newspapers\n    regionally  adverb:\nregionally based television companies


Words: register
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  put name on list\n \n  1  ~ (at / for / with sth) | ~ sth (in sth) | ~ (sb) as sth to record your/sb’s/sth’s name on an official list:\n[VN] to register a birth / marriage / death * to register a company / trademark * The ship was registered in Panama. * [VN-ADJ] She is officially registered (as) disabled. * [V] to register with a doctor / dentist * to register at a hotel\n \n  give opinion publicly\n \n  2  [VN] (formal) to make your opinion known officially or publicly:\nChina has registered a protest over foreign intervention.\n \n  on measuring instrument\n \n  3  if a measuring instrument registers an amount or sth registers an amount on a measuring instrument, the instrument shows or records that amount:\n[V-N] The thermometer registered 32ｰC. * The earthquake registered 3 on the Richter scale. * The stock exchange has registered huge losses this week. [also V]\n  show feeling\n  4  [no passive] (formal) to show or express a feeling:\n[VN] Her face registered disapproval. * [V] Shock registered on everyone’s face.\n  notice sth\n  5  [no passive] (often used in negative sentences) to notice sth and remember it; to be noticed:\n[VN] He barely registered our presence. * [V] I told her my name, but it obviously didn’t register.\n  letter / package\n  6  [VN] [usually passive] to send sth by mail, paying extra money to protect it against loss or damage:\nCan I register this, please? * a registered letter\n    noun\n  list of names\n  1  [C] an official list or record of names, items, etc.; a book that contains such a list:\na parish register (= of births, marriages and deaths) * to be on the electoral register / register of voters * Could you sign the hotel register please, sir? * (BrE) The teacher called the register (= checked who was present at school).\n  of voice / instrument\n  2  [C] the range, or part of a range, of a human voice or a musical instrument:\nin the upper / middle register * the lower register of a clarinet / piano\n  of writing / speech\n  3  [C, U] (linguistics) the level and style of a piece of writing or speech, that is usually appropriate to the situation that it is used in:\nThe essay suddenly switches from a formal to an informal register.\n  for hot / cold air\n  4  [C] (AmE) an opening, with a cover that you can have open or shut, that allows hot or cold air from a heating or cooling system into a room\ncompare VENT\n  machine\n  5  [C] (AmE) = CASH REGISTER


Words: registered mail
Meaning:
(BrE also registered post) noun\n[U] a method of sending a letter or package in which the person sending it can claim money in COMPENSATION if it arrives late or is lost or damaged\ncompare RECORDED DELIVERY


Words: registered nurse
Meaning:
noun (abbreviation RN)\n  1  (AmE) a nurse who has a degree in NURSING and who has passed an exam to be allowed to work in a particular state\n  2  (BrE) a nurse who has an official qualification


Words: registered trademark
Meaning:
noun\n(Symbol ｮ) the sign or name of a product, etc. that is officially recorded and protected so that nobody else can use it


Words: registrar
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person whose job is to keep official records, especially of births, marriages and deaths\n  2  the senior administrative officer in a college or university\n  3  a doctor working in a British hospital who is training to become a specialist in a particular area of medicine:\na surgical / paediatric registrar\ncompare CONSULTANT, RESIDENT


Words: registration
Meaning:
noun [U, C]\n  1  the act of making an official record of sth/sb:\nthe registration of letters / parcels * the registration of students for a course * registration fees * vehicle / birth / death registrations\n  2  a document showing that an official record has been made of sth\ncompare LOGBOOK\n  3  (BrE) = REGISTRATION NUMBER


Words: registration number
Meaning:
(also registration) (both BrE) (AmE license (plate) number) noun\nthe series of letters and numbers that are shown on a NUMBER PLATE at the front and back of a vehicle to identify it


Words: registry office
Meaning:
(also register office) noun\n(in Britain) a place where CIVIL marriages (= that do not involve a religious ceremony) are performed and where records of births, marriages and deaths are made:\nto get married in / at a registry office


Words: regress
Meaning:
verb\n[V] ~ (to sth) (formal, usually disapproving) to return to an earlier or less advanced form or way of behaving


Words: regression
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] ~ (to sth) the process of going back to an earlier or less advanced form or state:\nHe began to show signs of regression to his childhood.


Words: regressive
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  becoming or making sth less advanced:\nThe policy has been condemned as a regressive step.\n  2  (technical) (of taxes) having less effect on the rich than on the poor:\nA regressive tax structure is one in which the average tax rate falls as income level rises.


Words: regret
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (-tt-)\n  1  to feel sorry about sth you have done or about sth that you have not been able to do:\n[VN] If you don’t do it now, you’ll only regret it. * The decision could be one he lives to regret. * ’I’ve had a wonderful life,’ she said, ’I don’t regret a thing.’ * She regretted the words the moment they were out of her mouth. * [V -ing] He bitterly regretted ever having mentioned it. * [V wh-] I deeply regret what I said. [also V that]\n  2  (formal) used to say in a polite or formal way that you are sorry or sad about a situation:\n[VN] The airline regrets any inconvenience. * [V that] I regret that I am unable to accept your kind invitation. * [V to inf] We regret to inform you that your application has not been successful. * [VN that] It is to be regretted that so many young people leave school without qualifications.\n    noun [U, C] a feeling of sadness or disappointment that you have because of sth that has happened or sth that you have done or not done:\nIt is with great regret that I accept your resignation. * She expressed her regret at the decision. * a pang / twinge of regret * I have no regrets about leaving Newcastle (= I do not feel sorry about it). * What is your greatest regret (= the thing that you are most sorry about doing or not doing)? * He gave up teaching in 1997, much to the regret of his students.


Words: regretful
Meaning:
adjective\nfeeling or showing sadness or disappointment because of sth that has happened or sth that you have done or not done:\na regretful look / smile


Words: regretfully
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  in a way that shows you are sad or disappointed about sth:\n’I’m afraid not,’ he said regretfully. * Emma shook her head regretfully.\n  2  used to show that you are sorry that sth is the case and you wish the situation were different\nSYN REGRETTABLY:\nThere is, regretfully, no space in this article to examine all these issues. * Regretfully, mounting costs have forced the museum to close.\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nregretfully / regrettably\nRegretfully and regrettably can both be used as sentence adverbs to show that you are sorry about something and wish the situation were different: Regretfully, some jobs will be lost. * Regrettably, some jobs will be lost.\nRegretfully can also be used to mean ’in a way that shows you are sad or disappointed about something’: He sighed regretfully.\n______________________________


Words: regrettable
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (that ...) that you are sorry about and wish had not happened:\nIt is regrettable that the police were not informed sooner. * The loss of jobs is highly regrettable. * a regrettable incident\n    regrettably  adverb:\nRegrettably, crime has been increasing in this area. * This fine restaurant has, regrettably, gone out of business. * There is regrettably little evidence to support this argument.


Words: regroup
Meaning:
verb\n~ (sth) (for sth) to arrange differently the way people or soldiers work together, especially in order to continue fighting or attacking sb:\n[VN] They regrouped their forces and renewed the attack. * [V] After its election defeat, the party needs to regroup. * The cavalry regrouped and attacked again.


Words: regular
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  following pattern\n  1  following a pattern, especially with the same time and space in between each thing and the next:\nregular breathing * a regular pulse / heartbeat * A light flashed at regular intervals. * There is a regular bus service to the airport. * regular meetings / visits * The equipment is checked on a regular basis. * She writes a regular column for a national newspaper.\nOPP IRREGULAR\n  frequent\n  2  done or happening often:\nDo you take regular exercise? * Domestic violence is a regular occurrence in some families.\nOPP IRREGULAR\n  3  [only before noun] (of people) doing the same thing or going to the same place often:\nour regular customers / readers / viewers * regular offenders (= against the law) * He was a regular visitor to her house.\n  usual\n  4  [only before noun] usual:\nI couldn’t see my regular doctor today. * On Monday he would have to return to his regular duties. * It’s important to follow the regular procedure.\n  evenly shaped\n  5  evenly shaped:\na face with regular features * a regular geometric pattern * He flashed a smile, showing two rows of white, regular teeth.\nOPP IRREGULAR\n  permanent\n  6  lasting or happening over a long period:\na regular job / income * She couldn’t find any regular employment.\n  standard size\n  7  (especially AmE) of a standard size:\nRegular or large fries?\n  ordinary\n  8  [only before noun] (especially AmE) ordinary; without any special or extra features:\nDo you want regular or diet cola? * I just want to buy a regular white shirt-nothing fancy. * (approving) He’s just a regular guy who loves his dog.\n  soldier\n  9  [only before noun] belonging to or connected with the permanent armed forces or police force of a country:\na regular army / soldier\nOPP IRREGULAR\n  grammar\n  10  (especially of verbs or nouns) changing their form in the same way as most other verbs and nouns:\nThe past participle of regular verbs ends in ’-ed’.\nOPP IRREGULAR\n  for emphasis\n  11  (informal) used for emphasis to show that sb/sth is an exact or clear example of the thing mentioned:\nThe whole thing was a regular disaster.\n    noun\n  customer\n  1  a customer who often goes to a particular shop/store, pub, restaurant, etc:\nHe’s one of our regulars.\n  member of team\n  2  a person who often plays in a particular team, takes part in a particular television show, etc:\nWe are missing six first-team regulars because of injury.\n  soldier\n  3  a professional soldier who belongs to a country’s permanent army


Words: regularity
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  [U] the fact that the same thing happens again and again, and usually with the same length of time between each time it happens:\nAircraft passed overhead with monotonous regularity. * None of the lights seemed to work with any regularity.\n  2  [U] the fact that sth is arranged evenly or in an organized pattern:\nthe striking regularity of her features\n  3  [C] a thing that has a pattern to it:\nto observe regularities in the behaviour of the animals * the patterns and regularities of social life\ncompare IRREGULARITY


Words: regularize
Meaning:
(BrE also regularise)  verb\n[VN] to make a situation that already exists legal or official:\nIllegal immigrants were given the opportunity to regularize their position.


Words: regularly
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  at regular intervals or times:\nto go to church regularly * We meet regularly to discuss the progress of the project. * The water in the fish tank should be changed regularly.\n  2  often:\nI go there quite regularly.\n  3  in an even or balanced way:\nThe plants were spaced regularly, about 50 cm apart.


Words: regulate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to control sth by means of rules:\n[VN] The activities of credit companies are regulated by law. * The government accepts whaling in principle as long as it is carefully regulated. * [V] It is up to the regulating authority to put the measures into effect.\n  2  [VN] to control the speed, pressure, temperature, etc. in a machine or system:\nThis valve regulates the flow of water.


Words: regulation
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  [C, usually pl.] an official rule made by a government or some other authority:\ntoo many rules and regulations * fire / safety / building regulations * to comply with the regulations * Under the new regulations spending on office equipment will be strictly controlled. * the strict regulations governing the sale of weapons\n  2  [U] controlling sth by means of rules:\nthe voluntary regulation of the press\n    adjective [only before noun] that must be worn or used according to the official rules:\nin regulation uniform


Words: regulator
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person or an organization that officially controls an area of business or industry and makes sure that it is operating fairly:\nOfgas, the gas industry regulator * banking regulators\n  2  a device that automatically controls sth such as speed, temperature or pressure:\na pressure regulator


Words: regulatory
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] having the power to control an area of business or industry and make sure that it is operating fairly:\nregulatory bodies / authorities / agencies * regulatory procedures


Words: regurgitate
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  (formal) to bring food that has been swallowed back up into the mouth again:\nThe bird regurgitates half-digested fish to feed its young.\n  2  (disapproving) to repeat sth you have heard or read without really thinking about it or understanding it\n    regurgitation  noun [U]


Words: rehab
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (especially AmE) the process of helping to cure sb who has a problem with drugs or alcohol:\nto go into rehab * a rehab clinic


Words: rehabilitate
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to help sb to have a normal, useful life again after they have been very ill/sick or in prison for a long time:\na unit for rehabilitating drug addicts\n  2  to begin to consider that sb is good or acceptable after a long period during which they were considered bad or unacceptable:\nHe played a major role in rehabilitating Magritte as an artist.\n  3  to return a building to its previous good condition:\nBillions of pounds are being spent on rehabilitating inner-city areas.\n    rehabilitation  noun [U]:\na drug rehabilitation centre * the rehabilitation of the steel industry


Words: rehash
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (disapproving) to arrange ideas, pieces of writing or pieces of film into a new form but without any great change or improvement:\nHe just rehashes songs from the 60s.\n    rehash  noun [sing.] (disapproving):\nThe movie is just a rehash of the best TV episodes.


Words: rehearsal
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] time that is spent practising a play or piece of music in preparation for a public performance:\nto have / hold a rehearsal * We only had six days of rehearsal. * Our new production of ’Hamlet’ is currently in rehearsal. * a rehearsal room * The leading man broke his leg in the middle of rehearsals.\nsee also DRESS REHEARSAL\n  2  [C, usually sing.] ~ (for sth) an experience or event that helps to prepare you for sth that is going to happen in the future:\nThese training exercises are designed to be a rehearsal for the invasion. * Life is not a rehearsal.\n  3  [C, usually sing.] ~ of sth (formal) the act of repeating sth that has been said before:\nWe listened to his lengthy rehearsal of the arguments.


Words: rehearse
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ (for sth) to practise or make people practise a play, piece of music, etc. in preparation for a public performance:\n[V] We were given only two weeks to rehearse. * [VN] Today, we’ll just be rehearsing the final scene. * The actors were poorly rehearsed.\n  2  [VN] to prepare in your mind or practise privately what you are going to do or say to sb:\nShe walked along rehearsing her excuse for being late.\n  3  [VN] (formal, usually disapproving) to repeat ideas or opinions that have often been expressed before


Words: rehouse
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to provide sb with a different home to live in, especially a better one:\nThousands of earthquake victims are still waiting to be rehoused.


Words: reign
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  the period during which a king, queen, EMPEROR, etc. rules:\nin / during the reign of Charles II\n  2  the period during which sb is in charge of an organization, a team, etc:\nSir Matt Busby’s reign at Manchester United\n    verb [V] \n  1  ~ (over sb/sth) to rule as king, queen, EMPEROR, etc:\nthe reigning monarch * Queen Victoria reigned from 1837 to 1901. * Herod reigned over Palestine at that time.\n  2  ~ (over sb/sth) to be the best or most important in a particular situation or area of skill:\nthe reigning champion * In the field of classical music, he still reigns supreme.\n  3  (literary) (of an idea, a feeling or an atmosphere) to be the most obvious feature of a place or moment:\nAt last silence reigned (= there was complete silence). * For a while, chaos and confusion reigned.


Words: reign of terror
Meaning:
noun\n(plural reigns of terror) a period during which there is a lot of violence and many people are killed by the ruler or people in power:\nHis 12-year reign of terror left thousands dead.


Words: reimburse
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sb (for sth) (formal) to pay back money to sb which they have spent or lost:\nWe will reimburse any expenses incurred. * You will be reimbursed for any loss or damage caused by our company.\n    reimbursement noun [U]:\nYou will receive reimbursement for any additional costs incurred.


Words: rein
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C, usually pl.] a long, narrow, leather band that is fastened around a horse’s neck and is held by the rider in order to control the horse:\nShe pulled gently on the reins.\n \n  2  (reins) [pl.] (BrE) straps worn by a small child and held by an adult in order to stop the child from walking off and getting lost\n \n  3  (the reins) [pl.] the state of being in control or the leader of sth:\nIt was time to hand over the reins of power (= to give control to sb else). * The vice-president was forced to take up the reins of office.\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  give / allow sb/sth free / full rein | give / allow free / full rein to sth to give sb complete freedom of action; to allow a feeling to be expressed freely:\nThe designer was given free rein. * The script allows full rein to her larger-than-life acting style. * When I paint I just give my imagination free rein.\nmore at TIGHT\n    verb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  rein sth<->in | rein sb/sth<->back\n1 to start to control sb/sth more strictly\nSYN CHECK:\nWe need to rein back public spending. * She kept her emotions tightly reined in.\n2 to stop a horse or make it go more slowly by pulling back the reins


Words: reincarnate
Meaning:
verb\n[often passive] ~ sb/sth (in / as sb/sth) to be born again in another body after you have died; to make sb be born again in this way:\n[VN] They believe humans are reincarnated in animal form. [also V]


Words: reincarnation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the belief that after sb’s death their soul lives again in a new body:\nDo you believe in reincarnation?\n  2  [C, usually sing.] a person or an animal whose body contains the soul of a dead person:\nHe thinks he’s the reincarnation of Attila the Hun.


Words: reindeer
Meaning:
noun\n(plural reindeer) a large deer with long ANTLERS (= horns shaped like branches), that lives in cold northern regions:\nherds of reindeer


Words: reinforce
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to make a feeling, an idea, etc. stronger:\nThe experience reinforced my sense of loss. * Such jokes tend to reinforce racial stereotypes. * The climate of political confusion has only reinforced the country’s economic decline. * Success in the talks will reinforce his reputation as an international statesman.\n  2  to make a structure or material stronger, especially by adding another material to it:\nAll buildings are now reinforced to withstand earthquakes. * reinforced plastic / steel\n  3  to send more people or equipment in order to make an army, etc. stronger:\nThe UN has undertaken to reinforce its military presence along the borders.


Words: reinforcement
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (reinforcements) [pl.] extra soldiers or police officers who are sent to a place because more are needed:\nto send in reinforcements\n  2  [U, sing.] the act of making sth stronger, especially a feeling or an idea:\nthe reinforcement of existing prejudices by the media


Words: reinstate
Meaning:
as sth)\n  1  to give back a job or position that had been taken away from sb:\nHe was reinstated in his post.\n  2  to return sth to its previous position or status:\nThere have been repeated calls to reinstate the death penalty. * Tennis has now been reinstated as an Olympic sport.\n    reinstatement noun [U]


Words: reinsurance
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (finance) the practice of one insurance company buying insurance from another company against any losses that result from claims that are made against it


Words: reinterpret
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to INTERPRET (= understand and present) sth in a new or different way:\nThis new production radically reinterprets the play.\n    reinterpretation  noun [C, U]


Words: reintroduce
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to start to use sth again\nSYN BRING BACK:\nto reintroduce the death penalty * plans to reintroduce trams to the city\n  2  to put a type of animal, bird or plant back into a region where it once lived\n    reintroduction noun [U, C]


Words: reinvent
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sth / yourself (as sth) to present yourself/sth in a new form or with a new image:\nThe former wild man of rock has reinvented himself as a respectable family man.\n IDIOMS \n  reinvent the wheel to waste time creating sth that already exists and works well:\nThere’s no point in us reinventing the wheel.


Words: reinvest
Meaning:
verb\n[VN, V] to put profits that have been made on an INVESTMENT back into the same investment or into a new one


Words: reissue
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] ~ sth (as sth) to publish or produce again a book, record, etc. that has not been available for some time:\nold jazz recordings reissued on CD * The novel was reissued in paperback.\n    noun an old book or record that has been published or produced again after not being available for some time


Words: reiterate
Meaning:
verb\n(formal) to repeat sth that you have already said, especially to emphasize it:\n[VN] to reiterate an argument / a demand / an offer * [V that] Let me reiterate that we are fully committed to this policy. [also V speech]\n    reiteration  noun [sing.]:\na reiteration of her previous statement


Words: reject
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb  [VN]\n  argument / idea / plan\n  1  to refuse to accept or consider sth:\nto reject an argument / a claim / a decision / an offer / a suggestion * The prime minister rejected any idea of reforming the system. * The proposal was firmly rejected.\n  sb for job\n  2  to refuse to accept sb for a job, position, etc:\nPlease reject the following candidates ... * I’ve been rejected by all the universities I applied to.\n  not use / publish\n  3  to decide not to use, sell, publish, etc. sth because its quality is not good enough:\nImperfect articles are rejected by our quality control.\n  new organ\n  4  (of the body) to not accept a new organ after a TRANSPLANT operation, by producing substances that attack the organ:\nHer body has already rejected two kidneys.\n  not love\n  5  to fail to give a person or an animal enough care or affection:\nThe lioness rejected the smallest cub, which died. * When her husband left home she felt rejected and useless.\n    rejection  noun [U, C]:\nHer proposal met with unanimous rejection. * a rejection letter (= a letter in which you are told, for example, that you have not been accepted for a job) * painful feelings of rejection\n    noun \n  sth that cannot be used\n  1  something that cannot be used or sold because there is sth wrong with it\n  person\n  2  a person who has not been accepted as a member of a team, society, etc:\none of society’s rejects


Words: rejig
Meaning:
verb\n(-gg-) (BrE) (AmE rejigger ) [VN] (informal) to make changes to sth; to arrange sth differently


Words: rejoice
Meaning:
verb\n~ (at / in / over sth) (formal) to express great happiness about sth\nSYN CELEBRATE:\n[V] When the war ended, people finally had cause to rejoice. * The motor industry is rejoicing at the cut in car tax. * [V to inf] They rejoiced to see their son well again. [also V that] \n IDIOMS \n  rejoice in the name of ... (BrE, humorous) to have a name that sounds funny:\nHe rejoiced in the name of Owen Owen.


Words: rejoin
Meaning:
verb\nto join sb/sth again after leaving them:\n[V] to rejoin a club / company * She hung up the phone and rejoined them at the table. * The path goes through a wood before rejoining the main road. [also V]\n\n verb\n(formal) to say sth as an answer, especially sth quick, critical or amusing:\n[V speech] ’You’re wrong!’ she rejoined. [also V that]


Words: rejoinder
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] (formal) a reply, especially a quick, critical or amusing one:\n’No!’ was his curt rejoinder.


Words: rejuvenate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to make sb/sth look or feel younger or more lively:\nHis new job seemed to rejuvenate him. * special creams to rejuvenate the skin\n    rejuvenation  noun [U, sing.]


Words: rekindle
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (written) to make sth become active again\nSYN REAWAKEN:\nto rekindle feelings / hopes / interest / memories * The sight of her after so many years rekindled his passion.


Words: relapse
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun sick again after making an improvement:\nto have / suffer a relapse * a risk of relapse\n    verb  [V] ~ (into sth) to go back into a previous condition or into a worse state after making an improvement:\nThey relapsed into silence. * He relapsed into his old bad habits. * Two days after leaving the hospital she relapsed into a coma.


Words: relate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] ~ A (to B) show or make a connection between two or more things:\nI found it difficult to relate the two ideas in my mind. * In the future, pay increases will be related to productivity.\n  2  ~ sth (to sb) (formal) to give a spoken or written report of sth; to tell a story:\n[VN] She relates her childhood experiences in the first chapters. * He related the facts of the case to journalists. * [V wh-] She related how he had run away from home as a boy. [also V that]\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  relate to sth/sb\n1 to be connected with sth/sb; to refer to sth/sb:\nWe shall discuss the problem as it relates to our specific case. * The second paragraph relates to the situation in Scotland.\n2 to be able to understand and have sympathy with sb/sth:\nMany adults can’t relate to children. * Our product needs an image that people can relate to.


Words: related sb
Meaning:
1  connected with sth/sb in some way:\nMuch of the crime in this area is related to drug abuse. * These problems are closely related. * a related issue / question * a stress-related illness\n  2  in the same family:\nAre you related to Margaret? * We’re distantly related.\n  3  belonging to the same group:\nrelated species / languages * The llama is related to the camel.\nOPP UNRELATED\n    relatedness noun [U]


Words: relation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (relations) [pl.] ~ (between A and B) | ~ (with sb/sth) the way in which two people, groups or countries behave towards each other or deal with each other:\ndiplomatic / international / foreign relations * US-Chinese relations * Relations with neighbouring countries are under strain at present. * We seek to improve relations between our two countries. * teacher-pupil relations * (formal) to have sexual relations (= to have sex)\nsee also INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS, PUBLIC RELATIONS, RACE RELATIONS\n  2  [U, C] ~ (between A and B) | ~ (to sth) the way in which two or more things are connected:\nthe relation between rainfall and crop yields * the relation of the farmer to the land * The fee they are offering bears no relation to the amount of work involved. * (formal) I have some comments to make in relation to (= concerning) this matter. * Its brain is small in relation to (= compared with) its body. * Little of what he said has any relation to fact.\n  3  [C] a person who is in the same family as sb else \nSYN RELATIVE:\na close / near / distant relation of mine * a relation by marriage * a party for friends and relations * He’s called Brady too, but we’re no relation (= not related). * Is he any relation to you?\nsee also BLOOD RELATION, POOR RELATION


Words: relational
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal or technical) existing or considered in relation to sth else:\na relational database (= one that can recognize the connection between stored items of information)


Words: relationship
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] ~ (between A and B) | ~ (with sb) the way in which two people, groups or countries behave towards each other or deal with each other:\nThe relationship between the police and the local community has improved. * She has a very close relationship with her sister. * I have established a good working relationship with my boss. * a master-servant relationship\nsee also LOVE-HATE RELATIONSHIP\n  2  [C] ~ (between A and B) | ~ (with sb) a loving and/or sexual friendship between two people:\nTheir affair did not develop into a lasting relationship. * She’s had a series of miserable relationships. * Money problems have put a strain on their relationship.\n  3  [C, U] ~ (between A and B) | ~ (to sth) the way in which two or more things are connected:\nthe relationship between mental and physical health * This comment bore no relationship to the subject of our conversation. * People alter their voices in relationship to background noise. * an inverse relationship\n  4  [C, U] ~ (between A and B) the way in which a person is related to sb else in a family:\na father-son relationship * I’m not sure of the exact relationship between them-I think they’re cousins.


Words: relative
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective (formal)\n  1  considered and judged by being compared with sth else:\nthe relative merits of the two plans\n  2  ~ (to sth) considered according to its position or connection with sth else:\nthe position of the sun relative to the earth\n  3  [only before noun] that exists or that has a particular quality only when compared with sth else:\nThey now live in relative comfort (= compared with how they lived before). * Given the failure of the previous plan, this turned out to be a relative success. * (spoken) It’s all relative though, isn’t it? We never had any money when I was a kid and $500 was a fortune to us.\ncompare ABSOLUTE\n  4  ~ to sth (formal) having a connection with sth; referring to sth:\nthe facts relative to the case\n  5  (grammar) referring to an earlier noun, sentence or part of a sentence:\nIn ’the man who came’, ’who’ is a relative pronoun and ’who came’ is a relative clause.\n    noun\n  1  a person who is in the same family as sb else\nSYN RELATION:\na close / distant relative * her friends and relatives\n  2  a thing that belongs to the same group as sth else:\nThe ibex is a distant relative of the mountain goat.


Words: relatively
Meaning:
adverb\nto a fairly large degree, especially in comparison to others:\nI found the test relatively easy. * We had relatively few applications for the job. * Lack of exercise is also a risk factor for heart disease but it’s relatively small when compared with the others.\n IDIOMS \n  relatively speaking used when you are comparing sth with all similar things:\nRelatively speaking, these jobs provide good salaries.


Words: relativism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) the belief that truth is not always and generally valid, but can be judged only in relation to other things, such as your personal situation:\nmoral / cultural relativism\n    relativist adjective:\na relativist view / position\n    relativist noun


Words: relativity
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (physics) Einstein’s theory of the universe based on the principle that all movement is relative and that time is a fourth DIMENSION related to space\n  2  (formal) the state of being relative and only able to be judged when compared with sth else


Words: relaunch
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to start or present sth again in a new or different way, especially a product for sale:\nto relaunch a product / magazine / political party * The band are hoping to relaunch their career with a new song and a new image.\n    relaunch  noun:\na party to mark the relaunch of the magazine


Words: relax
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [V] ~ (with sth) to rest while you are doing sth enjoyable, especially after work or effort:\nWhen I get home from work I like to relax with a glass of wine. * Just relax and enjoy the movie. * I’m going to spend the weekend just relaxing.\n  2  to become or make sb become calmer and less worried:\n[V] I’ll only relax when I know you’re safe. * Relax! Everything will be OK. [also VN]\n  3  to become or make sth become less tight or stiff:\n[V] Allow your muscles to relax completely. * [VN] The massage relaxed my tense back muscles. * He relaxed his grip on her arm. * (figurative) The dictator refuses to relax his grip on power.\n  4  [VN] to allow rules, laws, etc. to become less strict:\nThe council has relaxed the ban on dogs in city parks.\n  5  [VN] to allow your attention or effort to become weaker:\nYou cannot afford to relax your concentration for a moment.


Words: relaxation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] ways of resting and enjoying yourself; time spent resting and enjoying yourself:\nI go hill-walking for relaxation. * a few days of relaxation * relaxation techniques\n  2  [C] something pleasant you do in order to rest, especially after you have been working:\nFishing is his favourite relaxation.\n  3  [U, C, usually sing.] the act of making a rule or some form of control less strict or severe:\nthe relaxation of foreign currency controls * a relaxation of travel restrictions


Words: relaxed
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (about sth) (of a person) calm and not anxious or worried:\nHe appeared relaxed and confident before the match. * She had a very relaxed manner. * I’m feeling more relaxed about the future now.\n  2  (of a place) calm and informal:\na family-run hotel with a relaxed atmosphere\n  3  ~ (about sth) not caring too much about discipline or making people follow rules:\nI take a fairly relaxed attitude towards what the kids wear to school.


Words: relay
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb  [VN] \n  1  to receive and send on information, news, etc. to sb:\nHe relayed the message to his boss. * Instructions were relayed to him by phone.\n  2  to broadcast television or radio signals:\nThe game was relayed by satellite to audiences all over the world.\n    noun \n  1  (also relay race) a race between teams in which each member of the team runs or swims one section of the race:\nthe 4 ﾗ 100m relay * a relay team / squad * the sprint relay\n  2  a fresh set of people or animals that take the place of others that are tired or have finished a period of work:\nRescuers worked in relays to save the trapped miners. * The wagons were pulled by relays of horses.\n  3  an electronic device that receives radio or television signals and sends them on again with greater strength:\na relay station / satellite


Words: release
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN]\n  set sb / sth free\n  1  ~ sb/sth (from sth) to let sb/sth come out of a place where they have been kept or trapped:\nto release a prisoner / hostage * Firefighters took two hours to release the driver from the wreckage. * (figurative) Death released him from his suffering.\n  stop holding sth\n  2  to stop holding sth or stop it from being held so that it can move, fly, fall, etc. freely:\nHe refused to release her arm. * 10 000 balloons were released at the ceremony. * Intense heat is released in the reaction.\n  feelings\n  3  to express feelings such as anger or worry in order to get rid of them:\nShe burst into tears, releasing all her pent-up emotions.\n  free sb from duty\n  4  ~ sb (from sth) to free sb from a duty, responsibility, contract, etc:\nThe club is releasing some of its older players. * The new law released employers from their obligation to recognize unions.\n  part of machine\n  5  to remove sth from a fixed position, allowing sth else to move or function:\nto release the clutch / handbrake / switch\n  make less tight\n  6  to make sth less tight:\nYou need to release the tension in these shoulder muscles.\n  make available\n  7  to make sth available to the public:\nPolice have released no further details about the accident. * to release a movie / book / CD * new products released onto the market\n  8  to make sth available that had previously been restricted:\nThe new building programme will go ahead as soon as the government releases the funds.\n    noun\n  setting sb / sth free\n  1  [U, sing.] ~ (of sb) (from sth) the act of setting a person or an animal free; the state of being set free:\nThe government has been working to secure the release of the hostages. * She can expect an early release from prison.\n  making sth available\n  2  [U, sing.] the act of making sth available to the public:\nThe new software is planned for release in April. * The movie goes on general release (= will be widely shown in cinemas / movie theaters) next week.\n  3  [C] a thing that is made available to the public, especially a new CD or film/movie:\nthe latest new releases\n  of gas / chemical\n  4  [U, C] the act of letting a gas, chemical, etc. come out of the container where it has been safely held:\nthe release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere * to monitor radiation releases\n  from unpleasant feeling\n  5  [U, sing.] the feeling that you are free from pain, anxiety or some other unpleasant feeling:\na sense of release after the exam * I think her death was a merciful release. * It’s just a release of tension.\nsee also PRESS RELEASE


Words: relegate
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sb/sth (to sth) to give sb a lower or less important position, rank, etc. than before:\nShe was then relegated to the role of assistant. * He relegated the incident to the back of his mind.\n  2  [usually passive] (especially BrE) to move a sports team, especially a football team, to a lower position within an official LEAGUE\nOPP PROMOTE\n    relegation  noun [U]:\nteams threatened with relegation


Words: relent
Meaning:
verb [V] \n  1  to finally agree to sth after refusing:\n’Well, just for a little while then,’ she said, finally relenting.\n  2  to become less determined, strong, etc:\nAfter two days the rain relented slightly and we were able to leave the hotel. * The police will not relent in their fight against crime.


Words: relentless
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not stopping or getting less strong:\nher relentless pursuit of perfection * The sun was relentless.\n  2  refusing to give up or be less strict or severe:\na relentless enemy * You have to be as single-minded and relentless as your rivals if you want to get to the top.\n    relentlessly adverb:\nHe went on relentlessly with his questions.


Words: relevant sb
Meaning:
1  closely connected with the subject you are discussing or the situation you are thinking about:\na relevant suggestion / question / point * These comments are not directly relevant to this enquiry. * Do you have the relevant experience? * Send me all the relevant information.\nOPP IRRELEVANT\n  2  having ideas that are valuable and useful to people in their lives and work:\nHer novel is still relevant today. * How relevant is religious education to most children?\n    relevance  noun [U]:\nI don’t see the relevance of your question. * What he said has no direct relevance to the matter in hand. * a classic play of contemporary relevance\n    relevantly adverb:\nThe applicant has experience in teaching and, more relevantly, in industry.


Words: reliable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  that can be trusted to do sth well; that you can rely on\nSYN DEPENDABLE:\nWe are looking for someone who is reliable and hard-working. * a reliable friend / supplier / supporter * My car’s not as reliable as it used to be.\n  2  that is likely to be correct or true:\nOur information comes from a reliable source. * a reliable witness * How reliable are the local weather forecasts? * These tests are a reliable indicator of future performance.\nOPP UNRELIABLE\n    reliability  noun [U]:\nThe incident cast doubt on her motives and reliability. * The reliability of these results has been questioned. * The aircraft has an exceptional record of reliability.\n    reliably  adverb:\nI am reliably informed (= told by sb who knows the facts) that the company is being sold.


Words: reliance
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] ~ (on / upon sb/sth) the state of needing sb/sth in order to survive, be successful, etc.; the fact of being able to rely on sb/sth\nSYN DEPENDENCE:\nHeavy reliance on one client is not without risk when building up a business. * Such learning methods encourage too great a reliance upon the teacher. * The study programme concentrates more on group work and places less reliance on (= depends less on) lectures. * I wouldn’t place too much reliance on (= trust) these figures. * an increasing reliance on overseas aid


Words: reliant
Meaning:
adjective\n~ on / upon sb/sth needing sb/sth in order to survive, be successful, etc.\nSYN DEPENDENT:\nThe hostel is heavily reliant upon charity. * Businesses have become increasingly reliant on complicated computing systems.\nsee also SELF-RELIANT


Words: relic
Meaning:
noun\n  1  ~ (of / from sth) an object, a tradition, etc. that has survived from a period of time that no longer exists:\nThe building stands as the last remaining relic of the town’s cotton industry. * The pictures on the walls were relics from the days before her marriage.\n  2  a part of the body or clothing of a holy person, or sth that they owned, that is kept after their death and respected as a religious object:\nholy / sacred relics


Words: relief
Meaning:
noun\n  removal of anxiety / pain\n  1  [U, sing.] the feeling of happiness that you have when sth unpleasant stops or does not happen:\na sense of relief * We all breathed a sigh of relief when he left. * She sighed with relief. * Much to my relief the car was not damaged. * News of their safety came as a great relief. * It was a relief to be able to talk to someone about it. * What a relief!\n  2  [U] ~ (from / of sth) the act of removing or reducing pain, anxiety, etc:\nmodern methods of pain relief * the relief of misery / poverty / suffering * Massage can bring some relief from tension. * Volunteers provide regular help to give relief to carers.\n  help\n  3  [U] food, money, medicine, etc. that is given to help people in places where there has been a war or natural disaster:\nfamine relief * a relief agency / organization / worker * relief aid / supplies\n  4  [U] (especially AmE) financial help given by the government to people who need it\n  on tax\n  5  [U] = TAX RELIEF:\nrelief on mortgage interest payments\n  sth different\n  6  [U, sing.] ~ (from sth) something that is interesting or enjoyable that replaces sth boring, difficult or unpleasant for a short period of time:\na few moments of light relief in an otherwise dull performance * There was little comic relief in his speech. * The calm of the countryside came as a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of city life.\n  workers\n  7  [C+sing./pl. v.] (often used as an adjective) a person or group of people that replaces another when they have finished working for the day or when they are sick:\nThe next crew relief comes on duty at 9 o’clock. * relief drivers\n  from enemy\n  8  [sing.] ~ of ... the act of freeing a town, etc. from an enemy army that has surrounded it:\nthe relief of Mafeking\n  in art\n  9  [U, C] a way of decorating wood, stone, etc. by cutting designs into the surface of it so that some parts stick out more than others; a design that is made in this way:\nThe column was decorated in high relief (= with designs that stick out a lot) with scenes from Greek mythology. * The bronze doors are covered with sculpted reliefs.\nsee also BAS-RELIEF\n  making sth noticeable\n  10  [U] the effect of colours, light, etc. that makes an object more noticeable than others around it:\nThe snow-capped mountain stood out in sharp relief against the blue sky.\n  11  [U] the quality of a particular situation, problem, etc. that makes it more noticeable than before:\nTheir differences have been thrown into sharp relief by the present crisis.


Words: relief road
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a road that vehicles can use to avoid an area of heavy traffic, especially a road built for this purpose


Words: relieve
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to remove or reduce an unpleasant feeling or pain:\nto relieve the symptoms of a cold * to relieve anxiety / guilt / stress * Being able to tell the truth at last seemed to relieve her.\n  2  to make a problem less serious:\nefforts to relieve famine in Africa * to relieve traffic congestion / unemployment\n  3  to make sth less boring, especially by introducing sth different:\nWe played cards to relieve the boredom of the long wait. * The black and white pattern is relieved by tiny coloured flowers.\n  4  to replace sb who is on duty:\nto relieve a driver / sentry * You’ll be relieved at six o’clock.\n  5  to free a town, etc. from an enemy army that has surrounded it\n  6  ~ yourself a polite way of referring to going to the toilet:\nI had to relieve myself behind a bush.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  relieve sb of sth\n1 to help sb by taking sth heavy or difficult from them:\nLet me relieve you of some of your bags. * The new secretary will relieve us of some of the paperwork.\n2 (informal, ironic) to steal sth from sb:\nA boy with a knife relieved him of his wallet.\n3 to dismiss sb from a job, position, etc:\nGeneral Beale was relieved of his command.


Words: relieved
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to see, hear, find, etc. sth) | ~ (that ...) feeling happy because sth unpleasant has stopped or has not happened; showing this:\nShe sounded relieved. * You’ll be relieved to know your jobs are safe. * I’m just relieved that nobody was hurt. * They exchanged relieved glances. * He was clearly relieved when we offered to pay for the damage.


Words: religion
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the belief in the existence of a god or gods, and the activities that are connected with the worship of them:\nIs there always a conflict between science and religion?\n  2  [C] one of the systems of faith that are based on the belief in the existence of a particular god or gods:\nthe Jewish religion * Christianity, Islam and other world religions * The law states that everyone has the right to practise their own religion.\n  3  [sing.] a particular interest or influence that is very important in your life:\nFor him, football is an absolute religion.\n IDIOMS \n  get religion (informal, disapproving) to suddenly become interested in religion


Words: religious
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [only before noun] connected with religion or with a particular religion:\nreligious beliefs / faith * religious education (= education about religion) * religious instruction (= instruction in a particular religion) * religious groups / leaders * objects which have a religious significance * a religious house (= a MONASTERY or CONVENT)\n  2  (of a person) believing strongly in the existence of a god or gods\nSYN DEVOUT:\nHis wife is very religious.\n    religiousness noun [U]


Words: religiously
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  very carefully or regularly:\nShe followed the instructions religiously. * They go to Greece religiously every year.\n  2  in a way that is connected with religion:\nWere you brought up religiously?


Words: relinquish
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sth (to sb) (formal) to stop having sth, especially when this happens unwillingly:\nHe was forced to relinquish control of the company. * They had relinquished all hope that she was alive. * She relinquished possession of the house to her sister. * I relinquished her hand (= stopped holding it) and stood up.


Words: relish
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb to get great pleasure from sth; to want very much to do or have sth:\n[VN] to relish a fight / challenge / debate * to relish the idea / thought of sth * I don’t relish the prospect of getting up early tomorrow. * [V -ing] Nobody relishes cleaning the oven. [also VN -ing] \n    noun\n  1  [U] (written) great enjoyment or pleasure:\nShe savoured the moment with obvious relish.\n  2  [U, C] a cold thick spicy sauce made from fruit and vegetables that have been boiled, served with meat, cheese, etc.


Words: relive
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to experience sth again, especially in your imagination:\nHe relives the horror of the crash every night in his dreams.


Words: reload
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [V, VN] to put more bullets into a gun, more film into a camera, etc.\n  2  [VN] to put data or a program into the memory of a computer again\n  3  [VN] to fill a container, vehicle, machine, etc. again


Words: relocate
Meaning:
verb\n(especially of a company or workers) to move or to move sb/sth to a new place to work or operate:\n[V] The firm may be forced to relocate from New York to Stanford. * Some were unwilling to relocate. * [VN] The company relocated its head office to Stanford.\n    relocation  noun [U]:\nrelocation costs / expenses


Words: reluctant
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to do sth) hesitating before doing sth because you do not want to do it or because you are not sure that it is the right thing to do:\nreluctant agreement / support * She was reluctant to admit she was wrong. * He finally gave a reluctant smile. * a reluctant hero (= a person who does not want to be called a hero)\n    reluctance  noun [U, sing.] ~ (to do sth):\nThere is still some reluctance on the part of employers to become involved in this project. * They finally agreed to our terms with a certain reluctance. * It was with great reluctance that she took early retirement.\n    reluctantly adverb:\nWe reluctantly agreed to go with her. * Reluctantly, he started the engine and drove off.


Words: rely
Meaning:
verb\n(relies, relying, relied, relied)\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  rely on / upon sb/sth\n1 to need or be dependent on sb/sth:\nAs babies, we rely entirely on others for food. * [+ to inf] These days we rely heavily on computers to organize our work. * [+ -ing] The industry relies on the price of raw materials remaining low.\n2 to trust or have faith in sb/sth:\nYou should rely on your own judgement. * [+ to inf] You can rely on me to keep your secret. * He can’t be relied on to tell the truth.\n______________________________\n WORD FAMILY \nrely v.\nreliable adj. (=/= unreliable)\nreliability n. (=/= unreliability)\nreliance n.\n______________________________


Words: REM
Meaning:
abbreviation\nrapid eye movement (describes a period of sleep during which you dream and your eyes make many small movements):\nREM sleep is an essential part of brain function.


Words: remain
Meaning:
verb (formal) (not usually in the progressive tenses)\n  1  linking verb to continue to be sth; to be still in the same state or condition:\n[V-ADJ] to remain silent / standing / seated / motionless * Train fares are likely to remain unchanged. * It remains true that sport is about competing well, not winning. * Despite threats of strike action, the management remain hopeful that an agreement can be reached. * [V-N] In spite of their quarrel, they remain the best of friends. * He will remain (as) manager of the club until the end of his contract.\n  2  [V] to still be present after the other parts have been removed, used, etc.; to continue to exist:\nVery little of the house remained after the fire. * Only about half of the original workforce remains. * There were only ten minutes remaining.\n  3  to still need to be done, said, or dealt with:\n[V to inf] Much remains to be done. * It remains to be seen (= it will only be known later) whether you are right. * [V] There remained one significant problem. * Questions remain about the president’s honesty. * [V (that)] I feel sorry for her, but the fact remains (that) she lied to us.\n  4  [V]   [usually +adv./prep.] to stay in the same place; to not leave:\nThey remained in Mexico until June. * The plane remained on the ground. * She left, but I remained behind.\n IDIOMS  see ALOOF


Words: remainder
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  (usually the remainder) [sing.+sing./pl. v.] (written) the remaining people, things or time\nSYN THE REST:\nI kept some of his books and gave away the remainder.\n HELP NOTE  When the remainder refers to a plural noun, the verb is plural: Most of our employees work in New York; the remainder are in London.\n  2  [C, usually sing.] (mathematics) the numbers left after one number has been SUBTRACTED from another, or one number has been divided into another:\nDivide 2 into 7, and the answer is 3, remainder 1.\n  3  [C] a book that has been remaindered\n    verb [V, VN] [usually passive] to sell books at a reduced price


Words: remains
Meaning:
noun [pl.]\n  1  ~ (of sth) the parts of sth that are left after the other parts have been used, eaten, removed, etc:\nShe fed the remains of her lunch to the dog.\n  2  the parts of ancient objects and buildings that have survived and are discovered in the present day:\nprehistoric remains * the remains of a Roman fort\n  3  (formal) the body of a dead person or animal:\nhuman remains


Words: remake
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun movie or song:\nHe plays the lead in a remake of the 1920s comedy classic.\n    verb movie or song; to make sth again:\n’The Seven Samurai’ was remade in Hollywood as ’The Magnificent Seven’.


Words: remand
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN]   [usually +adv./prep.] [usually passive] to send sb away from a court of law to wait for their trial which will take place at a later date:\n[VN] The two men were charged with burglary and remanded in custody (= sent to prison until their trial). * She was remanded on bail (= allowed to go free until the trial after leaving a sum of money with the court).\n    noun [U, C, pl.] the process of keeping sb in prison while they are waiting for their trial:\nHe is currently being held on remand. * a remand prisoner


Words: remand centre
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a place where young people are sent when they are accused of a crime and are waiting for their trial


Words: remark
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] something that you say or write which expresses an opinion, thought, etc. about sb/sth\nSYN COMMENT:\na cutting / pointed / racist remark * He made a number of rude remarks about the food. * What exactly did you mean by that last remark? * a casual remark that led to a major discovery\n  2  [U] (old-fashioned or formal) the quality of being important or interesting enough to be noticed:\nThe exhibition contains nothing that is worthy of remark.\n    verb ~ (on / upon sth/sb) | ~ (how ...) to say or write a comment about sth/sb: [V] The judges remarked on the high standard of entries for the competition. * She remarked how tired I was looking. * [V speech] ’It’s much colder than yesterday,’ he remarked casually. * [V that] Critics remarked that the play was not original. * [VN] The similarities between the two have often been remarked on.\n HELP NOTE  This pattern is only used in the passive and on must be included.


Words: remarkable
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (for sth) | ~ (that ...) unusual or surprising in a way that causes people to take notice:\na remarkable achievement / career / talent * She was a truly remarkable woman. * The area is remarkable for its scenery. * It is remarkable that nobody noticed sooner. * What is even more remarkable about the whole thing is ...\nOPP UNREMARKABLE\n    remarkably  adverb:\nThe car is in remarkably good condition for its age. * Remarkably, nobody was killed. * The two reports are remarkably similar.


Words: remarry
Meaning:
verb\n(remarries, remarrying, remarried, remarried) [V] to marry again after being divorced or after your husband or wife has died\n    remarriage  noun [U, C]


Words: remaster
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to make a new MASTER copy of a recording in order to improve the sound quality:\nAll the tracks have been digitally remastered from the original tapes.


Words: rematch
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] a match or game played again between the same people or teams, especially because neither side won the first match or game


Words: remedial
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  aimed at solving a problem, especially when this involves correcting or improving sth that has been done wrong:\nremedial treatment / surgery (= for a medical problem) * Remedial action must be taken now. * The building needs urgent remedial work to make it safe.\n  2  connected with school students who are slower at learning than others:\nremedial education * a remedial class * She teaches remedial English.


Words: remedy
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (plural remedies) ~ (for / to sth)\n  1  a way of dealing with or improving an unpleasant or difficult situation:\nThere is no simple remedy for unemployment. * There are a number of possible remedies to this problem.\n  2  a treatment or medicine to cure a disease or reduce pain that is not very serious:\na natural / herbal remedy * an excellent home remedy for sore throats\n  3  ~ (against sth) (law) a way of dealing with a problem, using the processes of the law:\nHolding copyright provides the only legal remedy against unauthorized copying. * What’s my remedy in law in this case?\n    verb (remedies, remedying, remedied, remedied) [VN] to correct or improve sth:\nto remedy a deficiency / problem / mistake * This situation is easily remedied.


Words: remember
Meaning:
verb (not usually used in the progressive tenses)\n  sb / sth from the past\n  1  to have or keep an image in your memory of an event, a person, a place, etc. from the past:\n[VN] This is Carla. Do you remember her? * I don’t remember my first day at school. * He still remembered her as the lively teenager he’d known years before. * [V] As far as I can remember, this is the third time we’ve met. * [V -ing] Do you remember switching the lights off before we came out? * I vaguely remember hearing him come in. * [VN -ing] I can still vividly remember my grandfather teaching me to play cards. * (formal) I can’t remember his taking a single day off work. * [V (that)] I remember (that) we used to go and see them most weekends.\n  fact / information\n  2  to bring back to your mind a fact, piece of information, etc. that you knew:\n[VN] I’m sorry-I can’t remember your name. * [V wh-] Can you remember how much money we spent? * [V] You were going to help me with this. Remember? * [V (that)] Remember that we’re going out tonight.\n  3  [V (that)] to keep an important fact in your mind:\nRemember (that) you may feel sleepy after taking the pills. * [VN (that)] It should be remembered that the majority of accidents happen in the home.\n  sth you have to do\n  4  to not forget to do sth; to actually do what you have to do:\n[V to inf] Remember to call me when you arrive! * [VN] Did you remember your homework (= to bring it)?\n HELP NOTE  Notice the difference between remember doing sth and remember to do sth: I remember posting the letter means ’I have an image in my memory of doing it’; I remembered to post the letter means ’I didn’t forget to do it.’\n  in prayers\n  5  [VN] to think about sb with respect, especially when saying a prayer:\na church service to remember the war dead\n  give present\n  6  [VN] to give money, a present, etc. to sb/sth:\nMy aunt always remembers my birthday (= by sending a card or present). * His grandfather remembered him (= left him money) in his will.\n IDIOMS \n  be remembered for sth | be remembered as sth to be famous or known for a particular thing that you have done in the past:\nHe is best remembered as the man who brought jazz to England.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  remember me to sb (especially BrE) used to ask sb to give your greetings to sb else:\nRemember me to your parents.


Words: remembrance
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the act or process of remembering an event in the past or a person who is dead:\nA service was held in remembrance of local soldiers killed in the war. * a remembrance service * (formal) He smiled at the remembrance of their first kiss. * a chapel / garden of remembrance (= in memory of people who have died)\n  2  [C] (formal) an object that causes you to remember sb/sth; a memory of sb/sth:\nThe cenotaph stands as a remembrance of those killed during the war. * The group shared their remembrances of life at school.


Words: Remembrance Sunday
Meaning:
(also Remembrance Day) noun\nthe Sunday nearest to the 11 November on which those killed in war, especially the wars of 191418 and 193945, are remembered in ceremonies and church services in Britain\nsee also MEMORIAL DAY, VETERANS DAY


Words: remind
Meaning:
verb\n~ sb (about / of sth) to help sb remember sth important that they must do:\n[VN] I’m sorry, I’ve forgotten your name. Can you remind me? * That (= what you have just said, done, etc.) reminds me, I must get some cash. * ’Don’t forget the camera.’ ’Remind me about it nearer the time.’ * [VN to inf] Remind me to phone Alan before I go out. * [VN (that)] Passengers are reminded (that) no smoking is allowed on this train. * [VN wh-] Can someone remind me what I should do next? * [VN speech] ’You had an accident,’ he reminded her.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  remind sb of sb/sth if sb/sth reminds you of sb/sth else, they make you remember or think about the other person, place, thing, etc. because they are similar in some way:\nYou remind me of your father when you say that. * That smell reminds me of France.


Words: reminder
Meaning:
noun\n  1  ~ (of sb/sth) | ~ (that ...) something that makes you think about or remember sb/sth, that you have forgotten or would like to forget:\nThe sheer size of the cathedral is a constant reminder to the tourist of the power of religion. * The incident served as a timely reminder of just how dangerous mountaineering can be. * The article concludes with a chilling reminder that the disease can strike anyone at any time.\n  2  a letter or note informing sb that they have not done sth:\nIf an invoice is not paid within seven days, we automatically send out a reminder.


Words: reminisce
Meaning:
verb\n[V] ~ (about sth/sb) to think, talk or write about a happy time in your past:\nWe spent a happy evening reminiscing about the past.


Words: reminiscence
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, usually pl.] a spoken or written description of sth that sb remembers about their past life\nSYN MEMORY:\nThe book is a collection of his reminiscences about the actress. * reminiscences of a wartime childhood\n  2  [U] the act of remembering things that happened in the past\n  3  [C, usually pl.] something that reminds you of sth similar:\nHer music is full of reminiscences of African rhythms.


Words: reminiscent
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ of sb/sth reminding you of sb/sth:\nThe way he laughed was strongly reminiscent of his father. * She writes in a style reminiscent of both Proust and Falkner.\n  2  [only before noun] (formal) showing that you are thinking about the past, especially in a way that causes you pleasure:\na reminiscent smile


Words: remiss
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] ~ (of sb) (to do sth) | ~ (in sth / in doing sth) (formal) not giving sth enough care and attention\nSYN NEGLIGENT:\nIt was remiss of them not to inform us of these changes sooner. * She had clearly been remiss in her duty.


Words: remission
Meaning:
noun [U, C]\n  1  a period during which a serious illness improves for a time and the patient seems to get better:\nThe patient has been in remission for the past six months. * The symptoms reappeared after only a short remission. * a period of remission\n  2  (BrE) a reduction in the amount of time sb spends in prison, especially because they have behaved well:\nWith remission for good behaviour, he could be out by the end of the year. * She has been granted a remission of sentence. * He lost two months’ remission after he attacked another prisoner.\n  3  (formal) an act of reducing or cancelling the amount of money that sb has to pay:\nNew businesses may qualify for tax remission. * There is a partial remission of fees for overseas students.


Words: remit
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun sth) | ~ (to do sth) (BrE) the area of activity over which a particular person or group has authority, control or influence:\nSuch decisions are outside the remit of this committee. * In future, staff recruitment will fall within the remit of the division manager. * a remit to report on medical services * The group has been given a remit to examine ways of improving the local transport system.\n    verb  (-tt-) [VN] (formal)\n  1  ~ sth (to sb) to send money, etc. to a person or place:\nto remit fees / funds * Payment will be remitted to you in full.\n  2  to cancel or free sb from a debt, duty, punishment, etc:\nto remit a tax / a fine / fees * to remit a prison sentence\nsee also UNREMITTING\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  remit sth to sb [usually passive] (law) to send a matter to an authority so that a decision can be made:\nThe case was remitted to the Court of Appeal.


Words: remittance
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] (formal) a sum of money that is sent to sb in order to pay for sth:\nPlease return the completed form with your remittance.\n  2  [U] the act of sending money to sb in order to pay for sth:\nRemittance can be made by cheque or credit card. * Many countries place restrictions on the remittance of currency abroad. * The goods will be dispatched on remittance of (= when you have sent) the full amount.


Words: remix
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to make a new version of a recorded piece of music by using a machine to arrange the separate parts of the recording differently, add new parts, etc:\nThe band have released a remixed version of their first single.\n    remix  (also mix) noun:\na remix of their first single * an Elton John remix\n    remixer noun:\nthe skills of remixer Tom Moulton


Words: remnant
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [usually pl.] a part of sth that is left after the other parts have been used, removed, destroyed, etc:\nThe woods are remnants of a huge forest which once covered the whole area. * Many of the traditions are remnants of a time when most people worked on the land.\n  2  a small piece of fabric that is left when the rest has been sold


Words: remodel
Meaning:
verb\n(-ll-, AmE -l-) [VN] to change the structure or shape of sth:\nThe interior of the building has been completely remodelled. * They put forward plans to remodel the education system.


Words: remonstrate
Meaning:
verb\n~ (with sb) (about sth) (formal) to protest or complain about sth/sb:\n[V] They remonstrated with the official about the decision. [also V speech]


Words: remorse
Meaning:
noun\n[U] ~ (for sth / for doing sth) the feeling of being extremely sorry for sth wrong or bad that you have done\nSYN REGRET:\nI felt guilty and full of remorse. * He was filled with remorse for not believing her. * She felt no remorse at leaving them without notice.\n    remorseful  adjective:\nHe seemed genuinely remorseful for what he had done.\n    remorsefully  adverb


Words: remorseless
Meaning:
adjective (written)\n  1  (especially of an unpleasant situation) seeming to continue or become worse in a way that cannot be stopped\nSYN RELENTLESS:\nthe remorseless increase in crime\n  2  cruel and having or showing no pity for other people\nSYN MERCILESS:\na remorseless killer * The sea was dark and remorseless.\n    remorselessly adverb:\nThe sun beat down remorselessly.


Words: remortgage
Meaning:
verb\n[V, VN] to arrange a second MORTGAGE on your house or apartment, or to increase or change your first one\n    remortgage noun


Words: remote
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective (remoter, remotest)\n  place\n  1  ~ (from sth) far away from places where other people live\nSYN ISOLATED:\na remote beach * one of the remotest areas of the world * The farmhouse is remote from any other buildings.\n  time\n  2  [only before noun] far away in time\nSYN DISTANT:\nin the remote past / future * a remote ancestor (= who lived a long time ago) * a remote dream / goal\n  relatives\n  3  [only before noun] (of people) not closely related\nSYN DISTANT:\na remote cousin\n  computer / system\n  4  that you can connect to from far away, using an electronic link:\na remote terminal / database\n  different\n  5  ~ (from sth) very different from sth:\nHis theories are somewhat remote from reality. * A novel should not be too remote from the experiences of its readers.\n  not friendly\n  6  (of people or their behaviour) not very friendly or interested in other people\nSYN DISTANT\n  very small\n  7  not very great:\nThere is still a remote chance that they will find her alive. * I don’t have the remotest idea what you’re talking about.\n    remoteness noun [U]:\nthe geographical remoteness of the island * His remoteness made her feel unloved.\n    noun (informal) = REMOTE CONTROL:\nThe remote’s not working.


Words: remote access
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the use of a computer system, etc. that is in another place, that you can connect to when you are far away, using an electronic link


Words: remote control
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U] the ability to operate a machine from a distance using radio or electrical signals:\nIt works by remote control. * a remote-control camera\n \n  2  (also informal remote, zapper) [C] a device that allows you to operate a television, etc. from a distance:\nI can’t find the remote control.\n \n    remote-controlled adjective:\nremote-controlled equipment


Words: remotely
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  (usually in negative sentences) to a very slight degree:\nIt wasn’t even remotely funny (= it wasn’t at all funny). * The two incidents were only remotely connected. * I suppose it’s remotely possible.\n  2  from a distance:\nremotely operated\n  3  far away from places where other people live:\nThe church is remotely situated on the north coast of the island.


Words: remould
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (BrE, formal) to change sth such as an idea, a system, etc:\nattempts to remould policy to make it more acceptable


Words: remount
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [V, VN] to get on a horse, bicycle, etc. again after getting off it or falling off it\n  2  [VN] to organize and begin sth a second time


Words: removable
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] that can be taken off or out of sth\nSYN DETACHABLE:\nThe dryer has a removable filter.


Words: removal
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] ~ (of sb/sth) the act of taking sb/sth away from a particular place:\nClearance of the site required the removal of a number of trees. * the removal of a tumour * Allegations of abuse led to the removal of several children from their families.\n  2  [U] ~ (of sth) the act of getting rid of sth:\nstain removal * the removal of trade barriers\n  3  [U] ~ (of sb) the act of dismissing sb from their job:\nevents leading to the removal of the president from office\n  4  [C] (BrE) an act of taking furniture, etc. from one house to another:\nhouse removals * a removal company / firm * When are the removal men coming?


Words: removal van
Meaning:
(also furniture van) (both BrE) (AmE moving van) noun\na large van used for moving furniture from one house to another


Words: remove
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sth/sb (from sth/sb) (written) to take sth/sb away from a place:\nHe removed his hand from her shoulder. * Illegally parked vehicles will be removed. * Three children were removed from the school for persistent bad behaviour. * Remove the pan from the heat and continue to stir the sauce.\n  2  (written) to take off clothing, etc. from the body:\nShe removed her glasses and rubbed her eyes.\n  3  ~ sth (from sb/sth) to get rid of sth unpleasant, dirty, etc.; to make sth disappear:\nShe has had the tumour removed. * to remove problems / obstacles / objections * The news removed any doubts about the company’s future. * It was impossible to remove the stain from the tablecloth.\n  4  to dismiss sb from their position or job:\nThe elections removed the government from power.\n IDIOMS \n  once, twice, etc. removed (of a COUSIN) belonging to a different GENERATION:\nHe’s my cousin’s son so he’s my first cousin once removed.\n  be far / further / furthest removed from sth to be very different from sth; to not be connected with sth:\nMany of these books are far removed from the reality of the children’s lives.\n    noun [C, U] (formal) an amount by which two things are separated:\nCharlotte seemed to be living at one remove from reality.


Words: remover
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] (usually in compounds) a substance used for getting rid of marks, paint, etc:\nnail varnish remover * stain remover\n  2  [usually pl.] (BrE) a person or company whose job is to take furniture, etc. from one house to another:\na firm of removers


Words: remuneration
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (formal) an amount of money that is paid to sb for the work they have done:\nGenerous remuneration packages are often attached to overseas postings.


Words: remunerative
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal) paying a lot of money:\nremunerative work * Writing proved to be more remunerative than teaching.


Words: renaissance
Meaning:
noun [sing.]\n  1  (the Renaissance) the period in Europe during the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries when people became interested in the ideas and culture of ancient Greece and Rome and used these influences in their own art, literature, etc:\nRenaissance art\n  2  a situation when there is new interest in a particular subject, form of art, etc. after a period when it was not very popular\nSYN REVIVAL:\nThe British film industry is currently enjoying something of a renaissance.


Words: rename
Meaning:
verb\nto give sb/sth a new name:\n[VN] to rename a street * [VN-N] Leningrad was renamed St Petersburg.


Words: rend
Meaning:
verb\n(rent, rent ) [VN] (old use or literary) to tear sth apart with force or violence:\nThey rent their clothes in grief. * (figurative) a country rent in two by civil war * (figurative) Loud screams rent the air.\nsee also HEART-RENDING


Words: render
Meaning:
verb\n  cause sb / sth to be sth\n  1  [VN-ADJ] (formal) to cause sb/sth to be in a particular state or condition:\nto render sth harmless / useless / ineffective * Hundreds of people were rendered homeless by the earthquake.\n  give help\n  2  ~ sth (to sb/sth) | ~ (sb) sth (formal) to give sb sth, especially in return for sth or because it is expected: [VN, VNN] to render a service to sb * to render sb a service * [VN] They rendered assistance to the disaster victims. * It was payment for services rendered.\n  present sth\n  3  [VN] (formal) to present sth, especially when it is done officially:\nThe committee was asked to render a report on the housing situation.\n  express / perform\n  4  [VN] (formal) to express or perform sth:\nHe stood up and rendered a beautiful version of ’Summertime’. * The artist has rendered the stormy sea in dark greens and browns.\n  translate\n  5  [VN] ~ sth (as sth) | ~ sth (into sth) to express sth in a different language; to translate:\nThe Italian phrase can be rendered as ’I did my best’. * It’s a concept that is difficult to render into English.\n  wall\n  6  [VN] (BrE, technical) to cover a wall with a layer of PLASTER or CEMENT:\na rendered building / wall\n  melt\n  7  [VN] ~ sth (down) to make fat liquid by heating it; to melt sth


Words: rendering
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] the performance of a piece of music, a role in a play, etc.; the particular way in which sth is performed:\nher dramatic rendering of Lady Macbeth * He was given a standing ovation and a rendering of ’Happy Birthday’.\n  2  [C] a piece of writing that has been translated into a different language; the particular way in which it has been translated:\na faithful rendering of the original text\n  3  [U, C] (technical) a layer of PLASTER or CEMENT that is put on a brick or stone wall in order to make it smooth:\nBefore painting, fill any cracks in the rendering.


Words: rendezvous
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (plural rendezvous ) (from French)\n  1  ~ (with sb) an arrangement to meet sb at a particular time and place:\nI had a secret rendezvous with John that evening.\n  2  a place where people have arranged to meet:\nHe didn’t recognize the address of the rendezvous. * a rendezvous point\n  3  a cafe, bar, etc. that is a popular place for people to meet:\na lively Paris rendezvous\n    verb (rendezvoused , rendezvoused) [V] ~ (with sb) (from French) to meet at a time and place that have been arranged in advance


Words: rendition
Meaning:
noun\nthe performance of sth, especially a song or piece of music; the particular way in which it is performed:\nThe band gave a live rendition of their latest single.


Words: renegade
Meaning:
noun (formal, disapproving)\n  1  (often used as an adjective) a person who leaves one political, religious, etc. group to join another that has very different views:\na renegade priest\n  2  a person who opposes and lives outside a group or society that they used to belong to:\nteenage renegades


Words: renege
Meaning:
verb\n[V] ~ (on sth) (formal) to break a promise, an agreement, etc:\nto renege on a deal / debt / contract


Words: renew
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to begin sth again after a pause or an interruption\nSYN RESUME:\nThe army renewed its assault on the capital. * We have to renew our efforts to attract young players. * The annual dinner is a chance to renew acquaintance with old friends.\n  2  to make sth valid for a further period of time:\nto renew a licence / lease / subscription / contract * How do I go about renewing my passport? * I’d like to renew these library books (= arrange to borrow them for a further period of time).\n  3  to emphasize sth by saying or stating it again:\nto renew an appeal / a request / a complaint * Community leaders have renewed calls for a peaceful settlement. * The project is to go ahead following renewed promises of aid from the UN.\n  4  to change sth that is old or damaged and replace it with sth new of the same kind:\nThe wiring in your house should be renewed every ten to fifteen years. * Our bones normally renew themselves constantly.


Words: renewable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] (of energy and natural RESOURCES) that is replaced naturally or controlled carefully and can therefore be used without the risk of finishing it all:\nrenewable sources of energy such as wind and solar power\n  2  (of a contract, ticket, etc.) that can be made valid for a further period of time after it has finished:\na renewable lease * The work permit is not renewable.\nOPP NON-RENEWABLE


Words: renewal
Meaning:
noun [U, C]\n  1  ~ (of sth) a situation in which sth begins again after a pause or an interruption:\na renewal of interest in traditional teaching methods\n  2  the act of making a contract, etc. valid for a further period of time after it has finished:\nThe lease comes up for renewal at the end of the month. * the renewal date / fee\n  3  a situation in which sth is replaced, improved or made more successful:\neconomic renewal * urban renewal (= the act of improving the buildings, etc. in a particular area)


Words: renewed
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] happening again with increased interest or strength:\nRenewed fighting has been reported on the border. * renewed determination / enthusiasm


Words: renounce
Meaning:
verb [VN] (formal)\n  1  to state officially that you are no longer going to keep a title, position, etc.\nSYN GIVE UP:\nto renounce a claim / title / privilege / right * to renounce your citizenship * Will Charles renounce the throne in favour of his son?\n  2  to state publicly that you no longer have a particular belief or that you will no longer behave in a particular way:\nto renounce ideals / principles / beliefs * to renounce terrorism / war * a joint declaration renouncing the use of violence * Many were executed for refusing to renounce their religion.\n  3  to state publicly that you no longer wish to have a connection with sb/sth because you disapprove of them:\nHe had renounced his former associates.\nsee also RENUNCIATION


Words: renovate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to repair and paint an old building, a piece of furniture, etc. so that it is in good condition again\n    renovation  noun [U, C, usually pl.]:\nbuildings in need of renovation * renovation work * There will be extensive renovations to the hospital.


Words: renown
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) fame and respect because of sth you have done that people admire:\nHe won renown as a fair judge. * a pianist of some / international / great renown * A number of our past students have achieved political renown.


Words: renowned
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (as / for sth) famous and respected:\na renowned author * It is renowned as one of the region’s best restaurants. * She is renowned for her patience.


Words: rent
Meaning:
noun, verb-see also REND v.\n    noun\n  1  [U, C] an amount of money that you regularly pay so that you can use a house, etc:\nHow much rent do you pay for this place? * The landlord has put the rent up again. * a month’s rent in advance * a high / low / fair rent * (BrE) a rent book (= used to record payments of rent)\ncompare HIRE n.\n  2  [U, C] (especially AmE) = RENTAL (1)\n  3  [C] a torn place in a piece of material or clothing\n IDIOMS \n  for rent (especially AmE) (especially on printed signs) available to rent\n    verb\n  1  ~ sth (from sb) to regularly pay money to sb so that you can use sth that they own, such as a house, some land, a machine, etc:\n[VN] to live in rented accommodation / housing / property * Who do you rent the land from? * In the long run, it works out more expensive to rent a television than to buy one. [also V]\n  2  ~ sth (out) (to sb) to allow sb to use sth that you own such as a house or some land in exchange for regular payments:\n[VN] He rents rooms in his house to students. * The land is rented out to other farmers. * She agreed to rent the room to me. * [VNN] She agreed to rent me the room.\n  3  [VN] (especially AmE) to pay money to sb so that you can use sth for a short period of time:\nWe rented a car for the week and explored the area. * Shall we rent a movie this evening? * We rented a villa in Spain last summer.\ncompare HIRE v. (1)\n  4  [V] (AmE) to be available for sb to use if they pay a particular amount of money:\nThe apartment rents for $500 a month.\n______________________________\n BRITISH / AMERICAN \nrent / hire / let\nVerbs\nYou can hire something for a short period of time (BrE only), but rent something for a longer period: We can hire bikes for a day to explore the town. * We don’t own our TV, we rent it.\nIn AmE, rent is always used. It is sometimes now used in BrE instead of hire, too.\nThe owners of property can hire it out for a short period (BrE): Do you hire out bikes? Or they can rent (out) / let (out) a building, etc: We rent out rooms in our house to students.\nOutside a building you could see: To let (BrE) * For rent (especially AmE).\nTo hire can also mean to employ somebody, especially in AmE: We hired a new secretary.\nsee also LEASE v.\nNouns\nThe amount of money that you pay to rent something is rent or rental (more formal). When you hire something you pay a hire charge (BrE).On a sign outside a shop you might see: Bikes for hire (BrE).\nsee also LET, LEASE, HIRE n.\n______________________________


Words: rent-a-
Meaning:
combining form\n(informal, often humorous) (in nouns and adjectives) showing that the thing mentioned can be hired/rented:\nrent-a-car * rent-a-crowd


Words: rent-free
Meaning:
adjective\nfor which no rent is paid:\nrent-free housing\n    rent-free adverb:\nShe lives rent-free with her brother.


Words: rental
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (also rent especially in AmE) [U, C, usually sing.] the amount of money that you pay to use sth for a particular period of time:\nTelephone charges include line rental.\n  2  [U] the act of renting sth or an arrangement to rent sth:\nthe world’s largest car rental company * video rental * (especially AmE) a rental car * a minimum rental period of three months\ncompare HIRE\n  3  [C] (especially AmE) a house, car, or piece of equipment that you can rent:\n’Is this your own car?’ ’No, it’s a rental.’


Words: renter
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who rents sth:\nhouse buyers and renters\n  2  (AmE) a person or an organization that provides sth for people to rent:\nthe nation’s biggest automobile renter


Words: renunciation
Meaning:
noun [U] (formal)\n  1  [U, C] an act of stating publicly that you no longer believe sth or that you are giving sth up:\na / the renunciation of violence\n  2  [U] the act of rejecting physical pleasures, especially for religious reasons\nsee also RENOUNCE


Words: reopen
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to open a shop/store, theatre, etc. again, or to be opened again, after being closed for a period of time:\n[VN] The school was reopened just two weeks after the fire. * The museum has now been reopened to the public. * [V] The store will reopen at 9 a.m. on 2 January. * A number of border crossings have now reopened.\n  2  to deal with or begin sth again after a period of time; to start again after a period of time:\n[VN] to reopen an argument / a discussion / a debate * The police have decided to reopen the case. * Management have agreed to reopen talks with the union. * [V] The trial reopened on 6 March.\n    reopening  noun [U, sing.]:\nan exhibition to mark the reopening of the gallery * There were moves to force a reopening of the debate.\n IDIOMS \n  reopen old wounds to remind sb of sth unpleasant that happened or existed in the past:\nHis comments have served only to reopen old wounds.


Words: reorder
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to ask sb to supply you with more of a product:\n[VN] Please quote this reference number when reordering stock. [also V]\n  2  [VN] to change the order in which sth is arranged


Words: reorganize
Meaning:
(BrE also reorganise)  verb\n[VN, V] to change the way in which sth is organized or done\n    reorganization, reorganisation  noun [U, C]:\nthe reorganization of the school system


Words: rep
Meaning:
noun (informal)\n  1  [C] = SALES REPRESENTATIVE, REPRESENTATIVE\n  2  [C] a person who speaks officially for a group of people, especially at work (abbreviation for ’representative’):\na union rep\n  3  [U] (informal) the abbreviation for REPERTORY


Words: repair
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] \n  1  to mend sth that is broken, damaged or torn:\nto repair a car / roof / road / television * It’s almost 15 years old. It isn’t worth having it repaired. * The human body has an amazing capacity to repair itself.\n  2  to say or do sth in order to improve a bad or unpleasant situation:\nIt was too late to repair the damage done to their relationship. * The home team did well to repair a bad start.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  repair to ... (formal or humorous) to go to a particular place:\nHe repaired to his study for some peace and quiet.\n    noun [C, U] an act of repairing sth:\nThey agreed to pay the costs of any repairs. * I took my bike in for repair. * The building was in need of repair. * a TV repair shop * The car was damaged beyond repair (= it was too badly damaged to be repaired). * The hotel is currently under repair (= being repaired). * The bridge will remain closed until essential repair work has been carried out.\n IDIOMS \n  in good, bad, etc. repair | in a good, bad, etc. state of repair (formal) in good, etc. condition:\nThe house is not in good repair.


Words: repairman
Meaning:
noun\n(plural repairmen ) (also repairer especially in BrE) a person whose job is to repair things:\na TV repairman


Words: reparation
Meaning:
noun (formal)\n  1  (reparations) [pl.] money that is paid by a country that has lost a war, for the damage, injuries, etc. that it has caused\n  2  [U] the act of giving sth to sb or doing sth for them in order to show that you are sorry for suffering that you have caused:\nOffenders should be forced to make reparation to the community.


Words: repartee
Meaning:
noun\n[U] clever and amusing comments and replies that are made quickly:\nShe engaged him in witty repartee.


Words: repatriate
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to send or bring sb back to their own country:\nThe refugees were forcibly repatriated. * The insurance will cover the costs of repatriating you and your family in the case of an accident.\n  2  (business) to send money or profits back to your own country:\nAn agreement between the countries enables companies to repatriate their profits freely.\n    repatriation  noun [U, C]:\nthe repatriation of immigrants / profits * a voluntary repatriation programme


Words: repay
Meaning:
1  ~ sth (to sb) | ~ (sb) (sth) to pay back the money that you have borrowed from sb:\n[VN] to repay a debt / loan / mortgage * When are you going to repay them? * I’ll repay the money I owe them next week. * The advance must be repaid to the publisher if the work is not completed on time. * [VNN] I fully intend to repay them the money that they lent me.\n  2  [VN] ~ sb (for sth) | ~ sth (with sth) to give sth to sb or do sth for them in return for sth that they have done for you:\nHow can I ever repay you for your generosity? * Their trust was repaid with fierce loyalty.\n  3  [VN] (BrE, formal) if sth repays your attention, interest, study, etc., it is worth spending time to look at it, etc:\nThe report repays careful reading.


Words: repayment
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the act of paying back money that you have borrowed from a bank, etc:\nThe loan is due for repayment by the end of the year. * debt repayment * We offer flexible repayment terms. * The normal repayment period is five years.\n  2  [C, usually pl.] a sum of money that you pay regularly to a bank, etc. until you have returned all the money that you owe:\nWe were unable to meet (= pay) the repayments on the loan. * mortgage repayments * monthly / weekly repayments


Words: repayment mortgage
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a type of MORTGAGE in which you pay regular sums of money to the bank, etc. until you have returned all the money and interest that you owe\ncompare ENDOWMENT MORTGAGE


Words: repeal
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] if a government or other group or person with authority repeals a law, that law is no longer valid:\nThe committee does not have the power to repeal the ban.\n    repeal noun [U]:\nthe repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846


Words: repeat
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  say / write again\n  1  ~ (sth / yourself) to say or write sth again or more than once:\n[VN] to repeat a question / warning * I’m sorry-could you repeat that? * She kept repeating his name softly over and over again. * The opposition have been repeating their calls for the president’s resignation. * Are you prepared to repeat these allegations in court? * Do say if I’m repeating myself (= if I have already said this). * [V that] He’s fond of repeating that the company’s success is all down to him.\n  do again\n  2  [VN] to do or produce sth again or more than once:\nto repeat a mistake / a process / an exercise * The treatment should be repeated every two to three hours. * They are hoping to repeat last year’s victory. * These offers are unlikely to be repeated. * The programmes will be repeated next year. * to repeat the class / year / grade (= in a school, to take the class / year / grade again) * [V] Lift and lower the right leg 20 times. Repeat with the left leg.\n  happen again\n  3  ~ (itself) to happen more than once in the same way:\n[VN] History has a strange way of repeating itself. * This phrase is repeated at intervals throughout the song. * [V] a repeating pattern / design\n  what sb else said\n  4  [VN] ~ sth (to sb) to tell sb sth that you have heard or been told by sb else:\nI don’t want you to repeat a word of this to anyone. * The rumour has been widely repeated in the press.\n  5  ~ (sth) (after sb) to say aloud sth that sb else has said, especially in order to learn it:\n[VN] Listen and repeat each sentence after me. * Can you repeat what I’ve just said word for word? * [V speech] ’Are you really sure?’ she repeated.\n  of food\n  6  [V] ~ (on sb) (BrE, informal) if food repeats, you can taste it for some time after you have eaten it:\nDo you find that onions repeat on you?\n  for emphasis\n  7  used to emphasize sth that you have already said:\n[V] The claims are, I repeat, totally unfounded. * Nor, to repeat, can these changes be avoided. * [VN] I am not, repeat not, travelling in the same car as him!\n    noun\n  1  a television or radio programme that has been broadcast before:\n’Is it a new series?’ ’No, a repeat’.\n  2  an event that is very similar to sth that happened before:\nA repeat of the 1906 earthquake could kill up to 11 000 people. * She didn’t want a repeat performance of what had happened the night before. * (business) a repeat order (= for a further supply of the same goods) * a repeat prescription (= for more of the same medicine)\n  3  (music) a passage that is repeated\n______________________________\n WORD FAMILY \nrepeat v., n.\nrepeatable adj. (=/= unrepeatable)\nrepeated adj.\nrepetition n.\nrepetitive adj.\nrepetitious adj.\n______________________________


Words: repeatable
Meaning:
adjective [not usually before noun]\n  1  (of a comment, etc.) (usually in negative sentences) polite and not offensive:\nHis reply was not repeatable.\n  2  that can be repeated:\nAre the results repeatable?\nOPP UNREPEATABLE


Words: repeated
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] happening, said or done many times:\nrepeated absences from work * The marriage failed despite repeated attempts to save it.\n    repeatedly adverb:\nThe victim had been stabbed repeatedly in the chest.


Words: repel
Meaning:
verb (-ll-)\n  1  [VN] (formal) to successfully fight sb who is attacking you, your country, etc. and drive them away:\nto repel an attack / invasion / invader * Troops repelled an attempt to infiltrate the south of the island. * (figurative) The reptile’s prickly skin repels nearly all of its predators.\n  2  [VN] to drive, push or keep sth away:\na cream that repels insects * The fabric has been treated to repel water.\n  3  [VN] (not used in the progressive tenses) to make sb feel horror or disgust:\nI was repelled by the smell.\n  4  (technical) if one thing repels another, or if two things repel each other, an electrical or MAGNETIC force pushes them apart:\n[VN] Like poles repel each other. [also V] \nOPP ATTRACT\nsee also REPULSION, REPULSIVE


Words: repellent
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  ~ (to sb) (formal) very unpleasant; causing strong dislike:\nI found the pictures repellent. * Their political ideas are repellent to most people.\n  2  (in compounds) not letting a particular substance, especially water, pass through it:\nwater-repellent fabric\n    noun [U, C]\n  1  a substance that is used for keeping insects away from you:\n(an) insect repellent\n  2  a substance that is used on fabric, stone, etc. to prevent water from passing through it:\n(a) water repellent


Words: repent
Meaning:
verb\n~ (of sth) (formal) to feel and show that you are sorry for sth bad or wrong that you have done:\n[V] God welcomes the sinner who repents. * She had repented of what she had done. * [VN] He came to repent his hasty decision (= wished he had not taken it).


Words: repentance
Meaning:
noun\n[U] ~ (for sth) the fact of showing that you are sorry for sth wrong that you have done:\nHe shows no sign of repentance. * The book speaks of the need for repentance and atonement.


Words: repentant
Meaning:
adjective\nfeeling or showing that you are sorry for sth wrong that you have done:\nShe was not in the least repentant. * His words left us all feeling suitably repentant.\nOPP UNREPENTANT


Words: repercussion
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] (written) an indirect and usually bad result of an action or event that may happen some time afterwards\nSYN CONSEQUENCE:\nThe collapse of the company will have repercussions for the whole industry.


Words: repertoire
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (also formal repertory) all the plays, songs, pieces of music, etc. that a performer knows and can perform:\nto add to / extend your repertoire * a pianist with a wide repertoire\n  2  all the things that a person is able to do:\na young child’s growing verbal repertoire


Words: repertory
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (also informal rep) [U] the type of work of a theatre company in which different plays are performed for short periods of time:\nan actor in repertory * a repertory actor / theatre / company\n  2  [C] (formal) = REPERTOIRE


Words: repetition
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] the fact of doing or saying the same thing many times:\nlearning by repetition * In her work we find the constant repetition of the same themes.\n  2  [C] a thing that has been done or said before:\nWe do not want to see a repetition of last year’s tragic events.


Words: repetitious
Meaning:
adjective\n(often disapproving) involving sth that is often repeated:\na long and repetitious speech\n    repetitiously adverb\n    repetitiousness noun


Words: repetitive
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  saying or doing the same thing many times, so that it becomes boring:\nMachines can now perform many repetitive tasks in the home.\n  2  repeated many times:\na repetitive pattern of behaviour * Travel sickness is caused by the effect of repetitive movements.\n    repetitively adverb\n    repetitiveness noun [U]:\nThe repetitiveness of the work really got me down after a while.


Words: replace
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to be used instead of sth/sb else; to do sth instead of sb/sth else:\nThe new design will eventually replace all existing models. * Teachers will never be replaced by computers in the classroom. * She replaced her husband as the local doctor. * These measures in no way replace the need for regular safety checks.\n  2  ~ sb/sth (with / by sb/sth) to remove sb/sth and put another person or thing in their place:\nHe will be difficult to replace when he leaves. * It is not a good idea to miss meals and replace them with snacks.\n  3  to change sth that is old, damaged, etc. for a similar thing that is newer or better:\nAll the old carpets need replacing. * an operation to replace both hips * You’ll be expected to replace any broken glasses.\n  4  to put sth back in the place where it was before:\nI replaced the cup carefully in the saucer. * to replace the handset (= after using the telephone).


Words: replaceable
Meaning:
adjective\nthat can be replaced:\na replaceable liner * Possessions are replaceable-your family isn’t.\nOPP IRREPLACEABLE


Words: replacement
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the act of replacing one thing with another, especially sth that is newer or better:\nthe replacement of worn car parts * replacement windows\n  2  [C] a thing that replaces sth, especially because the first thing is old, broken, etc:\na hip replacement * If your passport is stolen you should apply for a replacement immediately.\n  3  [C] ~ (for sb) a person who replaces another person in an organization, especially in their job:\nWe need to find a replacement for Sue.


Words: replay
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun \n  1  (BrE, sport) a game that is played again because neither side won in the previous game\n  2  the playing again of a short section of a film/movie, tape, etc. especially to look at or listen to sth more carefully:\nWe watched a replay of the wedding on video.\nsee also ACTION REPLAY\n  3  (informal) something that is repeated or happens in exactly the same way as it did before:\nThis election will not be a replay of the last one.\n    verb  [VN] \n  1  [usually passive] to play a football game, etc. again because neither team won the first game:\nThe game will now have to be replayed on Tuesday.\n  2  to play again sth that has been recorded on tape, film, etc:\nThe police replayed footage of the accident over and over again. * (figurative) He replayed the scene in his mind (= he thought about it many times).


Words: replenish
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sth (with sth) (formal) to make sth full again by replacing what has been used:\nto replenish food and water supplies * Allow me to replenish your glass.\n    replenishment noun [U]:\nComputerization has enabled the automatic replenishment of stock.


Words: replete
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [not before noun] ~ (with sth) (formal) filled with sth; with a full supply of sth:\nliterature replete with drama and excitement\n  2  (old-fashioned or formal) very full of food:\nWe all felt pleasantly replete.


Words: replica
Meaning:
noun\na very good or exact copy of sth:\na replica of the Eiffel tower * The weapon used in the raid was a replica. * replica guns * Amy was a younger replica of her mother.


Words: replicate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] (formal) to copy sth exactly\nSYN DUPLICATE:\nSubsequent experiments failed to replicate these findings.\n  2  ~ (itself) (technical) (of a VIRUS or a MOLECULE) to produce exact copies of itself:\nThe drug prevents the virus from replicating itself. [also V]۠\n    replication  noun [U, C]


Words: reply
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (replies, replying, replied, replied) ~ (to sb/sth) (with sth)\n  1  to say or write sth as an answer to sb/sth:\n[V] to reply to a question / advertisement * He never replied to any of my letters. * She only replied with a smile. * [V speech] ’I won’t let you down,’ he replied confidently. * [V that] The senator replied that he was not in a position to comment. -> ANSWER\n  2  [V] ~ (to sth) (with sth) to do sth as a reaction to sth that sb has said or done:\nItaly took an early lead but Brazil replied with two goals in the last five minutes. * The terrorists replied to the government’s statement with more violence.\n    noun [C, U] an act of replying to sth/sb in speech, writing or by some action:\nWe had over 100 replies to our advertisement. * I asked her what her name was but she made no reply. * (formal) I am writing in reply to your letter of 16 March. * (BrE) a reply-paid envelope (= on which you do not have to put a stamp because it has already been paid for) -> ANSWER


Words: report
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  give information\n  1  ~ (on sth) (to sb) | ~ sth (to sb) | ~ sb/sth (as sth / as doing sth) to give people information about sth that you have heard, seen, done, etc:\n[VN] The crash happened seconds after the pilot reported engine trouble. * The findings are similar to those reported in previous studies. * Call me urgently if you have anything to report. * The company is expected to report record profits this year. * The house was reported as being in excellent condition. * [V] The committee will report on its research next month. * [V -ing] The neighbours reported seeing him leave the building around noon. * [VN-ADJ] The doctor reported the patient fully recovered. * [VN to inf] The house was reported to be in excellent condition. * She was reported by the hospital spokesman to be making excellent progress.\n HELP NOTE  This pattern is only used in the passive. [also V speech, V (that), V wh-, VN -ing]\n  news / story\n  2  ~ (on) sth to present a written or spoken account of an event in a newspaper, on television, etc:\n[VN] The stabbing was reported in the local press. * [VN that] It was reported that several people had been arrested. * [V] She reports on royal stories for the BBC. * (BrE) Reporting restrictions on the trial have been lifted (= it can now legally be reported). [also V that]\n  3  (be reported) used to show that sth has been stated, and you do not know if it is true or not:\n[VN to inf] She is reported to earn over $10 million a year. * [VN] The President is reported as saying that he needs a break. * [VN that] It was reported that changes were being considered.\n  crime / accident, etc.\n  4  ~ sth (to sb) | ~ sb (to sb) (for sth / for doing sth) to tell a person in authority about a crime, an accident, an illness, etc. or about sth bad that sb has done:\n[VN] She threatened to report him to the authorities for hunting without a licence. * Have you reported the accident to the police yet? * He’s already been reported twice for arriving late. * a decrease in the number of reported cases of Aids * I’m going to report you if you do that again! * [VN-ADJ] She has reported her daughter missing.\n  arrive\n  5  [V] ~ (to sb/sth) (for sth) to tell sb that you have arrived, for example for work or for a meeting with sb:\nYou should report for duty at 9.30 a.m. * All visitors must report to the reception desk on arrival.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  report back to return to a place, especially in order to work again:\nTake an hour for lunch and report back at 2.\n  report back (on sth) (to sb) to give sb information about sth that they have asked you to find out about:\nFind out as much as you can about him and report back to me. * One person in the group should be prepared to report back to the class on your discussion. * [+ that] They reported back that no laws had actually been broken.\n  report to sb (not used in the progressive tenses) (business) if you report to a particular manager in an organization that you work for, they are officially responsible for your work and tell you what to do\n    noun\n  of news\n  1  ~ (on / of sth) a written or spoken account of an event, especially one that is published or broadcast:\nAre these newspaper reports true? * And now over to Jim Muir, for a report on the South African election. * a weather report\n  information\n  2  ~ (on sth) a spoken or written description of sth containing information that sb needs to have:\na police / medical report * Can you give us a progress report?\n  official study\n  3  ~ (on sth) an official document written by a group of people who have examined a particular situation or problem:\nThe committee will publish their report on the health service in a few weeks.\n  story\n  4  a story or piece of information that may or may not be true:\nI don’t believe these reports of UFO sightings. * There are unconfirmed reports of a shooting in the capital.\n  on student’s work\n  5  (BrE) (AmE report card) a written statement about a student’s work at school, college, etc:\na school report * to get a good / bad report\n  of gun\n  6  (written) the sound of an explosion or of a gun being fired:\na loud report\n IDIOMS \n  of bad / good report (formal) talked about by people in a bad/good way


Words: reportage
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) the reporting of news or the typical style in which this is done in newspapers, or on TV and radio:\nWe need accurate up-to-the-minute reportage of events.


Words: reported speech
Meaning:
(also indirect speech) noun\n[U] (grammar) a report of what sb has said that does not use their exact words:\nIn reported speech, ’I’ll come later’ becomes ’He said he’d come later’.


Words: reportedly
Meaning:
adverb\naccording to what some people say:\nThe band have reportedly decided to split up. * The move, reportedly the President’s idea, has come in for a lot of criticism.


Words: reporter
Meaning:
noun\na person who collects and reports news for newspapers, radio or television:\na reporter from the New York Times * a crime reporter\ncompare JOURNALIST\nsee also CUB REPORTER


Words: reporting
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the presenting and writing about news on television and radio, and in newspapers:\naccurate / balanced / objective reporting * Reporting restrictions were not lifted at the trial yesterday.


Words: repose
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U] (literary) a state of rest, sleep or feeling calm:\nShe went outside seeking a few moments of repose. * In repose, his face was sad. * The first rays of morning sun disturbed their repose.\n    verb [V +adv./prep.] (literary)\n  1  (of an object) to be or be kept in a particular place:\nShe stared at the empty cabinet where once the vase had reposed.\n  2  (of a person) to lie or rest in a particular place:\nWe left her reposing on the sofa.


Words: repository
Meaning:
noun (plural repositories)\n  1  (written) a place where a large number of things can be kept or stored:\nan underground repository for radioactive waste\n  2  (formal) a person or book that is full of information:\nMy father is a repository of family history.


Words: repossess
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] to take back property or goods from sb who has arranged to buy them but who still owes money for them or cannot pay:\nFirst I lost my job, then my house was repossessed. * repossessed homes / properties / goods


Words: repossession
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] the act of repossessing property, goods, etc:\nfamilies threatened with repossession * a repossession order * Early action could prevent a large number of repossessions.\n  2  [C] a house, car, etc. that has been repossessed:\nAuctions are the best place for buying repossessions.


Words: reprehensible
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) morally wrong and deserving criticism:\nHis conduct was thoroughly reprehensible.


Words: represent
Meaning:
verb\n  act / speak for sb\n  1  [VN] [often passive] to be a member of a group of people and act or speak on their behalf at an event, a meeting, etc:\nThe competition attracted over 500 contestants representing 8 different countries. * Local businesses are well represented on the committee (= there are a lot of people from them on the committee). * The opening speech was by Bob Alan representing Amnesty International. * The President was represented at the ceremony by the Vice-President.\n  2  [VN] to act or speak officially for sb and defend their interests:\nThe union represents over 200 000 teachers. * The association was formed to represent the interests of women artists. * Ms Dale is representing the defendant (= is his / her lawyer) in the case. * As an MP, it is my duty to represent my constituents.\n  be equal to\n  3  linking verb [V-N] (not used in the progressive tenses) to be sth\nSYN CONSTITUTE:\nThis contract represents 20% of the company’s annual revenue. * This decision represents a significant departure from previous policy. * He got rid of anyone who represented a challenge to his authority. * The peace plan represents (= is the result of) weeks of negotiation. * These results represent a major breakthrough in Aids research.\n  be example of\n  4  [VN] [no passive] to be an example or expression of sth:\na project representing all that is good in the community * Those comments do not represent the views of us all.\n  be symbol\n  5  [VN] (not used in the progressive tenses) to be a symbol of sth\nSYN SYMBOLIZE:\nEach colour on the chart represents a different department. * Wind direction is represented by arrows. * The artist uses doves to represent peace.\n  in picture\n  6  ~ sb/sth (as sb/sth) to show sb/sth, especially in a picture\nSYN DEPICT:\n[VN] The carvings represent a hunting scene. * The Egyptian goddess is represented as a woman with cow’s horns. * The map represents Italy in the 12th century. * The results are represented in fig.3 below. [also VN -ing]\n  describe\n  7  [VN] ~ sb (as sth) (formal) to present or describe sb/sth in a particular way, especially when this may not be fair:\nThe king is represented as a villain in the play. * The risks were represented as negligible.\n  make formal statement\n  8  ~ sth (to sb) (formal) to make a formal statement to sb in authority to make your opinions known or to protest:\n[VN] They represented their concerns to the authorities. [also V that]


Words: representation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] the act of presenting sb/sth in a particular way; something that shows or describes sth:\nthe negative representation of single mothers in the media * The snake swallowing its tail is a representation of infinity.\n  2  [U] the fact of having representatives who will speak or vote for you or on your behalf:\nThe green movement lacks effective representation in Parliament. * The accused was not allowed legal representation.\nsee also PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION\n  3  (representations) [pl.] (formal, especially BrE) formal statements made to sb in authority, especially in order to make your opinions known or to protest:\nWe have made representations to the prime minister, but without success.


Words: representational
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (technical) (especially of a style of art or painting) trying to show things as they really are:\nIt is on pottery that representational art first appeared again in ancient Greece.\ncompare ABSTRACT\n  2  involving the act of representing sb/sth:\nlocal representational democracy


Words: representative
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n ~ (of sb/sth)\n \n  1  a person who has been chosen to speak or vote for sb else or on behalf of a group:\na representative of the UN * our elected representatives in government * a student / union representative * The committee includes representatives from industry.\n \n  2  (also informal rep) a person who works for a company and travels around selling its products:\na sales representative * She’s our representative in France.\n \n  3  a person chosen to take the place of sb else:\nHe was the Queen’s representative at the ceremony.\n \n  4  a person who is typical of a particular group:\nThe singer is regarded as a representative of the youth of her generation.\n  5  (Representative) (abbreviation Rep.) (in the US) a member of the House of Representatives, the Lower House of Congress; a member of the House of Representatives in the lower house of a state parliament\n    adjective\n  1  ~ (of sb/sth) typical of a particular group of people:\nIs a questionnaire answered by 500 people truly representative of the population as a whole? * The paper-thin models in magazines are not representative of most women.\n  2  [usually before noun] containing or including examples of all the different types of people or things in a large group:\na representative sample of teachers\n  3  ~ (of sth) able to be used as a typical example of sth:\nThe painting is not representative of his work of the period.\n  4  (of a system of government, etc.) consisting of people who have been chosen to speak or vote on behalf of the rest of a group:\na representative democracy\nOPP UNREPRESENTATIVE


Words: repress
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to try not to have or show an emotion, a feeling, etc:\nto repress a shudder / sigh / smile * He burst in, making no effort to repress his fury. * For years he had successfully repressed the painful memories of childhood.\n  2  [often passive] to use political and/or military force to control a group of people and restrict their freedom:\nThe government was quick to repress any opposition.


Words: repressed
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a person) having emotions or desires that are not allowed to be expressed\n  2  (of emotions) not expressed openly:\nrepressed anger


Words: repression
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the act of using force to control a group of people and restrict their freedom:\ngovernment repression * They were fighting against repression and injustice in their country.\n  2  the act of controlling strong emotions and desires and not allowing them to be expressed so that they no longer seem to exist:\nsexual repression


Words: repressive
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a system of government) controlling people by force and restricting their freedom:\na repressive regime / measure / law\n  2  controlling emotions and desires and not allowing them to be expressed\n    repressively adverb\n    repressiveness noun [U]


Words: reprieve
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] [usually passive] (not usually used in the progressive tenses)\n  1  to officially cancel or delay a punishment for a prisoner who is CONDEMNED to death:\na reprieved murderer\n  2  to officially cancel or delay plans to close sth or end sth:\n70 jobs have been reprieved until next April.\n    noun [usually sing.]\n  1  an official order stopping a punishment, especially for a prisoner who is CONDEMNED to death\n  2  a delay before sth bad happens:\nCampaigners have won a reprieve for the hospital threatened with closure.


Words: reprimand
Meaning:
verb\n~ sb (for sth) (formal) to tell sb officially that you do not approve of them or their actions:\n[VN] The officers were severely reprimanded for their unprofessional behaviour. [also V speech]\n    reprimand noun [C, U]:\nHe received a severe reprimand for his behaviour.


Words: reprint
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb  [VN] [usually passive] to print more copies of a book, article, etc. with few or no changes:\nThis popular guide has already been reprinted several times.\n    noun \n  1  an act of printing more copies of a book because all the others have been sold:\nThe book is into its fifth reprint.\n  2  a book that has been reprinted


Words: reprisal
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (written) a violent or aggressive act towards sb because of sth bad that they have done towards you:\nThey did not want to give evidence for fear of reprisals. * They shot ten hostages in reprisal for the assassination of their leader.


Words: reproach
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (formal)\n  1  [U] blame or criticism for sth you have done:\nHis voice was full of reproach. * The captain’s behaviour is above / beyond reproach (= you cannot criticize it).\n  2  [C] a word or remark expressing blame or criticism:\nHe listened to his wife’s bitter reproaches.\n  3  [U] a state of shame or loss of honour:\nHer actions brought reproach upon herself.\n  4  [sing.] ~ (to sb/sth) a person or thing that brings shame on sb/sth:\nSuch living conditions are a reproach to our society.\n    verb (formal)\n  1  ~ sb (for sth / for doing sth) | ~ sb (with sth / with doing sth) to blame or criticize sb for sth that they have done or not done, because you are disappointed in them:\n[VN] She was reproached by colleagues for leaking the story to the press. [also V speech, VN speech]\n  2  [VN] ~ yourself (for sth / for doing sth) | ~ yourself (with sth) to feel guilty about sth that you think you should have done differently:\nHe reproached himself for not telling her the truth.


Words: reproachful
Meaning:
adjective\nexpressing blame or criticism:\na reproachful look * She was doing her best not to sound reproachful.\n    reproachfully  adverb


Words: reprobate
Meaning:
noun\n(formal or humorous) a person who behaves in a way that society thinks is immoral\n    reprobate adjective [only before noun]:\nreprobate behaviour


Words: reproduce
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] to make a copy of a picture, piece of text, etc:\nIt is illegal to reproduce these worksheets without permission from the publisher. * The photocopier reproduces colours very well. * This material can be reproduced without payment. * The results are reproduced in Table 2. * All illustrations are reproduced by kind permission of the Mercury Gallery.\n  2  [VN] to produce sth again; to make sth happen again in the same way:\nThe computer program reproduces the effects of earthquakes on buildings. * The atmosphere of the novel is successfully reproduced in the movie. * Unfortunately, he was never able to reproduce this level of performance in a competition.\n  3  if people, plants, animals, etc. reproduce or reproduce themselves, they produce young:\n[V] Most reptiles reproduce by laying eggs on land. * [VN] cells reproducing themselves (= making new ones)\n    reproducible  adjective:\nan experiment capable of giving reproducible results


Words: reproduction
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the act or process of producing babies, young animals or plants:\nsexual reproduction * They are studying reproduction in shellfish.\n  2  [U] the act or process of producing copies of a document, book, picture, etc:\nUse a black pen on white paper to ensure good reproduction.\n  3  [U] the process of recording sounds onto tapes, records, videos, etc:\nDigital recording gives excellent sound reproduction.\n  4  [C] a thing that has been reproduced, especially a copy of a work of art:\na catalogue with colour reproductions of the paintings for sale * reproduction furniture (= furniture made as a copy of an earlier style)


Words: reproductive
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] connected with reproducing babies, young animals or plants:\nreproductive organs / patterns / systems


Words: reproof
Meaning:
noun (formal)\n  1  [U] blame or disapproval:\nHis words were a mixture of pity and reproof.\n  2  [C] a remark that expresses blame or disapproval:\nShe received a mild reproof from the teacher.


Words: reprove
Meaning:
verb\n~ sb (for sth / for doing sth) (formal) to tell sb that you do not approve of sth that they have done:\n[VN] Charles reproved her for rushing away. [also V speech, VN speech]\n    reproving adjective [usually before noun]:\na reproving glance * His tone was mildly reproving.\n    reprovingly adverb:\n’You’re late,’ she said reprovingly.


Words: reptile
Meaning:
noun\nany animal that has cold blood and skin covered in scales, and that lays eggs. Snakes, CROCODILES and TORTOISES are all reptiles.\ncompare AMPHIBIAN\n    reptilian  adjective:\nour reptilian ancestors * (figurative) He licked his lips in an unpleasantly reptilian way.


Words: republic
Meaning:
noun\na country that is governed by a president and politicians elected by the people and where there is no king or queen:\nnewly independent republics * the Republic of Ireland\ncompare MONARCHY


Words: republican
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  a person who supports a form of government with a president and politicians elected by the people with no king or queen\ncompare ROYALIST\n  2  (Republican) (abbreviation R, Rep.) a member or supporter of the Republican Party\ncompare DEMOCRAT\n  3  (Republican) a person from Northern Ireland who believes that Northern Ireland should be part of the Republic of Ireland and not part of the United Kingdom\ncompare LOYALIST\n    adjective\n  1  connected with or like a republic; supporting the principles of a republic:\na republican government / movement\n  2  (also Republican) (abbreviation R, Rep.) connected with the Republican Party\n  3  (also Republican) connected with or supporting the Republicans in Northern Ireland\n    republicanism (also Republicanism) noun [U]:\na strong commitment to Republicanism


Words: repudiate
Meaning:
verb [VN] (formal)\n  1  to refuse to accept sth\nSYN REJECT:\nto repudiate a proposal / suggestion * Socialism had been repudiated at the polls. * The West has chosen to repudiate all responsibility for these refugees.\n  2  to say officially and/or publicly that sth is not true\nSYN DENY:\nto repudiate an article / a report / a claim\n  3  to refuse to do sth, especially sth that you are legally required to do:\nto repudiate a contract / an agreement * to repudiate (= refuse to pay) debts\n  4  (old-fashioned) to refuse to be connected with sb any longer\nSYN DISOWN:\nHe repudiated his first wife and married her sister.\n    repudiation  noun [U]:\nthe repudiation of a claim / contract


Words: repugnance
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) a strong feeling of dislike or disgust about sth:\nShe was trying to overcome her physical repugnance for him.


Words: repugnant
Meaning:
adjective\n[not usually before noun] ~ (to sb) (formal) making you feel strong dislike or disgust:\nWe found his suggestion absolutely repugnant. * The idea of eating meat was repugnant to her.


Words: repulse
Meaning:
verb [VN] (formal)\n  1  [usually passive] to make sb feel disgust or strong dislike\nSYN REPEL:\nI was repulsed by the horrible smell.\n  2  to fight sb who is attacking you and drive them away\nSYN REPEL:\nto repulse an attack / invasion / offensive\n  3  to refuse to accept sb’s help, attempts to be friendly, etc:\nEach time I tried to help I was repulsed. * She repulsed his advances.


Words: repulsion
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  a feeling of very strong dislike of sth that you find extremely unpleasant\n  2  (physics) the force by which objects tend to push each other away:\nthe forces of attraction and repulsion\nsee also REPEL\ncompare ATTRACTION


Words: repulsive
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  causing a feeling of strong dislike; very unpleasant:\na repulsive sight / smell / habit * What a repulsive man!\n  2  (physics) causing repulsion (= a force that pushes away):\nrepulsive forces\n    repulsively adverb:\nrepulsively ugly


Words: reputable
Meaning:
adjective\nthat people consider to be honest and to provide a good service:\na reputable dealer / company / supplier\ncompare DISREPUTABLE


Words: reputation
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] ~ (as sth) | ~ (for sth / for doing sth) the opinion that people have about what sb/sth is like, based on what has happened in the past:\nto earn / establish / build a reputation * to have a good / bad reputation * She soon acquired a reputation as a first-class cook. * I’m aware of Mark’s reputation for being late. * to damage / ruin sb’s reputation * The weather in England is living up to its reputation (= is exactly as expected). * She is, by reputation, very difficult to please. * The company enjoys a world-wide reputation for quality of design.


Words: repute
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) the opinion that people have of sb/sth\nSYN REPUTATION:\nI know him only by repute. * She is a writer of international repute. * My parents were artists of (some) repute (= having a very good reputation).


Words: reputed
Meaning:
adjective\n[not usually before noun] ~ (to be sth / to have done sth) generally thought to be sth or to have done sth, although this is not certain:\nHe is reputed to be the best heart surgeon in the country. * The house is wrongly reputed to have been the poet’s birthplace. * She sold her share of the company for a reputed ｣7 million.\n    reputedly adverb:\nHe was reputedly a millionaire. * It is reputedly the best hotel in the country.


Words: request
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun ~ (for sth) | ~ (that ...)\n  1  the action of asking for sth formally and politely:\nThey made a request for further aid. * He was there at the request of his manager / at his manager’s request (= because his manager had asked him to go). * The writer’s name was withheld by request (= because the writer asked for this to be done). * Catalogues are available on request. * She left her address with a request that any mail should be sent on to her.\n  2  a thing that you formally ask for:\nMy request was granted. * a radio request programme (= a programme of music, songs, etc. that listeners have asked for)\n    verb ~ sth (from sb) (formal) to ask for sth or ask sb to do sth in a polite or formal way: [VN] She requested permission to film at the White House. * You can request a free copy of the leaflet. * Call us now if you’d like to request a record for someone (= ask for it to be played on the radio). * [VN to inf] We were requested to assemble in the lobby. * You are requested not to smoke in the restaurant. * [V that] She requested that no one be told of her decision until the next meeting. * (BrE also) She requested that no one should be told of her decision. [also V speech]


Words: requiem
Meaning:
(also requiem mass) noun\n  1  a Christian ceremony for a person who has recently died, at which people say prayers for his or her soul\n  2  a piece of music for this ceremony


Words: require
Meaning:
verb (not usually used in the progressive tenses) (formal)\n  1  to need sth; to depend on sb/sth:\n[VN] These pets require a lot of care and attention. * Deciphering the code requires an expert. * This condition requires urgent treatment. * Do you require anything else? (= in a shop / store, for example) * [VN to inf] True marriage requires us to show trust and loyalty. * [V that] The situation required that he be present. * (BrE also) The situation required that he should be present. * [V -ing] Lentils do not require soaking before cooking.\n  2  [often passive] ~ sth (of sb) to make sb do or have sth, especially because it is necessary according to a particular law or set of rules:\n[VN] What exactly is required of a receptionist (= what are they expected to do)? * The wearing of seat belts is required by law. * ’Hamlet’ is required reading (= must be read) for this course. * Several students failed to reach the required standard. * I just require a signature on the form. * [VN to inf] All candidates will be required to take a short test. [also V that]


Words: requirement
Meaning:
noun (formal)\n  1  (usually requirements) [pl.] something that you need or want:\nthe basic requirements of life * a software package to meet your requirements * Our immediate requirement is extra staff. * These goods are surplus to requirements (= more than we need).\n  2  something that you must have in order to do sth else:\nto meet / fulfil / satisfy the requirements * What is the minimum entrance requirement for this course?


Words: requisite
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [only before noun] (formal) necessary for a particular purpose:\nShe lacks the requisite experience for the job. * They were not able to start the meeting until the requisite number of members were present.\n    noun ~ (for / of sth) (formal) something that you need for a particular purpose:\ntoilet requisites (= soap, TOOTHPASTE, etc.) * A university degree has become a requisite for entry into most professions.\ncompare PREREQUISITE


Words: requisition
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [C, U] a formal, official written request or demand for sth:\nthe requisition of ships by the government * a requisition form / order\n    verb [VN] to officially demand the use of a building, vehicle, etc., especially during a war or an emergency:\nThe school was requisitioned as a military hospital. * The government could not afford to pay for all the grain that it had requisitioned from farmers.


Words: requite
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to give sth such as love, kindness, a favour, etc. in return for what sb has given you:\nrequited love\ncompare UNREQUITED


Words: rerun
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun \n  1  a television programme that is shown again:\nreruns of old TV shows\n  2  an event, such as a race or competition, that is held again:\nOfficials have ordered a rerun of the last race.\n  3  something that is done in the same way as sth in the past:\nWe wanted to avoid a rerun of last year’s disastrous trip.\n    verb  rerun) [VN] \n  1  to show a film/movie, television programme, etc. again\n  2  to do sth again in a similar way:\nto rerun an experiment\n  3  to run a race again


Words: reschedule
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ sth (for / to sth) to change the time at which sth has been arranged to happen, especially so that it takes place later:\n[VN] The meeting has been rescheduled for next week. [also VN to inf]\n  2  [VN] (finance) to arrange for sb to pay back money that they have borrowed at a later date than was originally agreed:\nto reschedule a loan * Repayments on the loan have been rescheduled over 20 years.\n    rescheduling noun [U, sing.]:\nthe rescheduling of a meeting / debt


Words: rescue
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb ~ sb/sth (from sth/sb) to save sb/sth from a dangerous or harmful situation:\n[VN] He rescued a child from drowning. * They were eventually rescued by helicopter. * The house was rescued from demolition. * You rescued me from an embarrassing situation. * The bank rescued the company from bankruptcy. * [VN-ADJ] She had despaired of ever being rescued alive.\n    rescuer noun \n    noun\n  1  [U] the act of saving sb/sth from a dangerous or difficult situation; the fact of being saved:\nWe had given up hope of rescue. * A wealthy benefactor came to their rescue with a generous donation. * a rescue attempt / operation * a mountain rescue team * rescue workers / boats / helicopters\n  2  [C] an occasion when sb/sth is saved from a dangerous or difficult situation:\nTen fishermen were saved in a daring sea rescue.


Words: research
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun sb) a careful study of a subject, especially in order to discover new facts or information about it:\nmedical / economic / historical / scientific research * to do / conduct / undertake research * He has carried out extensive research into renewable energy sources. * Recent research on deaf children has produced some interesting findings about their speech. * What have their researches shown? * a research project / grant / student * Research on animals has led to some important medical advances. * I’ve done some research to find out the cheapest way of travelling there.\nsee also MARKET RESEARCH, OPERATIONAL RESEARCH\n    verb  market * He spent 20 years researching Nazi Germany. * She’s in New York researching her new book (= finding facts and information to put in it). [also V wh-]\n    researcher noun


Words: research and development
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (abbreviation R & D) (in industry, etc.) work that tries to find new products and processes or to improve existing ones


Words: resemblance
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] ~ (to sb/sth) | ~ (between A and B) the fact of being or looking similar to sb/sth:\na striking / close / strong resemblance * family resemblances * She bears an uncanny resemblance to Barbra Streisand. * The resemblance between the two signatures was remarkable. * The movie bears little resemblance to the original novel.


Words: resemble
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [no passive] (not used in the progressive tenses) to look like or be similar to another person or thing:\nShe closely resembles her sister. * So many hotels resemble each other. * The plant resembles grass in appearance.


Words: resent
Meaning:
verb\nto feel bitter or angry about sth, especially because you feel it is unfair:\n[VN] I deeply resented her criticism. * The children resented the new woman in their father’s life. * [V -ing] He bitterly resents being treated like a child. * [VN -ing] She resented him making all the decisions. * (formal) She resented his making all the decisions.


Words: resentful
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (of / at / about sth) feeling bitter or angry about sth that you think is unfair:\na resentful look / expression / voice * They seemed to be resentful of our presence there. * She was resentful at having been left out of the team.\n    resentfully  adverb


Words: resentment
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] a feeling of anger or unhappiness about sth that you think is unfair:\nto feel / harbour / bear resentment towards / against sb * She could not conceal the deep resentment she felt at the way she had been treated.


Words: reservation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] an arrangement for a seat on a plane or train, a room in a hotel, etc. to be kept for you:\nI’ll call the restaurant and make a reservation. * We have reservations in the name of Grant.\ncompare BOOKING\n  2  [C, U] a feeling of doubt about a plan or an idea:\nI have serious reservations about his ability to do the job. * They support the measures without reservation (= completely).\n  3  (also reserve) [C] an area of land in the US that is kept separate for Native Americans to live in\nsee also CENTRAL RESERVATION


Words: reserve
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sth (for sb/sth) to ask for a seat, table, room, etc. to be available for you or sb else at a future time:\nI’d like to reserve a table for three for eight o’clock. * I’ve reserved a room in the name of Jones.\ncompare BOOK\n  2  ~ sth (for sb/sth) to keep sth for sb/sth, so that it cannot be used by any other person or for any other reason:\nThese seats are reserved for special guests. * I’d prefer to reserve (my) judgement (= not make a decision) until I know all the facts. * She said this in the tone of voice she reserved for addressing small children.\n  3  to have or keep a particular power:\nThe management reserves the right to refuse admission. * (law) All rights reserved (= nobody else can publish or copy this).\n    noun\n  supply\n  1  [C, usually pl.] a supply of sth that is available to be used in the future or when it is needed:\nlarge oil and gas reserves * He discovered unexpected reserves of strength. * The company has substantial reserves of capital. * reserve assets / funds\n  protected land\n  2  (AmE also preserve) [C] a piece of land that is a protected area for animals, plants, etc:\na wildlife reserve\nsee also GAME RESERVE, NATURE RESERVE\n  3  [C] = RESERVATION\n  quality / feeling\n  4  [U] the quality that sb has when they do not talk easily to other people about their ideas, feelings, etc:\nShe found it difficult to make friends because of her natural reserve. * Jaime always talked to people without reserve.\n  5  [U] (formal) a feeling that you do not want to accept or agree to sth, etc. until you are quite sure that it is all right to do so:\nAny contract should be treated with reserve until it has been checked. * She trusted him without reserve (= completely).\n  in sport\n  6  [C] an extra player who plays in a team when one of the other players is injured or not available to play\n  7  (the reserves) [pl.] a team that plays when the usual one is not available\n  military force\n  8  (the reserve) [sing.] (also the reserves [pl.]) an extra military force, etc. that is not part of a country’s regular forces, but is available to be used when needed:\nthe army reserve(s) * the reserve police\n  price\n  9  (also reserve price) [C] (BrE) the lowest price that sb will accept for sth, especially sth that is sold at an AUCTION:\nThe painting failed to reach to its reserve and was withdrawn from the sale.\n IDIOMS \n  in reserve available to be used in the future or when needed:\nThe money was being kept in reserve for their retirement. * 200 police officers were held in reserve.


Words: reserved
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a person or their character) slow or unwilling to show feelings or express opinions:\na reserved man / manner\ncompare UNRESERVED


Words: reservist
Meaning:
noun\na soldier, etc. who is a member of the reserves (= a military force that can be used in an emergency)


Words: reservoir
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a natural or artificial lake where water is stored before it is taken by pipes to houses, etc.\n \n  2  (written) a large amount of sth that is available to be used\n \n  3  (technical) a place in an engine or a machine where a liquid is kept before it is used:\nan oil reservoir


Words: reset
Meaning:
verb (resetting, reset, reset) [VN] \n  1  to change a machine, an instrument or a control so that it gives a different time or number or is ready to use again:\nYou need to reset your watch to local time. * I’ve reset the heating to stay on all day.\n  2  [often passive] to place sth in the correct position again:\nto reset a broken bone


Words: resettle
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to help people go and live in a new country or area; to go and live in a new country or area:\n[VN] Many of the refugees were resettled in Britain and Canada. [also V]\n  2  [VN] to start to use an area again as a place to live:\nThe region was only resettled 200 years later.\n  3  to make yourself comfortable in a new position:\n[V] The birds flew around and then resettled on the pond. [also VN] \n    resettlement noun [U]:\nthe resettlement of refugees * a resettlement agency / area / programme


Words: reshape
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to change the shape or structure of sth:\nexercises to reshape your body * Their policies set out to reshape the welfare system.


Words: reshuffle
Meaning:
(also less frequent shuffle) verb\nto change around the jobs that a group of people do, for example in the British Government:\n[VN] The Prime Minister eventually decided against reshuffling the Cabinet. [also V]\n    reshuffle  noun:\na Cabinet reshuffle


Words: reside
Meaning:
verb\n[V +adv./prep.] (formal) to live in a particular place:\nHe returned to Britain in 1939, having resided abroad for many years. * Do you still reside at Elm Road? * Their passports do not give them the right to reside in Britain.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  reside in sb/sth to be in sb/sth; to be caused by sth:\nThe poem’s main interest resides in the use of dialect. * The source of the problem resides in the fact that the currency is too strong.\n  reside in / with sb/sth (of a power, a right, etc.) to belong to sb/sth:\nThe ultimate authority resides with the board of directors.


Words: residence
Meaning:
noun (formal)\n  1  [C] a house, especially a large or impressive one:\na desirable family residence for sale (= for example, in an advertisement) * 10 Downing Street is the British Prime Minister’s official residence.\n  2  [U] the state of living in a particular place:\na hall of residence (= for university or college students) * (formal) They were not able to take up residence in their new home until the spring. * Please state your occupation and place of residence. * The flag flies when the Queen is in residence.\n  3  (also residency) [U] permission to live in a country that is not your own:\nThey have been denied residence in this country. * a residence permit\n IDIOMS \n  in residence having an official position in a particular place such as a college or university:\na writer / an artist / a musician in residence


Words: residency
Meaning:
noun (plural residencies) (formal)\n  1  [U, C] = RESIDENCE:\nShe has been granted permanent residency in Britain.\n  2  [U, C] the period of time that an artist, a writer or a musician spends working for a particular institution\n  3  [U] the state of living in a particular place:\na residency requirement for students\n  4  [U, C] (especially AmE) the period of time when a doctor working in a hospital receives special advanced training\n  5  (also residence) [C] the official house of sb such as an AMBASSADOR


Words: resident
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  a person who lives in a particular place or who has their home there:\na resident of the United States * There were confrontations between local residents and the police.\n  2  a person who is staying in a hotel:\nThe hotel restaurant is open to non-residents.\n  3  a doctor working in a hospital in the US who is receiving special advanced training\ncompare REGISTRAR\n    adjective living in a particular place:\nthe town’s resident population (= not tourists or visitors) * to be resident abroad / in the US * Tom’s our resident expert (= our own expert) on foreign movies.


Words: residential
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  (of an area of a town) suitable for living in; consisting of houses rather than factories or offices:\na quiet residential area\n  2  (of a job, a course, etc.) requiring a person to live at a particular place; offering living accommodation:\na residential language course * a residential home for the elderly * residential care for children


Words: residents’ association
Meaning:
noun\na group of people who live in a particular area and join together to discuss the problems of that area


Words: residual
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (formal) remaining at the end of a process:\nThere are still a few residual problems with the computer program. * residual income (= money that is left from your income after you have paid tax and other costs)


Words: residuary
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (law) remaining from the money and property left by a person who has died after all debts, gifts, etc. have been paid:\na residuary bequest\n  2  (technical) remaining at the end of a process


Words: residue
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (technical) a small amount of sth that remains at the end of a process:\npesticide residues in fruit and vegetables\n  2  (law) the part of the money, property, etc. of a person who has died that remains after all the debts, gifts, etc. have been paid:\nThe residue of the estate was divided equally among his children.


Words: resign
Meaning:
verb\n~ (from sth) | ~ (as sth) to officially tell sb that you are leaving your job, an organization, etc:\n[V] He resigned as manager after eight years. * Two members resigned from the board in protest. * [VN] My father resigned his directorship last year.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  resign yourself to sth to accept sth unpleasant that cannot be changed or avoided:\nShe resigned herself to her fate. * [+ -ing] We had to resign ourselves to making a loss on the sale.


Words: resignation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] the act of giving up your job or position; the occasion when you do this:\na letter of resignation * There were calls for her resignation from the board of directors. * Further resignations are expected. * The defeat led to his resignation as team manager.\n  2  [C] a letter, for example to your employers, to say that you are giving up your job or position:\nto offer / hand in / tender your resignation * We haven’t received his resignation yet.\n  3  [U] patient willingness to accept a difficult or unpleasant situation that you cannot change:\nThey accepted their defeat with resignation.


Words: resigned
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to sth / doing sth) being willing to calmly accept sth unpleasant or difficult that you cannot change:\na resigned sigh / smile / voice * He was resigned to never seeing his birthplace again.\n    resignedly  adverb:\n’I suppose you’re right,’ she said resignedly.


Words: resilience
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the ability of people or things to feel better quickly after sth unpleasant, such as shock, injury, etc:\nHe showed great courage and resilience in fighting back from a losing position to win the game.\n  2  the ability of a substance to return to its original shape after it has been bent, stretched or pressed:\nthe natural beauty and resilience of wool


Words: resilient
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  able to feel better quickly after sth unpleasant such as shock, injury, etc:\nHe’ll get over it-young people are amazingly resilient. * These plants are very resilient to rough handling.\n  2  (of a substance) returning to its original shape after being bent, stretched, or pressed\n    resiliently adverb


Words: resin
Meaning:
noun [C, U]\n  1  a sticky substance that is produced by some trees and is used in making VARNISH, medicine, etc.\n  2  an artificial substance similar to resin, used in making plastics\n    resinous  adjective:\nthe resinous scent of pine trees


Words: resist
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to refuse to accept sth and try to stop it from happening:\n[VN] to resist change * They are determined to resist pressure to change the law. * She steadfastly resisted all attempts to help her. * I believe we should resist calls for tighter controls. * [V -ing] The bank strongly resisted cutting interest rates. [also V]\n  2  to fight back when attacked; to use force to stop sth from happening:\n[V] He tried to pin me down, but I resisted. * [VN] She was charged with resisting arrest.\n  3  (usually in negative sentences) to stop yourself from having sth you like or doing sth you very much want to do:\n[VN] I finished the cake. I couldn’t resist it. * I found the temptation to miss the class too hard to resist. * Eric couldn’t resist a smile when she finally agreed. * [V -ing] He couldn’t resist showing off his new car. [also V]\n  4  [VN] to not be harmed or damaged by sth:\nA healthy diet should help your body resist infection. * This new paint is designed to resist heat.


Words: resistance
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, sing.] ~ (to sb/sth) dislike of or opposition to a plan, an idea, etc.; refusal to obey:\nAs with all new ideas it met with resistance. * There has been a lot of resistance to this new law. * Resistance to change has nearly destroyed the industry.\n  2  [U, sing.] ~ (to sb/sth) the act of using force to oppose sb/sth:\narmed resistance * The defenders put up a strong resistance. * The demonstrators offered little or no resistance to the police.\n  3  [U, sing.] ~ (to sth) the power not to be affected by sth:\nAids lowers the body’s resistance to infection.\n  4  [U, sing.] ~ (to sth) a force that stops sth moving or makes it move more slowly:\nlow / high wind resistance (= in the design of planes or cars)\n  5  [U, C] (physics) (Symbol R) the fact of not CONDUCTING heat or electricity; a measurement of this\n  6  (often the Resistance) [sing.+sing./pl. v.] a secret organization that resists the authorities, especially in a country that an enemy has control of:\nresistance fighters / forces\n IDIOMS  see LINE n.


Words: resistant
Meaning:
adjective ~ (to sth)\n  1  not affected by sth; able to resist sth:\nplants that are resistant to disease * Mosquitoes are becoming resistant to insecticides.\n  2  opposing sth and trying to stop it happening:\nElderly people are not always resistant to change.\n  3  (-resistant) (in adjectives) not damaged by the thing mentioned:\ndisease-resistant plants * fire-resistant materials\nsee also HEAT-RESISTANT, WATER-RESISTANT


Words: resit
Meaning:
verb\n(resitting, resat, resat ) (also retake) [VN, V] (BrE) to take an exam or a test again, usually after failing it the first time\n    resit  (also retake) noun:\nStudents are only allowed one resit.


Words: resolute
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving or showing great determination:\nresolute action / leadership * He became even more resolute in his opposition to the plan. * Her voice sounded calm and resolute.\nOPP IRRESOLUTE\n    resolutely adverb:\nThey remain resolutely opposed to the idea. * She resolutely refuses to talk about it.\n    resoluteness noun [U]


Words: resolution
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a formal statement of an opinion agreed on by a committee or a council, especially by means of a vote:\nto pass / adopt / carry a resolution * The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution calling for a halt to hostilities.\n  2  [U, sing.] the act of solving or settling a problem, dispute, etc:\nthe resolution of the dispute * The government is pressing for an early resolution of the hostage crisis.\n  3  [U] the quality of being resolute or determined\nSYN RESOLVE:\nThe reforms owe a great deal to the resolution of one man. * Her resolution never faltered.\n  4  [C] ~ (to do sth) a firm decision to do or not to do sth:\nShe made a resolution to visit her relatives more often. * Have you made any New Year’s resolutions (= for example, to give up smoking from 1 January)?\n  5  [U, sing.] the power of a computer screen, printer, etc. to give a clear image, depending on the size of the dots that make up the image:\nhigh-resolution graphics


Words: resolve
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (written)\n  1  [VN] to find a satisfactory solution to a problem or difficulty:\nto resolve an issue / a dispute / a conflict / a crisis * Attempts are being made to resolve the problem of security in schools. * Both sides met in order to try to resolve their differences. * Be patient and the situation may resolve itself.\n  2  ~ (on sth / on doing sth) to make a firm decision to do sth:\n[V to inf] He resolved not to tell her the truth. * [V (that)] She resolved (that) she would never see him again. * [V] We had resolved on making an early start.\n  3  (of a committee, meeting, etc.) to reach a decision by means of a formal vote:\n[V that] It was resolved that the matter be referred to a higher authority. * [V to inf] The Supreme Council resolved to resume control over the national press.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  resolve into sth | resolve sth into sth\n1 to separate or to be separated into its parts:\nto resolve a complex argument into its basic elements\n2 (of sth seen or heard at a distance) to gradually turn into a different form when it is seen or heard more clearly:\nThe orange light resolved itself into four lanterns.\n3 to gradually become or be understood as sth:\nThe discussion eventually resolved itself into two main issues.\n    noun [U] ~ (to do sth) (formal) strong determination to achieve sth\nSYN RESOLUTION:\nThe difficulties in her way merely strengthened her resolve. * The government reiterated its resolve to uncover the truth. * It was a test of his stamina and resolve. * She did not weaken in her resolve.


