Oxford 3000 Words Starting with R – Complete List with Meanings & Quizzes

race noun / verb

Short meaning (n): a competition of speed; a group of people sharing physical traits.

Short meaning (v): to compete in speed.

Example: She won the 100-meter race.

racing noun

Short meaning: the sport of competing in races.

Example: Car racing attracts huge crowds.

radio noun

Short meaning: a device for receiving audio broadcasts.

Example: She listens to the news on the radio.

rail noun

Short meaning: a metal bar used as part of a track or support.

Example: The train runs along the rail.

railroad noun (US)

Short meaning: a system of tracks and trains used for transportation.

Example: The railroad connects small towns.

rain noun / verb

Short meaning (n): water falling from clouds.

Short meaning (v): to rain is for water to fall from the sky.

Example: Heavy rain is expected tomorrow.

raise verb

Short meaning: to lift something; to increase; to bring up (children) or mention something.

Example: They raised their hands to ask a question.

range noun

Short meaning: a set or variety of things; the distance over which something extends.

Example: The store offers a wide range of products.

rank noun / verb

Short meaning (n): a position in a system or organization.

Short meaning (v): to place in a particular order or level.

Example: He holds a high military rank.

rapid adjective

Short meaning: happening very fast.

Example: There was a rapid increase in demand.

rare adjective

Short meaning: not common; happening infrequently.

Example: It’s rare to see snow in this region.

rarely adverb

Short meaning: not often; almost never.

Example: He rarely travels abroad.

rate noun / verb

Short meaning (n): the speed or level of something; a fixed price.

Short meaning (v): to judge or evaluate something.

Example: The unemployment rate has fallen.

rather adverb

Short meaning: fairly or quite; instead of something else; used to show preference.

Example: I would rather stay home tonight.

raw adjective

Short meaning: not cooked; in a natural or unprocessed state.

Example: Some people enjoy eating raw vegetables.

re- prefix

Short meaning: added to verbs to mean “again” or “back”.

Example: rewrite means “write again”.

reach verb / noun

Short meaning (v): to arrive at a place or level; to stretch out your hand or arm.

Short meaning (n): the distance something can touch or affect.

Example: We finally reached our destination.

react verb

Short meaning: to respond to something that has happened or been said.

Example: How did she react to the news?

reaction noun

Short meaning: a response to an event, situation, or substance.

Example: His reaction to the joke was unexpected.

read verb

Short meaning: to look at and understand written or printed words.

Example: She likes to read before going to sleep.

reader noun

Short meaning: a person who reads, especially books or articles.

Example: The magazine has many loyal readers.

reading noun

Short meaning: the activity or skill of understanding written texts.

Example: Reading is an important part of language learning.

ready adjective

Short meaning: prepared for something and able to start or use it.

Example: Dinner will be ready in ten minutes.

real adjective

Short meaning: actually existing; not imagined or artificial.

Example: This story is based on real events.

realistic adjective

Short meaning: showing a sensible and practical idea of what can be done or achieved.

Example: We need a realistic plan for the project.

reality noun

Short meaning: the true situation as it really is, not as it is imagined.

Example: In reality, learning a language takes time.

realize verb

Short meaning: to become aware of or understand something clearly.

Example: She didn’t realize how difficult it would be.

really adverb

Short meaning: very; truly; used to show that something is true or to add emphasis.

Example: This is really helpful for learners.

rear noun / adjective / verb

Short meaning (n): the back part of something.

Short meaning (adj): at the back.

Short meaning (v): to raise children or animals.

Example: The garden is at the rear of the house.

reason noun / verb

Short meaning (n): a cause or explanation for something.

Short meaning (v): to think and make judgments logically.

Example: There is no reason to worry.

reasonable adjective

Short meaning: fair, sensible, and acceptable.

Example: The price seems reasonable.

reasonably adverb

Short meaning: fairly; in a sensible or acceptable way.

Example: She did reasonably well on the test.

recall verb / noun

Short meaning (v): to remember something.

Short meaning (n): the act of remembering; a request to return defective products.

Example: I don’t recall meeting him.

receipt noun

Short meaning: a printed or written statement showing that money or goods have been received.

Example: Keep the receipt in case you need to return it.

receive verb

Short meaning: to get or be given something.

Example: I received your message this morning.

recent adjective

Short meaning: happening or starting not long ago.

Example: There have been recent improvements in technology.

recently adverb

Short meaning: at a time not long ago.

Example: I recently moved to a new apartment.

reception noun

Short meaning: the place where visitors are greeted; a formal party; the quality of phone or radio signal.

Example: Please wait in the reception area.

recognition noun

Short meaning: the act of identifying someone or acknowledging their achievements.

Example: She received recognition for her hard work.

recognize verb

Short meaning: to know who or what someone or something is; to accept something as true or important.

Example: I didn’t recognize him with his new haircut.

recommend verb

Short meaning: to suggest something as good or suitable.

Example: I recommend trying this restaurant.

recommendation noun

Short meaning: a suggestion that something is good or useful; an official letter praising someone.

Example: She got the job thanks to a strong recommendation.

record noun / verb

Short meaning (n): information written or stored for future use.

Short meaning (v): to store sound, video, or information.

Example: They keep a record of all payments.

recording noun

Short meaning: sound or video that has been stored electronically.

Example: I listened to a recording of the lecture.

recover verb

Short meaning: to get better after illness or to get something back.

Example: She is still recovering from the flu.

recovery noun

Short meaning: the process of becoming well again.

Example: The patient made a quick recovery.

red adjective / noun

Short meaning: having the color of blood or ripe tomatoes.

Example: She wore a bright red dress.

reduce verb

Short meaning: to make something smaller or less.

Example: The company aims to reduce costs.

reduction noun

Short meaning: the act of making something smaller or less.

Example: There has been a reduction in traffic.

refer verb

Short meaning: to mention something or direct someone to another source.

Example: Please refer to the instructions.

reference noun

Short meaning: a mention of something or a source of information.

Example: The report includes many references.

reflect verb

Short meaning: to show an image or express something clearly.

Example: The mirror reflected her face.

reform noun / verb

Short meaning (n): changes made to improve a system.

Short meaning (v): to make improvements by changing something.

Example: The government plans major reforms.

refrigerator noun

Short meaning: a large cold box used to keep food fresh.

Example: Put the milk in the refrigerator.

refusal noun

Short meaning: the act of saying no to something that is offered or asked.

Example: His refusal to help surprised everyone.

refuse verb

Short meaning: to say no when someone asks you to do or accept something.

Example: She refused to answer the question.

regard verb / noun

Short meaning (v): to think about someone or something in a particular way.

Short meaning (n): respect or attention given to someone or something.

Example: Many students regard this exam as very important.

regarding preposition

Short meaning: used to introduce the subject you are talking or writing about; about.

Example: I have a question regarding your application.

region noun

Short meaning: a large area of land, often with particular features or borders.

Example: Many people live in the coastal region.

regional adjective

Short meaning: related to a particular region or area.

Example: There are regional variations in accent.

register verb / noun

Short meaning (v): to sign up officially for something.

Short meaning (n): an official list or record of names or items.

Example: You must register online before the deadline.

regret verb / noun

Short meaning (v): to feel sorry about something you did or did not do.

Short meaning (n): a sad feeling about a past action or decision.

Example: I regret not studying harder for the test.

regular adjective

Short meaning: happening often or at the same time; usual.

Example: Regular practice will improve your skills.

regularly adverb

Short meaning: happening often or at fixed times.

Example: She exercises regularly before work.

regulation noun

Short meaning: an official rule or law that controls how something is done.

Example: New safety regulations were introduced.

reject verb

Short meaning: to refuse to accept, use, or agree to something.

Example: The university rejected his application.

relate verb

Short meaning: to show or feel a connection between things.

Example: The two problems are closely related.

related adjective

Short meaning: connected in some way.

Example: They discussed several related topics.

relation noun

Short meaning: the way in which two or more things are connected.

Example: There is a clear relation between diet and health.

relationship noun

Short meaning: the way in which two people, groups, or things are connected and behave toward each other.

Example: She has a good relationship with her parents.

relative noun / adjective

Short meaning (n): a member of your family.

Short meaning (adj): compared to something else, not fixed.

Example: We visited some relatives at the weekend.

relatively adverb

Short meaning: to some degree when compared with something similar.

Example: The exam was relatively easy this year.

relax verb

Short meaning: to rest or become less tense or worried.

Example: She relaxed on the sofa after a long day.

relaxed adjective

Short meaning: calm and not worried or tense.

Example: He looked relaxed during the holiday.

relaxing adjective

Short meaning: making you feel calm and comfortable.

Example: Soft music can be very relaxing.

release verb / noun

Short meaning (v): to let something or someone go free.

Short meaning (n): the act of making something available or public.

Example: The company will release the report tomorrow.

relevant adjective

Short meaning: closely connected to the subject being discussed.

Example: Please include only relevant details.

relief noun

Short meaning: a feeling of comfort when something unpleasant ends.

Example: She sighed with relief when the exam was over.

religion noun

Short meaning: a system of beliefs and worship followed by a group of people.

Example: Freedom of religion is a basic right.

religious adjective

Short meaning: connected to religion or belief in a god or gods.

Example: They attended a religious ceremony.

rely verb

Short meaning: to depend on someone or something with trust.

Example: You can rely on him for support.

remain verb

Short meaning: to stay in the same place or condition.

Example: Only two seats remain available.

remaining adjective

Short meaning: still left after others are used or gone.

Example: Please hand in the remaining forms.

remains noun (plural)

Short meaning: the parts left after something has been used, destroyed, or has died.

Example: Archaeologists studied the remains of the village.

remark noun / verb

Short meaning (n): a comment or statement.

Short meaning (v): to say or comment on something.

Example: His remark made everyone laugh.

remarkable adjective

Short meaning: unusual or impressive in a way that people notice.

Example: She made a remarkable improvement.

remember verb

Short meaning: to keep something in your mind or bring it back to mind.

Example: Remember to lock the door.

remind verb

Short meaning: to make someone remember something.

Example: Can you remind me about the meeting?

remote adjective

Short meaning: far away from places where people live.

Example: They moved to a remote village in the mountains.

removal noun

Short meaning: the act of taking something or someone away.

Example: The removal of old files helped free storage space.

remove verb

Short meaning: to take something or someone away from a place.

Example: Please remove your shoes before entering.

rent noun / verb

Short meaning (n): money paid to use a house, room, or land.

Short meaning (v): to pay money to use something for a period of time.

Example: They decided to rent an apartment downtown.

repair verb / noun

Short meaning (v): to fix something that is broken or damaged.

Short meaning (n): the work done to fix something.

Example: The phone needs repair after the fall.

repeat verb

Short meaning: to say or do something again.

Example: Could you repeat the question?

repeated adjective

Short meaning: done or happening many times.

Example: His repeated warnings were ignored.

replace verb

Short meaning: to put something new in the place of something old or broken.

Example: You should replace the batteries in the remote.

reply verb / noun

Short meaning (v): to answer someone by speaking or writing.

Short meaning (n): a spoken or written answer.

Example: She didn’t reply to my message.

report noun / verb

Short meaning (n): a written or spoken description of an event or situation.

Short meaning (v): to give information about something that has happened.

Example: The report will be presented tomorrow.

reporter noun

Short meaning: a person whose job is to collect and report news.

Example: The reporter interviewed several witnesses.

represent verb

Short meaning: to act or speak for someone or something; to show or symbolize.

Example: The flag represents the country’s identity.

representative noun

Short meaning: someone who speaks or acts for a group or organization.

Example: A company representative will contact you soon.

reproduce verb

Short meaning: to make a copy of something; also to produce offspring.

Example: The printer can reproduce high-quality images.

reputation noun

Short meaning: the opinion people have about someone or something.

Example: The restaurant has a great reputation for quality.

request noun / verb

Short meaning (n): an act of asking for something politely or formally.

Short meaning (v): to ask for something politely.

Example: They made a request for more information.

require verb

Short meaning: to need something; to make something necessary.

Example: The job requires excellent communication skills.

requirement noun

Short meaning: something that is needed or demanded.

Example: A degree is a key requirement for the position.

rescue noun / verb

Short meaning: to save someone or something from danger.

Example: Firefighters rescued the family from the house.

research noun / verb

Short meaning (n): the detailed study of a subject to discover new information.

Short meaning (v): to study a subject carefully.

Example: The research took more than three months.

reservation noun

Short meaning: an arrangement to keep a seat, room, or table for someone.

Example: We made a reservation at the restaurant.

reserve verb / noun

Short meaning (v): to book or keep something for a future time.

Short meaning (n): a supply saved for later use.

Example: Please reserve a seat for me.

resident noun

Short meaning: someone who lives in a particular place.

Example: Local residents opposed the new building project.

resist verb

Short meaning: to fight against something or refuse to accept it.

Example: She couldn’t resist the smell of fresh cookies.

resistance noun

Short meaning: opposition to something; refusal to accept something.

Example: The plan faced strong resistance from workers.

resolve verb

Short meaning: to solve a problem or difficulty.

Example: They finally resolved the conflict.

resort noun / verb

Short meaning (n): a place where people go for holidays.

Short meaning (v): to do something as a final option.

Example: They stayed at a beach resort during summer.

resource noun

Short meaning: something useful that a person or place has.

Example: Water is a vital natural resource.

respect noun / verb

Short meaning (n): admiration for someone’s abilities or qualities.

Short meaning (v): to admire or treat someone politely.

Example: She earned the respect of her colleagues.

respond verb

Short meaning: to reply or react to something.

Example: She didn’t respond to my message.

response noun

Short meaning: an answer or reaction.

Example: His response was surprising.

responsibility noun

Short meaning: a duty or something you are in charge of.

Example: Parents have a responsibility to protect their children.

responsible adjective

Short meaning: having control or being the person who must take care of something.

Example: Who is responsible for this mistake?

rest noun / verb

Short meaning (n): a period of relaxing or not doing work.

Short meaning (v): to relax or stop working.

Example: You should take a rest.

restaurant noun

Short meaning: a place where you pay to eat meals.

Example: We had dinner at a new restaurant.

restore verb

Short meaning: to bring something back to its original condition.

Example: They restored the old house beautifully.

restrict verb

Short meaning: to limit or control something.

Example: The law restricts the sale of alcohol.

restricted adjective

Short meaning: controlled or limited by rules or laws.

Example: This is a restricted area.

restriction noun

Short meaning: a rule that limits what you can do.

Example: There are strict restrictions on visitors.

result noun / verb

Short meaning (n): the outcome of something.

Short meaning (v): to happen because of something else.

Example: The results were better than expected.

retain verb

Short meaning: to keep or continue to have something.

Example: It’s hard to retain all this information.

retire verb

Short meaning: to stop working, usually because of age.

Example: She plans to retire at 65.

retired adjective

Short meaning: having stopped working after reaching a certain age.

Example: He is a retired teacher.

retirement noun

Short meaning: the period of life after you stop working.

Example: Many people enjoy traveling during retirement.

return verb / noun

Short meaning (v): to go or come back.

Short meaning (n): the act of going back.

Example: She returned home early.

reveal verb

Short meaning: to make something known or show something hidden.

Example: The report revealed new information.

reverse verb / adjective / noun

Short meaning: to change something to the opposite or go backward.

Example: They decided to reverse the policy.

review noun / verb

Short meaning (n): an opinion or evaluation of something.

Short meaning (v): to examine or check again.

Example: I read a review of the new movie.

revise verb

Short meaning: to change something to improve it or to study again.

Example: She revised her essay carefully.

revision noun

Short meaning: the act of correcting or studying something again.

Example: I need to do more revision before the exam.

revolution noun

Short meaning: a big and sudden change, especially in politics or society.

Example: The revolution changed the country.

reward noun / verb

Short meaning (n): something given for good work or behavior.

Short meaning (v): to give a reward.

Example: She received a reward for her honesty.

rhythm noun

Short meaning: a regular pattern of sounds or movements.

Example: The song has a strong rhythm.

rice noun

Short meaning: a small white or brown grain eaten as food.

Example: Rice is a common food in many countries.

rich adjective

Short meaning: having a lot of money or resources.

Example: They live in a rich neighborhood.

rid verb

Short meaning: to remove something unwanted.

Example: I want to get rid of old clothes.

ride verb / noun

Short meaning (v): to travel on something like a bicycle or horse.

Short meaning (n): a journey on something.

Example: She loves to ride her bike.

rider noun

Short meaning: a person who rides a bicycle, horse, or motorcycle.

Example: Riders must wear helmets.

ridiculous adjective

Short meaning: very silly or unreasonable.

Example: That idea is completely ridiculous.

riding noun

Short meaning: the activity of riding a horse, bicycle, etc.

Example: She enjoys horse riding.

right adj / adv / noun

Short meaning (adj): correct or true.

Short meaning (adv): exactly or completely.

Short meaning (n): something you are allowed to do.

Example: You were right about the answer.

rightly adverb

Short meaning: in a correct or fair way.

Example: She was rightly praised for her work.

ring verb / noun

Short meaning (v): to make a bell or phone sound.

Short meaning (n): a circular piece of jewelry.

Example: My phone is ringing.

rise verb / noun

Short meaning (v): to go up or move upward.

Short meaning (n): an increase in amount or level.

Example: Prices continue to rise.

risk noun / verb

Short meaning (n): the chance of something bad happening.

Short meaning (v): to do something that may be dangerous.

Example: Smoking increases the risk of illness.

rival noun / adjective

Short meaning (n): a person or team competing with you.

Short meaning (adj): competing against someone.

Example: They are rivals in the market.

river noun

Short meaning: a large natural stream of water flowing to the sea.

Example: The river flows through the city.

road noun

Short meaning: a path for vehicles and people to travel on.

Example: The road was very busy today.

rob verb

Short meaning: to steal from a person or place using force or threat.

Example: The shop was robbed last night.

rock noun / verb

Short meaning (n): a hard natural stone.

Short meaning (v): to move gently from side to side.

Example: Waves rocked the small boat.

role noun

Short meaning: the job or function someone has in a situation or activity.

Example: She played a key role in the team.

roll verb / noun

Short meaning (v): to move by turning over and over.

Short meaning (n): a small round piece of bread.

Example: The ball rolled across the floor.

romantic adjective

Short meaning: related to love or strong emotions.

Example: They had a romantic dinner.

roof noun

Short meaning: the top covering of a building.

Example: The roof needs repair.

room noun

Short meaning: a part of a building with walls, floor, and ceiling.

Example: The room was warm and bright.

root noun

Short meaning: the part of a plant that grows underground and takes in water.

Example: The tree’s roots spread widely.

rope noun

Short meaning: a strong, thick string made of twisted fibers.

Example: He tied the boxes with rope.

rose noun

Short meaning: a type of flower known for its petals and scent.

Example: He bought her a red rose.

rough adjective

Short meaning: not smooth; difficult or unpleasant.

Example: The road was rough and bumpy.

roughly adverb

Short meaning: approximately; not exactly.

Example: There were roughly 50 people.

round adj / prep / noun

Short meaning (adj): shaped like a circle.

Short meaning (prep): surrounding or on every side.

Example: A round table.

route noun

Short meaning: the path or way to get from one place to another.

Example: This is the shortest route home.

routine noun / adjective

Short meaning (n): a regular set of actions or schedule.

Short meaning (adj): done regularly; normal.

Example: Exercise became part of her routine.

row noun / verb

Short meaning (n): a line of things or people.

Short meaning (v): to move a boat using oars.

Example: They sat in the front row.

royal adjective

Short meaning: related to a king, queen, or their family.

Example: They visited the royal palace.

rub verb

Short meaning: to press and move your hand or an object back and forth over something.

Example: He rubbed his eyes.

rubber noun

Short meaning: a flexible material used to make tires, gloves, etc.

Example: The ball is made of rubber.

rude adjective

Short meaning: not polite; showing bad manners.

Example: It was rude to interrupt.

rudely adverb

Short meaning: in an impolite way.

Example: He rudely walked away.

ruin verb

Short meaning: to spoil or destroy something completely.

Example: The rain ruined our picnic.

ruined adjective

Short meaning: destroyed or badly damaged.

Example: The old house was completely ruined.

rule noun / verb

Short meaning (n): an instruction or principle that must be followed.

Short meaning (v): to control or govern.

Example: Follow the safety rules.

ruler noun

Short meaning: a tool used to measure length or draw straight lines.

Example: Use a ruler to draw the line.

rumor noun

Short meaning: a piece of information that may not be true and spreads from person to person.

Example: There’s a rumor about a new policy.

run verb / noun

Short meaning (v): to move fast on foot.

Short meaning (v): to manage or operate something.

Example: She runs every morning.

runner noun

Short meaning: a person who runs, especially in races.

Example: She is a long-distance runner.

running noun / adjective

Short meaning (n): the sport or activity of running.

Short meaning (adj): operating or flowing.

Example: The machine is running smoothly.

rural adjective

Short meaning: related to the countryside rather than towns or cities.

Example: She grew up in a rural area.

rush verb / noun

Short meaning (v): to move or act quickly because of limited time.

Short meaning (n): a situation of hurry or busy activity.

Example: Don’t rush — take your time.