Gre Wordlist 41 : rescind - sacrosanct

1.rescind	repeal; annul; cancel (a law, decision, or agreement)	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Latin rescindere to annul, from re- + scindere to cut -- more at SHED 1 : to take away : REMOVE 2 a : TAKE BACK, CANCEL <refused to rescind the order> b : to abrogate (a contract) and restore the parties to the positions they would have occupied had there been no contract 3 : to make void (as an act) by action of the enacting authority or a superior authority : REPEAL - re·scind·er noun - re·scind·ment /-'sin(d)-m&nt/ noun
2.resentment	indignation; bitterness; displeasure; V. resent: feel anger about	Function: noun : a feeling of indignant displeasure or persistent ill will at something regarded as a wrong, insult, or injury synonym see OFFENSE
3.reserve	self-control; self-restraint; formal but distant manner; reticence; Ex. without reserve: freely and openly; ADJ. reserved: shy and uncommunicative	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): re·served; re·serv·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French reserver, from Latin reservare, literally, to keep back, from re- + servare to keep -- more at CONSERVE 1 a : to hold in reserve : keep back <reserve grain for seed> b : to set aside (part of the consecrated elements) at the Eucharist for future use c : to retain or hold over to a future time or place : DEFER <reserve one's judgment on a plan> d : to make legal reservation of 2 : to set or have set aside or apart <reserve a hotel room> synonym see KEEP - re·serv·able /-'z&r-v&-b&l/ adjective
4.residue	remainder; balance	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French residu, from Latin residuum, from neuter of residuus left over, from residEre to remain : something that remains after a part is taken, separated, or designated : REMNANT, REMAINDER: as a : the part of a testator's estate remaining after the satisfaction of all debts, charges, allowances, and previous devises and bequests b : the remainder after subtracting a multiple of a modulus from an integer or a power of the integer that can appear as the second of the two terms in an appropriate congruence <2 and 7 are residues of 12 modulo 5> c : a constituent structural unit (as a group or monomer) of a usually complex molecule <amino acid residues from hydrolysis of protein>
5.resignation	patiently submissiveness; statement that one is quitting a job; ADJ. resigned: acquiescent	Function: noun 1 a : an act or instance of resigning something : SURRENDER b : a formal notification of resigning 2 : the quality or state of being resigned : SUBMISSIVENESS
6.resilient	elastic; having the power of springing back; able to recover quickly (as from misfortune)	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin resilient-, resiliens, present participle of resilire to jump back, recoil, from re- + salire to leap -- more at SALLY : characterized or marked by resilience : as a : capable of withstanding shock without permanent deformation or rupture b : tending to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change synonym see ELASTIC - re·sil·ient·ly adverb
7.resolution	determination; resoluteness; ADJ. resolute: firm or determined in purpose	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French resolution, from Latin resolution-, resolutio, from resolvere 1 : the act or process of reducing to simpler form: as a : the act of analyzing a complex notion into simpler ones b : the act of answering : SOLVING c : the act of determining d : the passing of a voice part from a dissonant to a consonant tone or the progression of a chord from dissonance to consonance e : the separating of a chemical compound or mixture into its constituents f (1) : the division of a prosodic element into its component parts (2) : the substitution in Greek or Latin prosody of two short syllables for a long syllable g : the analysis of a vector into two or more vectors of which it is the sum h : the process or capability of making distinguishable the individual parts of an object, closely adjacent optical images, or sources of light 2 : the subsidence of a pathological state (as inflammation) 3 a : something that is resolved <made a resolution to mend my ways> b : firmness of resolve 4 : a formal expression of opinion, will, or intent voted by an official body or assembled group 5 : the point in a literary work at which the chief dramatic complication is worked out synonym see COURAGE
8.resolve	determination; resolution; firmness of purpose	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): re·solved; re·solv·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Latin resolvere to unloose, dissolve, from re- + solvere to loosen, release -- more at SOLVE transitive senses 1 obsolete : DISSOLVE, MELT 2 a : BREAK UP, SEPARATE <the prism resolved the light into a play of color>; also : to change by disintegration b : to reduce by analysis <resolve the problem into simple elements> c : to distinguish between or make independently visible adjacent parts of d : to separate (a racemic compound or mixture) into the two components 3 : to cause resolution of (a pathological state) 4 a : to deal with successfully : clear up <resolve doubts> <resolve a dispute> b : to find an answer to c : to make clear or understandable d : to find a mathematical solution of e : to split up (as a vector) into two or more components especially in assigned directions 5 : to reach a firm decision about <resolve to get more sleep> <resolve disputed points in a text> 6 a : to declare or decide by a formal resolution and vote b : to change by resolution or formal vote <the house resolved itself into a committee> 7 : to make (as voice parts) progress from dissonance to consonance 8 : to work out the resolution of (as a play) intransitive senses 1 : to become separated into component parts; also : to become reduced by dissolving or analysis 2 : to form a resolution : DETERMINE 3 :
9.resolve	decide; settle; solve; separate; make a determined decision; N. resolution	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): re·solved; re·solv·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Latin resolvere to unloose, dissolve, from re- + solvere to loosen, release -- more at SOLVE transitive senses 1 obsolete : DISSOLVE, MELT 2 a : BREAK UP, SEPARATE <the prism resolved the light into a play of color>; also : to change by disintegration b : to reduce by analysis <resolve the problem into simple elements> c : to distinguish between or make independently visible adjacent parts of d : to separate (a racemic compound or mixture) into the two components 3 : to cause resolution of (a pathological state) 4 a : to deal with successfully : clear up <resolve doubts> <resolve a dispute> b : to find an answer to c : to make clear or understandable d : to find a mathematical solution of e : to split up (as a vector) into two or more components especially in assigned directions 5 : to reach a firm decision about <resolve to get more sleep> <resolve disputed points in a text> 6 a : to declare or decide by a formal resolution and vote b : to change by resolution or formal vote <the house resolved itself into a committee> 7 : to make (as voice parts) progress from dissonance to consonance 8 : to work out the resolution of (as a play) intransitive senses 1 : to become separated into component parts; also : to become reduced by dissolving or analysis 2 : to form a resolution : DETERMINE 3 :
10.resonant	(of a sound) echoing; resounding(sounding loudly); deep and full in sound; producing resonance; Ex. resonant voice; N. resonance	Function: adjective 1 : continuing to sound : ECHOING 2 a : capable of inducing resonance b : relating to or exhibiting resonance 3 a : intensified and enriched by or as if by resonance b : marked by grandiloquence - resonant noun - res·o·nant·ly adverb
11.respiration	breathing; exhalation; ADJ. respiratory	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English respiracioun, from Latin respiration-, respiratio, from respirare 1 a : the placing of air or dissolved gases in intimate contact with the circulating medium of a multicellular organism (as by breathing) b : a single complete act of breathing 2 : the physical and chemical processes by which an organism supplies its cells and tissues with the oxygen needed for metabolism and relieves them of the carbon dioxide formed in energy-producing reactions 3 : any of various energy-yielding oxidative reactions in living matter - re·spi·ra·to·ry /'res-p(&-)r&-"tOr-E, ri-'spI-r&-, -"tor-/ adjective
12.respite	time for rest; interval of relief; delay in punishment; reprieve	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English respit, from Old French, from Medieval Latin respectus, from Latin, act of looking back -- more at RESPECT 1 : a period of temporary delay; especially : REPRIEVE 1b 2 : an interval of rest or relief
13.resplendent	brilliant; splendid in appearance; dazzling; glorious	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin resplendent-, resplendens, present participle of resplendEre to shine back, from re- + splendEre to shine -- more at SPLENDID : shining brilliantly : characterized by a glowing splendor <meadows resplendent with wildflowers -- Outdoor World> synonym see SPLENDID - re·splen·dent·ly adverb
14.responsiveness	state of reacting readily to appeals, orders, etc.; ADJ. responsive: readily reacting; Ex. responsive to treatment	Function: adjective 1 : giving response : constituting a response : ANSWERING <a responsive glance> <responsive aggression> 2 : quick to respond or react appropriately or sympathetically : SENSITIVE 3 : using responses <responsive worship> - re·spon·sive·ly adverb - re·spon·sive·ness noun
15.restitution	returning something (lost or stolen) to the rightful owner; reparation; indemnification; compensation for loss, damage, or injury	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin restitution-, restitutio, from restituere to restore, from re- + statuere to set up -- more at STATUTE 1 : an act of restoring or a condition of being restored: as a : a restoration of something to its rightful owner b : a making good of or giving an equivalent for some injury 2 : a legal action serving to cause restoration of a previous state
16.restive	impatiently restless (induced by external coercion or restriction); restlessly impatient; obstinately resisting control; Ex. restive horses because of wolves; CF. not a general synonym for `restless'	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English restyf, from Middle French restif, from rester to stop behind, remain 1 : stubbornly resisting control : BALKY 2 : marked by impatience : FIDGETY synonym see CONTRARY - res·tive·ly adverb - res·tive·ness noun
17.restraint	moderation or self-control; controlling force; restriction	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French restrainte, from restraindre 1 a : an act of restraining : the state of being restrained b (1) : a means of restraining : a restraining force or influence (2) : a device that restricts movement <a restraint for children riding in cars> 2 : a control over the expression of one's emotions or thoughts
18.resumption	taking up again; recommencement; V. resume: begin or take up again; take or occupy again; Ex. Kindly resume your seats.	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French resomption, from Late Latin resumption-, resumptio, from Latin resumere 1 : an act or instance of resuming : RECOMMENCEMENT 2 : a return to payment in specie
19.resurge	rise again; flow to and fro; N. resurgence; ADJ. resurgent: (of ideas or beliefs) experiencing revival; surging again	Function: intransitive verb Inflected Form(s): re·surged; re·surg·ing Etymology: Latin resurgere : to undergo a resurgence
20.resuscitate	revive; bring back to life or consciousness; Ex. resuscitate the drowned child	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -tat·ed; -tat·ing Etymology: Latin resuscitatus, past participle of resuscitare to reawaken, from re- + suscitare to rouse, from sub-, sus- up + citare to put in motion, stir -- more at SUB-, CITE transitive senses : to revive from apparent death or from unconsciousness; also : REVITALIZE intransitive senses : COME TO, REVIVE - re·sus·ci·ta·tion /ri-"s&-s&-'tA-sh&n, "rE-/ noun - re·sus·ci·ta·tive /ri-'s&-s&-"tA-tiv/ adjective
21.retain	keep; maintain possession of; employ (esp. a lawyer or advisor); N. retainer: servant; fee paid to retain an advisor	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English reteinen, retainen, from Middle French retenir, from Latin retinEre to hold back, keep, restrain, from re- + tenEre to hold -- more at THIN 1 a : to keep in possession or use b : to keep in one's pay or service; specifically : to employ by paying a retainer c : to keep in mind or memory : REMEMBER 2 : to hold secure or intact synonym see KEEP
22.retaliate	repay in kind (usually for bad treatment); V. retaliate	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -at·ed; -at·ing Etymology: Late Latin retaliatus, past participle of retaliare, from Latin re- + talio legal retaliation transitive senses : to repay (as an injury) in kind intransitive senses : to return like for like; especially : to get revenge synonym see RECIPROCATE - re·tal·i·a·tion /ri-"ta-lE-'A-sh&n, "rE-/ noun - re·tal·i·a·tive /ri-'ta-lE-"A-tiv/ adjective - re·tal·ia·to·ry /-'tal-y&-"tOr-E, -'ta-lE-&-, -"tor-/ adjective
23.retentive	holding; able to retain things (esp. facts in the mind); having a good memory	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English retentif, from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French, from Medieval Latin retentivus, from Latin retentus, past participle of retinEre : having the power, property, or capacity of retaining <soils retentive of moisture>; especially : retaining knowledge easily - re·ten·tive·ly adverb - re·ten·tive·ness noun
24.reticent	inclined to silence; uncommunicative; reserved; Ex. He was reticent about the reasons; N. reticence	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin reticent-, reticens, present participle of reticEre to keep silent, from re- + tacEre to be silent -- more at TACIT 1 : inclined to be silent or uncommunicative in speech : RESERVED 2 : restrained in expression, presentation, or appearance <the room has an aspect of reticent dignity -- A. N. Whitehead> 3 : RELUCTANT synonym see SILENT - ret·i·cent·ly adverb
25.retinue	following; attendants	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English retenue, from Middle French, from feminine of retenu, past participle of retenir to retain : a group of retainers or attendants
26.retiring	shy and reserved (of a person); modest; Ex. her retiring personality	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): re·tired; re·tir·ing Etymology: Middle French retirer, from re- + tirer to draw intransitive senses 1 : to withdraw from action or danger : RETREAT 2 : to withdraw especially for privacy 3 : to move back : RECEDE 4 : to withdraw from one's position or occupation : conclude one's working or professional career 5 : to go to bed transitive senses 1 : WITHDRAW: as a : to march (a military force) away from the enemy b : to withdraw from circulation or from the market : RECALL c : to withdraw from usual use or service 2 : to cause to retire from one's position or occupation 3 a : to put out (a batter or batsman) in baseball or cricket b : to cause (a side) to end a turn at bat in baseball 4 : to win permanent possession of (as a trophy)
27.retort	quick sharp reply; V.	Function: verb Etymology: Latin retortus, past participle of retorquEre, literally, to twist back, hurl back, from re- + torquEre to twist -- more at TORTURE transitive senses 1 : to pay or hurl back : RETURN <retort an insult> 2 a : to make a reply to b : to say in reply 3 : to answer (as an argument) by a counter argument intransitive senses 1 : to answer back usually sharply 2 : to return an argument or charge 3 : RETALIATE synonym see ANSWER
28.retract	withdraw; take back; draw back; Ex. retract a statement/an offer/claws; N. retraction; CF. retractile	Function: verb Etymology: Middle English, from Latin retractus, past participle of retrahere -- more at RETREAT transitive senses 1 : to draw back or in <cats retract their claws> 2 a : TAKE BACK, WITHDRAW <retract a confession> b : DISAVOW intransitive senses 1 : to draw or pull back 2 : to recant or disavow something synonym see ABJURE, RECEDE - re·tract·able /-'trak-t&-b&l/ adjective
29.retrench	cut down; cut down expenses; economize	Function: verb Etymology: obsolete French retrencher (now retrancher), from Middle French retrenchier, from re- + trenchier to cut transitive senses 1 a : CUT DOWN, REDUCE b : to cut out : EXCISE 2 : to pare away : REMOVE intransitive senses : to make retrenchments; specifically : ECONOMIZE synonym see SHORTEN
30.retribution	deserved punishment for wrongdoing; punishment for offenses; compensation; vengeance; CF. pay back	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English retribucioun, from Middle French retribution, from Late Latin retribution-, retributio, from Latin retribuere to pay back, from re- + tribuere to pay -- more at TRIBUTE 1 : RECOMPENSE, REWARD 2 : the dispensing or receiving of reward or punishment especially in the hereafter 3 : something given or exacted in recompense; especially : PUNISHMENT
31.retrieve	recover; put right; find and bring in; regain; Ex. retrieve the situation	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): re·trieved; re·triev·ing Etymology: Middle English retreven, modification of Middle French retrouver to find again, from re- + trouver to find, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin tropare to find, compose -- more at TROUBADOUR transitive senses 1 : to discover and bring in (killed or wounded game) 2 : to call to mind again 3 : to get back again : REGAIN 4 a : RESCUE, SALVAGE b : to return (as a ball or shuttlecock that is difficult to reach) successfully 5 : RESTORE, REVIVE <his writing retrieves the past> 6 : to remedy the evil consequences of : CORRECT 7 : to get and bring back; especially : to recover (as information) from storage intransitive senses : to bring in game <a dog that retrieves well>; also : to bring back an object thrown by a person - re·triev·abil·i·ty /-"trE-v&-'bi-l&-tE/ noun - re·triev·able /-'trE-v&-b&l/ adjective
32.retroactive	taking effect before its enactment (as a law) or imposition (as a tax); (of a law) having effect on the past as well as the future	Function: adjective Etymology: French rétroactif, from Latin retroactus, past participle of retroagere to drive back, reverse, from retro- + agere to drive -- more at AGENT : extending in scope or effect to a prior time or to conditions that existed or originated in the past; especially : made effective as of a date prior to enactment, promulgation, or imposition <retroactive tax> - ret·ro·ac·tive·ly adverb - ret·ro·ac·tiv·i·ty /-"ak-'ti-v&-tE/ noun
33.retrograde	go backwards; recede; degenerate; deteriorate; ADJ.	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Latin retrogradus, from retrogradi 1 a (1) of a celestial body : having a direction contrary to that of the general motion of similar bodies (2) : having or being a direction of rotation or revolution that is clockwise as viewed from the north pole of the sky or a planet b : moving, occurring, or performed in a backward direction or opposite to the usual direction <a retrograde step> <retrograde peristalsis> c : contrary to the normal order : INVERSE 2 : tending toward or resulting in a worse or previous state 3 archaic : CONTRADICTORY, OPPOSED 4 : characterized by retrogression 5 : affecting a period prior to a precipitating cause <retrograde amnesia> 6 : RETRO - ret·ro·grade·ly adverb
34.retrospective	looking back on the past; N. retrospection; V. retrospect	Function: adjective 1 a (1) : of, relating to, or given to retrospection (2) : based on memory <a retrospective report> b : being a retrospective <a retrospective exhibition> 2 : affecting things past : RETROACTIVE - ret·ro·spec·tive·ly adverb
35.revelry	boisterous merrymaking; V. revel: engage boisterous festivities; enjoy greatly; N: boisterous festivity or celebration	Function: noun : noisy partying or merrymaking
36.reverberate	echo repeatedly; resound; Ex. The thunder reverberated across the valley.	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -at·ed; -at·ing Etymology: Latin reverberatus, past participle of reverberare, from re- + verberare to lash, from verber rod -- more at VERVAIN transitive senses 1 : REFLECT 2 : REPEL 3 : ECHO intransitive senses 1 a : to become driven back b : to become reflected 2 : to continue in or as if in a series of echoes : RESOUND
37.reverent	respectful; worshipful; V. revere: regard with reverence; N. reverence: profound respect	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Latin reverent-, reverens, present participle of revereri : expressing or characterized by reverence : WORSHIPFUL - rev·er·ent·ly adverb
38.reverie	daydream; abstracted musing	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural rev·er·ies Etymology: French rêverie, from Middle French, delirium, from resver, rever to wander, be delirious 1 : DAYDREAM 2 : the condition of being lost in thought
39.revert	relapse; backslide; turn back to; return to the former owner; N. reversion	Function: intransitive verb Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French revertir, from Latin revertere, v.t., to turn back & reverti, v.i., to return, come back, from re- + vertere, verti to turn -- more at WORTH 1 : to come or go back (as to a former condition, period, or subject) 2 : to return to the proprietor or his heirs at the end of a reversion 3 : to return to an ancestral type - re·vert·er noun - re·vert·ible /-'v&r-t&-b&l/ adjective
40.revile	attack with abusive language; vilify(slander)	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): re·viled; re·vil·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French reviler to despise, from re- + vil vile transitive senses : to subject to verbal abuse : VITUPERATE intransitive senses : to use abusive language : RAIL synonym see SCOLD - re·vile·ment /-'vI(&)l-m&nt/ noun - re·vil·er noun
41.revoke	cancel; retract; CF. irrevocable	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): re·voked; re·vok·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French revoquer, from Latin revocare, from re- + vocare to call, from voc-, vox voice -- more at VOICE transitive senses 1 : to annul by recalling or taking back : RESCIND <revoke a will> 2 : to bring or call back intransitive senses : to fail to follow suit when able in a card game in violation of the rules - re·vok·er noun
42.revulsion	sudden strong feeling of disgust; sudden violent change of feeling; negative reaction; Ex. revulsion from the scenes of torture	Function: noun Etymology: Latin revulsion-, revulsio act of tearing away, from revellere to pluck away, from re- + vellere to pluck -- more at VULNERABLE 1 : a strong pulling or drawing away : WITHDRAWAL 2 a : a sudden or strong reaction or change b : a sense of utter distaste or repugnance - re·vul·sive /-'v&l-siv/ adjective
43.rhapsodize	speak or write in an exaggeratedly enthusiastic manner; Ex. rhapsodize over the beauty of the scenery	Function: intransitive verb Inflected Form(s): -dized; -diz·ing : to speak or write in a rhapsodic manner <rhapsodize about a new book>
44.rhetoric	art of effective communication; art of using language effectively and persuasively; style of speaking or writing; grandiloquent language; Ex. political rhetoric; ADJ. rhetorical; CF. rhetorical question: question to which no answer is expected as ``Who knows it ?''	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English rethorik, from Middle French rethorique, from Latin rhetorica, from Greek rhEtorikE, literally, art of oratory, from feminine of rhEtorikos of an orator, from rhEtOr orator, rhetorician, from eirein to say, speak -- more at WORD 1 : the art of speaking or writing effectively: as a : the study of principles and rules of composition formulated by critics of ancient times b : the study of writing or speaking as a means of communication or persuasion 2 a : skill in the effective use of speech b : a type or mode of language or speech; also : insincere or grandiloquent language 3 : verbal communication : DISCOURSE
45.ribald	marked by vulgar lewd humor; wanton; profane; N. ribaldry: ribald language or joke	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French ribaut, ribauld wanton, rascal, from riber to be wanton, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German rIban to be wanton, literally, to rub : a ribald person
46.riddle	pierce with holes; permeate or spread throughout; Ex. The gunman riddled the car with bullets; Ex. The whole report is riddled with errors; N. large sieve (separating earth from stone)	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English redels, ridel, from Old English r[AE]delse opinion, conjecture, riddle; akin to Old English r[AE]dan to interpret -- more at READ 1 : a mystifying, misleading, or puzzling question posed as a problem to be solved or guessed : CONUNDRUM, ENIGMA 2 : something or someone difficult to understand synonym see MYSTERY
47.rider	amendment or clause added to a legislative bill	Function: noun 1 : one that rides 2 a : an addition to a document often attached on a separate piece of paper b : a clause appended to a legislative bill to secure a usually distinct object 3 : something used to overlie another or to move along on another piece - rid·er·less /-l&s/ adjective
48.rife	(of something bad) widespread; abundant; current	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English ryfe, from Old English ryfe; akin to Old Norse rIfr abundant 1 : prevalent especially to an increasing degree <fear was rife in the people> 2 : ABUNDANT, COMMON 3 : copiously supplied : ABOUNDING -- usually used with with <rife with rumors> - rife adverb - rife·ly adverb
49.rift	narrow opening in a large mass; break in a friendly relation; Ex. through a rift in the clouds; OP. reconcilation	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Danish & Norwegian rift fissure, Old Norse rIfa to rive -- more at RIVE 1 a : FISSURE, CREVASSE b : FAULT 5 2 : a clear space or interval 3 : BREACH, ESTRANGEMENT
50.rig	fix or manipulate; manipulate dishonestly for personal gain; Ex. rig the election	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): rigged; rig·ging Etymology: Middle English riggen 1 : to fit out (as a ship) with rigging 2 : CLOTHE, DRESS -- usually used with out 3 : to furnish with special gear : EQUIP 4 a : to put in condition or position for use : ADJUST, ARRANGE <a car rigged for manual control> b : CONSTRUCT <rig up a temporary shelter>
51.rigid	hard and unbending; stiff and unyielding; fixed in behavior or views; strict; rigorous; Ex. rigid rule	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English rigide, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin rigidus, from rigEre to be stiff 1 a : deficient in or devoid of flexibility <rigid price controls> <a rigid bar of metal> b : appearing stiff and unyielding <his face rigid with pain> 2 a : inflexibly set in opinion b : strictly observed <adheres to a rigid schedule> 3 : firmly inflexible rather than lax or indulgent <a rigid disciplinarian> 4 : precise and accurate in procedure <rigid control of the manufacturing process> 5 of an airship : having the outer shape maintained by a fixed framework - rig·id·ly adverb - rig·id·ness noun synonyms RIGID, RIGOROUS, STRICT, STRINGENT mean extremely severe or stern. RIGID implies uncompromising inflexibility <rigid rules of conduct>. RIGOROUS implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty <the rigorous training of recruits>. STRICT emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements <strict enforcement of the law>. STRINGENT suggests severe, tight restriction or limitation <stringent standards of admission>. synonym see in addition STIFF
52.rigor	severity; Ex. rigors of the Russian winter	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English rigour, from Middle French rigueur, from Latin rigor, literally, stiffness, from rigEre to be stiff 1 a (1) : harsh inflexibility in opinion, temper, or judgment : SEVERITY (2) : the quality of being unyielding or inflexible : STRICTNESS (3) : severity of life : AUSTERITY b : an act or instance of strictness, severity, or cruelty 2 : a tremor caused by a chill 3 : a condition that makes life difficult, challenging, or uncomfortable; especially : extremity of cold 4 : strict precision : EXACTNESS <logical rigor> 5 a obsolete : RIGIDITY, STIFFNESS b : rigidness or torpor of organs or tissue that prevents response to stimuli c : RIGOR MORTIS
53.rile	irritate; vex; muddy	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): riled; ril·ing Etymology: var. of roil 1 : to make agitated and angry : UPSET 2 : ROIL 1 synonym see IRRITATE
54.riveting	holding one's attention; absorbing; engrossing	Function: transitive verb 1 : to fasten with or as if with rivets 2 : to upset the end or point of (as a metallic pin, rod, or bolt) by beating or pressing so as to form a head 3 : to fasten firmly <stood riveted by fright> 4 : to attract and hold (as the attention) completely - riv·et·er noun
55.rivulet	small stream; CF. rill < rivulet < river	Function: noun Etymology: Italian rivoletto, diminutive of rivolo, from Latin rivulus, diminutive of rivus stream -- more at RUN : a small stream
56.robust	strong; vigorous	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin robustus oaken, strong, from robor-, robur oak, strength 1 a : having or exhibiting strength or vigorous health b : having or showing vigor, strength, or firmness <a robust debate> <a robust faith> c : strongly formed or constructed : STURDY <a robust plastic> 2 : ROUGH, RUDE <stories... laden with robust, down-home imagery -- Playboy> 3 : requiring strength or vigor <robust work> 4 : FULL-BODIED <robust coffee>; also : HEARTY <a robust dinner> 5 : relating to, resembling, or being any of the primitive, relatively large, heavyset hominids (genus Australopithecus and especially A. robustus and A. boisei) characterized especially by heavy molars and small incisors adapted to a vegetarian diet -- compare GRACILE 3 synonym see HEALTHY - ro·bust·ly adverb - ro·bust·ness /-'b&s(t)-n&s, -(")b&s(t)-/ noun
57.rococo	ornate; highly decorated; N. CF. 18th century	Function: noun : rococo work or style
58.roil	make liquids murky by stirring up sediment; disturb	Function: verb Etymology: origin unknown transitive senses 1 a : to make turbid by stirring up the sediment or dregs of b : to stir up : DISTURB, DISORDER 2 : RILE 1 intransitive senses : to move turbulently : be in a state of turbulence or agitation
59.roseate	rosy; optimistic; Ex. roseate views	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin roseus rosy, from rosa 1 : resembling a rose especially in color 2 : overly optimistic : viewed favorably - ro·se·ate·ly adverb
60.roster	list (of names)	Function: noun Etymology: Dutch rooster, literally, gridiron; from the parallel lines 1 a : a roll or list of personnel b : such a list giving the order in which a duty is to be performed <duty roster> c : the persons listed on a roster 2 : an itemized list
61.rostrum	raised platform for speech-making; pulpit	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural ros·tra /-tr&/; or rostrums Etymology: Latin, beak, ship's beak, from rodere to gnaw -- more at RODENT 1 [Latin Rostra, plural, a platform for speakers in the Roman Forum decorated with the beaks of captured ships, from plural of rostrum] a : an ancient Roman platform for public orators b : a stage for public speaking c : a raised platform on a stage 2 : the curved end of a ship's prow; especially : the beak of a war galley 3 : a bodily part or process suggesting a bird's bill: as a : the beak, snout, or proboscis of any of various insects or arachnids b : the often spinelike anterior median prolongation of the carapace of a crustacean (as a crayfish or lobster)
62.rote	repetition; memorization through repetition without understanding; Ex. learn poetry by rote	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German hruozza crowd : 3CROWD 1
63.rotunda	circular building or hall covered with a dome	Function: noun Etymology: Italian rotonda, from Latin rotunda, feminine of rotundus 1 : a round building; especially : one covered by a dome 2 a : a large round room b : a large central area (as in a hotel)
64.rotundity	roundness; sonorousness of speech	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin rotundus, probably alteration of (assumed) Old Latin retundus; akin to Latin rota wheel -- more at ROLL 1 : marked by roundness : ROUNDED 2 : marked by fullness of sound or cadence : OROTUND, SONOROUS <a master of rotund phrase> 3 : notably plump : CHUBBY - ro·tun·di·ty /rO-'t&n-d&-tE/ noun - ro·tund·ly /-'t&nd-lE, 'rO-"/ adverb - ro·tund·ness /rO-'t&n(d)-n&s, 'rO-"/ noun
65.rousing	lively; inducing excitement; stirring; V. rouse: waken; arouse from sleep or depression; excite; stir up	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): roused; rous·ing Etymology: Middle English, to shake the feathers transitive senses 1 archaic : to cause to break from cover 2 a : to stir up : EXCITE <was roused to fury> b : to arouse from or as if from sleep or repose : AWAKEN intransitive senses 1 : to become aroused : AWAKEN 2 : to become stirred - rouse·ment /'rauz-m&nt/ noun - rous·er noun
66.rout	put to rout; stampede; drive out; N: complete defeat and disorderly retreat	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English route, from Middle French, troop, defeat, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin rupta, from Latin, feminine of ruptus, past participle of rumpere to break -- more at REAVE 1 : a crowd of people : THRONG; specifically : RABBLE 2b 2 a : DISTURBANCE b archaic : FUSS 3 : a fashionable gathering
67.rubble	fragments (esp. from a destroyed building)	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English robyl 1 a : broken fragments (as of rock) resulting from the decay or destruction of a building <fortifications knocked into rubble -- C. S. Forester> b : a miscellaneous confused mass or group of usually broken or worthless things <lay in a pile of rubble, only this time there was more of it, additional gear having hit the deck -- K. M. Dodson> 2 : waterworn or rough broken stones or bricks used in coarse masonry or in filling courses of walls 3 : rough stone as it comes from the quarry
68.rubric	title or heading (in red print); directions for religious ceremony; protocol	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English rubrike red ocher, heading in red letters of part of a book, from Middle French rubrique, from Latin rubrica, from rubr-, ruber red 1 a : an authoritative rule; especially : a rule for conduct of a liturgical service b (1) : NAME, TITLE; specifically : the title of a statute (2) : something under which a thing is classed : CATEGORY <the sensations falling under the general rubric, "pressure" -- F. A. Geldard> c : an explanatory or introductory commentary : GLOSS; specifically : an editorial interpolation 2 : a heading of a part of a book or manuscript done or underlined in a color (as red) different from the rest 3 : an established rule, tradition, or custom - rubric or ru·bri·cal /-bri-k&l/ adjective - ru·bri·cal·ly /-bri-k(&-)lE/ adverb
69.ruddy	reddish; (of the face) reddish and healthy-looking	Function: adjective Inflected Form(s): rud·di·er; -est Etymology: Middle English rudi, from Old English rudig, from rudu redness; akin to Old English rEad red -- more at RED 1 : having a healthy reddish color 2 : RED, REDDISH 3 British -- used as an intensive <bellowed like a ruddy bull when she wanted food -- Doreen Tovey> - rud·di·ly /'r&-d&l-E/ adverb - rud·di·ness /'r&-dE-n&s/ noun
70.rudimentary	elementary; not developed; crude; N. rudiment: fundamental element or principle; Ex. rudiments of the language	Function: adjective 1 : consisting in first principles : FUNDAMENTAL <had only a rudimentary formal education -- D. J. Boorstin> 2 : of a primitive kind <the equipment of these past empire-builders was rudimentary -- A. J. Toynbee> 3 : very imperfectly developed or represented only by a vestige <the rudimentary tail of a hyrax> - ru·di·men·tar·i·ly /-"men-'ter-&-lE, -'men-tr&-lE/ adverb - ru·di·men·ta·ri·ness /-'men-t&-rE-n&s, -'men-trE-/ noun
71.rue	regret; lament; mourn; Ex. He will rue the day; N. ADJ. rueful	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English rewe, from Old English hrEow; akin to Old High German hriuwa sorrow : REGRET, SORROW
72.ruffian	violent scoundrel; bully	Function: noun Etymology: Middle French rufian : a brutal person : BULLY - ruffian adjective - ruf·fi·an·ism /-&-"ni-z&m/ noun - ruf·fi·an·ly adjective
73.ruminate	chew over and over (mentally or, like cows, physically); mull over(ponder)	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -nat·ed; -nat·ing Etymology: Latin ruminatus, past participle of ruminari to chew the cud, muse upon, from rumin-, rumen rumen; perhaps akin to Sanskrit romantha act of chewing the cud transitive senses 1 : to go over in the mind repeatedly and often casually or slowly 2 : to chew repeatedly for an extended period intransitive senses 1 : to a chew again what has been chewed slightly and swallowed : chew the cud 2 : to engage in contemplation : REFLECT synonym see PONDER - ru·mi·na·tion /"rü-m&-'nA-sh&n/ noun - ru·mi·na·tive /'rü-m&-"nA-tiv/ adjective - ru·mi·na·tive·ly adverb - ru·mi·na·tor /-"nA-t&r/ noun
74.rummage	ransack; thoroughly search	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): rum·maged; rum·mag·ing Etymology: 2rummage intransitive senses 1 : to make a thorough search or investigation 2 : to engage in an undirected or haphazard search transitive senses 1 : to make a thorough search through : RANSACK <rummaged the attic> 2 : to examine minutely and completely 3 : to discover by searching - rum·mag·er noun
75.runic	mysterious; set down in an ancient alphabet; N. rune: one of the letters of an alphabet used by ancient Germanic peoples (cut on stone or wood); magic charm	Function: noun Etymology: Old Norse & Old English run mystery, runic character, writing; akin to Old High German runa secret discussion, Old Irish rún mystery 1 : any of the characters of any of several alphabets used by the Germanic peoples from about the 3d to the 13th centuries 2 : MYSTERY, MAGIC 3 [Finnish runo, of Germanic origin; akin to Old Norse run] a : a Finnish or Old Norse poem b : POEM, SONG - ru·nic /'rü-nik/ adjective [rune illustration]
76.ruse	trick to deceive; stratagem	Function: noun Etymology: French, from Middle French, from ruser to dodge, deceive : a wily subterfuge synonym see TRICK
77.rustic	pertaining to country people; unsophisticated; simple; crude; uncouth; (of furniture) rough with the bark left on; N. rural person; rustic person	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English rustik, from Middle French rustique, from Latin rusticus, from rus open land -- more at ROOM 1 : of, relating to, or suitable for the country : RURAL 2 a : made of the rough limbs of trees <rustic furniture> b : finished by rusticating <a rustic joint in masonry> 3 a : characteristic of or resembling country people b : lacking in social graces or polish 4 : appropriate to the country (as in plainness or sturdiness) <heavy rustic boots> - rus·ti·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb - rus·tic·i·ty /"r&s-'ti-s&-tE/ noun
78.rusticate	banish to the country; dwell in the country	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -cat·ed; -cat·ing intransitive senses : to go into or reside in the country : follow a rustic life transitive senses 1 chiefly British : to suspend from school or college 2 : to build or face with usually rough-surfaced masonry blocks having beveled or rebated edges producing pronounced joints <a rusticated facade> 3 a : to compel to reside in the country b : to cause to become rustic : implant rustic mannerisms in - rus·ti·ca·tion /"r&s-ti-'kA-sh&n/ noun - rus·ti·ca·tor /'r&s-ti-"kA-t&r/ noun
79.ruthless	pitiless; merciless; cruel	Function: adjective : having no ruth : MERCILESS, CRUEL - ruth·less·ly adverb - ruth·less·ness noun
80.saboteur	one who commits sabotage; destroyer of property; N. sabotage: destruction of property (usually carried out secretly)	Function: noun Etymology: French, from saboter : one that practices sabotage
81.saccharine	cloying sweet; characteristic of sugar or saccharin	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin saccharum 1 a : of, relating to, or resembling that of sugar <saccharine taste> b : yielding or containing sugar <saccharine vegetables> 2 : overly or sickishly sweet <saccharine flavor> 3 : ingratiatingly or affectedly agreeable or friendly 4 : overly sentimental : MAWKISH - sac·cha·rin·i·ty /"sa-k&-'ri-n&-tE/ noun
82.sacrilegious	desecrating; profane; N. sacrilege: desecration, misuse, or theft of something sacred	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin sacrilegium, from sacrilegus one who steals sacred things, from sacr-, sacer + legere to gather, steal -- more at LEGEND 1 : a technical and not necessarily intrinsically outrageous violation (as improper reception of a sacrament ) of what is sacred because consecrated to God 2 : gross irreverence toward a hallowed person, place, or thing - sac·ri·le·gious /÷"sa-kr&-'li-j&s also -'lE-/ adjective - sac·ri·le·gious·ly adverb - sac·ri·le·gious·ness noun
83.sacrosanct	invioably sacred; most sacred; inviolable	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin sacrosanctus, probably from sacro sanctus hallowed by a sacred rite 1 : most sacred or holy : INVIOLABLE 2 : treated as if holy : immune from criticism or violation <politically sacrosanct programs> - sac·ro·sanc·ti·ty /"sa-krO-'sa[ng](k)-t&-tE/ noun