Vocabulary: Batch 45

From Greek strategia (generalship). "Exit strategy", "marketing strategy" - common business collocations.

• a plan of action designed to achieve a long-term goal

  The company needs a new marketing strategy.

• a person skilled in planning action or policy

  He worked as a political strategist.

British spelling: strategise.

• to plan the actions needed to achieve a goal

  The team met to strategize for next quarter.

Related: strategy (noun), strategist (person), strategize (verb). "Strategic Defense Initiative" (Star Wars): Reagan-era missile-defense program.

• relating to long-term planning or military strategy

  They made a strategic decision to expand.

"Straight" (informal) can also mean heterosexual. Many idioms: "straight as an arrow", "the straight and narrow", "straight from the horse's mouth".

1. extending in one direction without bending

   Draw a straight line.

2. honest and direct

   She gave a straight answer.

1. uncomplicated and easy to understand

   The instructions are straightforward.

2. honest and open

   He's a straightforward person.

"Straighten up" = behave better. "Straighten out" = resolve.

• to make or become straight

  He straightened his tie.

American: "store" = retail shop. British: "shop" is more common; "store" often means a large or department store.

• a retail establishment selling items

  The store opens at nine.

• to keep for future use

  We store the winter clothes in the attic.

In computing: cloud storage (Dropbox, iCloud), local storage (hard drives). Measured in bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, etc.

• the action of keeping something for future use

  The files are in cloud storage.

• the front side or part of a store facing the street

  The storefront featured a large window display.

Often used figuratively: "a storehouse of knowledge".

• a building used for storing things

  The grain was kept in a storehouse.

• a person who owns or runs a store

  The storekeeper greeted his regular customers.

• a room used for storage

  Extra supplies are kept in the storeroom.

British spelling. American: "story" (same meaning, same pronunciation, easily confused with "story" = tale). "Two-storey house" / "two-story house".

• (British) a floor or level of a building

  The building has ten storeys.

Often metaphorical: "put on ice" / "put in cold storage" = postpone or shelve.

• refrigerated storage of perishable goods

  The vaccines were kept in cold storage.

Past tense: stank (or stunk). Past participle: stunk. "Stink to high heaven": smell terrible. Also figurative: "this whole situation stinks" = is very bad.

• to have a strong unpleasant smell

  The garbage stinks.

"Stinking rich" (informal) = extremely wealthy.

• having a strong unpleasant smell

  The stinking pile of trash needed to be removed.

More childlike or informal than "stinking".

• having a strong unpleasant smell

  His socks were really stinky.

Often used informally for unpleasant things or people, or terrible performances/products.

• a person or thing that is very bad or unpleasant

  That movie was a real stinker.

"Just another statistic": phrase for someone reduced to a number, especially as a victim. "Lies, damned lies, and statistics": famous Mark Twain quote.

• a fact or piece of data obtained from a study

  The statistic shocked the public.

• relating to statistics

  He used statistical methods to analyze the data.

• an expert in statistics

  The statistician analyzed the survey results.

Distinct from a single "statistic" (a data point): "statistics" is the academic field/discipline.

• the branch of mathematics dealing with the collection and interpretation of numerical data

  She majored in statistics at university.

Implies sudden surprise, often causing physical reaction. Less serious than "shock" or "alarm".

• to cause to feel sudden shock or alarm

  The loud noise startled her.

• very surprising, astonishing, or remarkable

  He made a startling discovery.

Both literal (posture) and figurative (position on an issue). Common: "take a stance on", "adopt a stance".

1. the way in which someone stands

   She took a defensive stance.

2. a person's mental attitude

   What is your stance on this issue?

"Market stall": small temporary booth in a market. "Toilet stall": a partitioned compartment in a public restroom.

• a stand or booth where goods are sold

  She runs a fruit stall at the market.

"Stall for time" = deliberately delay. Car engines "stall" when they unexpectedly stop running.

• to delay or prevent progress

  Don't stall: give me an answer.

Invented in 1913 in Sheffield, England. Contains at least 10.5% chromium, which prevents rusting. Common in kitchen appliances, medical instruments.

• steel alloyed with chromium to resist rusting

  The kitchen has stainless steel appliances.

Also a popular exercise ("do squats"). "Squatter's rights": legal concept where someone occupying property may gain rights to it.

1. to crouch with knees bent and heels close to the buttocks

   She squatted down to pet the dog.

2. to occupy a building or land without permission

   Homeless people were squatting in the abandoned building.

• short and thick or broad

  He was a squat, muscular man.

In Gen-Z slang, "squad" = one's close group of friends. "Squad goals": aspirational depictions of friend groups (Instagram era).

• a small group of people, especially of soldiers or sports players

  The squad reported for duty.

Gender-neutral formal term. Common in legal/medical contexts where gender is unknown or irrelevant.

• a husband or wife

  Please list your spouse on the form.

Common legal phrase: spousal support = payments to a former spouse after divorce.

• relating to a husband, wife, or spouse

  The form asks for spousal income.

British spelling: advertise. American: also advertise (same spelling, unusually).

• to describe or draw attention to (a product or service) publicly

  The company advertises on TV.

Often shortened to "ad" (American) or "advert" (British). Pronunciation varies: /ˌædvərˈtaɪzmənt/ (American) vs. /ədˈvɝːtəsmənt/ (British).

• a notice promoting a product or event

  He saw the advertisement on Instagram.

• a person or company that advertises

  Google's main customers are advertisers.

"Mad Men": TV series about a 1960s New York advertising agency. The advertising industry now generates over $700 billion globally per year.

• the activity or profession of producing advertisements

  She works in advertising.

In AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), a "sponsor" is an experienced member who guides a newer one. Corporate sponsorship dominates modern sports.

• a person or organization that pays for or supports an event, person, or activity

  Coca-Cola was the main sponsor of the Olympics.

"Sponsored content" / "sponsored post": paid advertising disguised as editorial content (must be disclosed).

• financially supported by a sponsor

  The post is sponsored by a major brand.

• the support given by a sponsor

  She lost her sponsorship after the scandal.

"Spice of life": variety is what makes life interesting. The Spice Girls: iconic 1990s British pop group.

• an aromatic plant substance used to flavor food

  She added several spices to the curry.

• flavored with spices

  They drank spiced wine in winter.

Used figuratively: "spicy gossip" = juicy, scandalous news.

• strongly flavored with spice, often hot

  This dish is too spicy for me.

From Latin speculari (to observe). Two senses: to theorize/guess, and to invest riskily. "Don't speculate": common journalism caution to stick to facts.

1. to form a theory without firm evidence

   They speculated about the cause of the accident.

2. to invest in something risky in hopes of gain

   He speculated in real estate.

Often negative: implies risky or destabilizing financial activity.

• a person who speculates in financial markets

  Speculators drove up the price.

"Speculative fiction": umbrella genre including sci-fi, fantasy, dystopian.

• based on conjecture rather than knowledge

  His theories are highly speculative.

From Latin speculari (to observe, spy out). Related: speculate.

1. the forming of a theory or guess without firm evidence

   There has been much speculation about the reasons for his resignation.

2. investment in stocks, property, etc. in the hope of profit but with the risk of loss

   He lost his savings in a risky real estate speculation.

Stronger than "criticize". Often political: "denounce a regime". Related noun: denunciation.

• to publicly declare to be wrong or evil

  The senator denounced the new law.

• public condemnation of someone or something

  The senator's speech was a scathing denunciation of the policy.

Plural: spectra or spectrums. "On the spectrum" (informal): having autism. "Across the spectrum": covering all opinions/options.

1. a range of values or types

   The book covers a broad spectrum of topics.

2. (physics) the band of colors produced by light

   A rainbow shows the visible spectrum.

Related: specification ("the spec"), specifically (adverb).

• to state or identify clearly and definitely

  Please specify your preferred date.

"Be specific" = give precise details. Antonym: general, vague. Scientific: "specific gravity" = density ratio relative to water.

• clearly defined or identified

  Can you give me a specific example?

Often shortened to "spec" or "specs".

• a detailed description of requirements or design

  The engineers followed the technical specification.

Different from "pour" (continuous stream) or "shake" (vigorous). "Sprinkler": irrigation or fire-suppression device.

• to scatter small drops or pieces over something

  Sprinkle salt over the dish.

• a small amount; a light shower of rain

  There's a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

"Fire sprinkler system": major safety feature in commercial buildings. "Sprinkler" is also a popular kids' summer activity (running through one).

• a device that sprays water

  The lawn sprinkler is on.

Related: defamation (the act), defamatory (the adjective). Legal: "libel" = written defamation; "slander" = spoken defamation.

• to damage the reputation of (someone) by making false statements

  He sued the magazine for defaming him.

Two types: "libel" (written) and "slander" (spoken).

• the action of damaging someone's good reputation

  He sued the newspaper for defamation.

• damaging the good reputation of someone

  The article contained defamatory statements.

Common in real-estate listings: "spacious living room", "spacious master suite". Antonym: cramped.

• having ample space

  The apartment has a spacious living room.

Past tense: sowed. Past participle: sown or sowed. Don't confuse with "sew" (stitch). "You reap what you sow": proverb.

• to plant (seed) by scattering on the ground

  They sowed wheat in the field.

• having been planted

  The newly sown seeds need watering.

As noun, stress on "phis" with final schwa. As verb, ending changes ("-keɪt").

• a culturally cultivated person

  He fancied himself a sophisticate.

In tech: "sophisticated algorithm" / "sophisticated system" = complex and advanced. Originally referred negatively to those skilled in deception (from "sophistry").

1. having refined taste and knowledge

   She has sophisticated taste in wine.

2. complex and advanced

   The hackers used sophisticated techniques.

• the quality of being sophisticated

  Her worldly sophistication.

Different from "solely" (only the adverb). "Sole" is also a flat fish (Dover sole) and the bottom of a shoe or foot: three unrelated meanings.

• one and only

  She was the sole survivor of the crash.

• the bottom of a foot

  The soles of her feet were sore after the hike.

• the bottom of a shoe

  The sole of his shoe came off.

Note the double L. From "sole" + "-ly".

• only; entirely

  He acted solely out of self-interest.

Many figurative senses: "soft skills" (interpersonal abilities), "a soft spot" (fondness), "soft-spoken" (quiet-voiced), "soft power" (influence through appeal rather than force).

• easy to mold, cut, or fold; not hard or firm

  The bed has a soft mattress.

The "t" is silent.

• to make or become soft or softer

  The butter softened at room temperature.

"Fabric softener": laundry product (Downy, Snuggle). "Water softener": removes minerals from hard water.

• a substance added to make something softer

  She added fabric softener to the wash.

"Soak up" = absorb (literal or figurative, "soak up the atmosphere"). "Soak in the tub": a long relaxing bath.

• to make or become thoroughly wet

  Soak the beans overnight.

• completely wet

  He came home soaked from the rain.

Past tense: sneaked (traditional) or snuck (informal American). "Sneak peek" / "sneak preview": a brief early glimpse of something.

• to move quietly and secretly

  He sneaked into the room while she was asleep.

From "sneak" (verb).

• behaving or done in a secret and sometimes dishonest way

  That was a sneaky trick.

"Smash hit": a very successful song, film, or product. "Super Smash Bros.": popular Nintendo fighting game.

• to break violently into many pieces

  He smashed the glass against the wall.

• a forceful blow or collision

  They were injured in a car smash.

"Slot machine": gambling device with spinning reels. "Time slot": a scheduled period (e.g., for a TV show or meeting).

1. a long narrow opening

   Put the coin in the slot.

2. a position in a schedule or system

   She got a time slot for the meeting.

"Slave to" - figuratively bound to something ("a slave to fashion"). "Slave labor" - forced, unpaid work.

• a person who is legally owned by another and forced to work for them

  The plantation's economy depended entirely on slave labor.

"Slave away" - a common phrasal form.

• to work extremely hard

  She slaved away in the kitchen all afternoon.

Legally abolished in the US in 1865 (13th Amendment); slavery still exists in modern forms (human trafficking, forced labor): estimated 40+ million victims today.

• the practice of owning people as property

  Slavery was abolished in the United States in 1865.

Gender-neutral term: covers brothers and sisters. "Sibling rivalry": competition between brothers/sisters.

• a brother or sister

  She has three siblings.

Three distinct meanings. "Sheer" stockings/curtains are see-through. "Sheer cliff" = vertical drop. "Sheer luck" = pure, total luck.

1. nothing other than; absolute

   It was sheer luck that I found you.

2. (of a cliff or drop) almost vertical

   The path runs along a sheer cliff.

3. (of fabric) very thin and transparent

   She wore sheer stockings.

Often used emotionally: "shatter a dream", "shatter someone's confidence".

• to break suddenly and violently into pieces

  The vase shattered on the floor.

British: "shattered" (informal) can also mean "exhausted" ("I'm absolutely shattered").

• broken into many pieces; emotionally devastated

  She was shattered by the news.

• intensely shocking or emotionally devastating

  It was a shattering experience.

In tech: "settings" (plural) = configuration options. In literature: the time and place of a story.

1. the place or time in which something happens

   The novel is set in 1950s New York.

2. the position or adjustment of a control

   Change the oven setting to 350°F.

In tech: a "session" tracks a user's interaction with a website. "In session" = a meeting/court is currently happening.

1. a period devoted to a particular activity

   They had a long therapy session.

2. a formal meeting of a court, parliament, etc.

   Congress is in session.

In tech: a server is a computer that provides services to other computers (clients). In restaurants (mainly US): the modern gender-neutral term for waiter/waitress.

1. a person who serves food and drinks

   The server brought our drinks.

2. a computer that provides services to other computers

   The website's server crashed.

"Public sentiment" / "market sentiment" - common collocations for a general feeling or opinion.

• a view or attitude based on feeling rather than reason

  Public sentiment turned against the war.

"Sentimental value": emotional significance, not monetary. Can be slightly disapproving ("don't get all sentimental").

• prompted by feelings of tenderness or nostalgia

  She kept the necklace for sentimental reasons.

Modern smartphones contain dozens of sensors: accelerometer, gyroscope, GPS, light sensor, fingerprint sensor.

• a device that detects changes and sends signals to a computer

  The motion sensor turns the lights on automatically.

From Latin senatus (council of elders). The US Senate has 100 members (2 per state). Famous historical: Roman Senate.

• the upper chamber of certain legislatures

  The Senate voted on the bill.

Capitalized "Senator" is used as a title before a name (Senator Smith).

• a member of a senate

  She was elected senator for the state.

"Fragmentation" (computing): when files are split across non-contiguous disk space.

• a small part broken off or separated

  They found a fragment of an ancient pot.

• consisting of small disconnected pieces

  The evidence is fragmentary at best.

Noun stress on first syllable /ˈfræɡmənt/; verb stress on second /fræɡˈment/.

• to break or split into fragments

  The country fragmented into rival factions.

• the process of breaking into fragments

  Disk fragmentation can slow down a computer.

"Script" in tech (especially Python, JavaScript) = a small program. "Off-script" = deviating from a prepared text.

1. the written text of a play, film, or broadcast

   She memorized her script for the audition.

2. a program written in a scripting language

   He wrote a script to automate the task.

"Scripted reality TV": supposedly unscripted shows that are actually planned. "Scripted response" = a planned, often robotic answer.

• having or following a prepared script

  His apology sounded scripted and insincere.

• to write a script for

  She scripted the entire episode herself.

"Scrambled eggs": eggs beaten and cooked. "Scramble" in tech: to encrypt or jumble. In military: scramble jets = launch them quickly.

1. to move quickly and clumsily

   He scrambled up the rocks.

2. to make great efforts to get or do something

   The team scrambled to meet the deadline.

"Out of scope" / "in scope": project-management phrases. "Scope creep": gradual expansion of a project beyond original boundaries. Short for telescope, microscope, etc.

1. the extent of something dealt with or relevant to

   That is beyond the scope of this discussion.

2. opportunity or possibility

   There is scope for improvement.

British spelling for non-computing senses (TV programme, exercise programme). For computer software, British also uses "program". Same pronunciation as "program".

• (British) a planned series of events or activities

  Have you seen the new TV programme?

Often used in analytical/academic writing: "the interplay between X and Y".

• the way in which two or more things have an effect on each other

  The painting shows a beautiful interplay of light and shadow.

Also the past tense/participle of "think". "Food for thought" - something worth considering.

• an idea or opinion produced by thinking

  She kept her thoughts to herself.

Two distinct senses. "That's so thoughtful of you": common thank-you for considerate acts.

1. absorbed in or involving thought

   He gave a thoughtful answer.

2. showing consideration for others

   It was a thoughtful gift.

• (of a person or their behavior) not showing consideration for the needs of other people

  It was thoughtless of her to have rushed out.

"What are your thoughts?": common business meeting prompt. "Thoughts and prayers": phrase often criticized as empty (especially after mass shootings).

• opinions or ideas about something

  What are your thoughts on the plan?

Past tense: dispelled. Often used with abstract things: dispel fears, dispel myths, dispel doubts.

• to make (a feeling or belief) disappear

  His explanation dispelled my doubts.

Many modern uses: scan a document, scan a QR code, scan the horizon. "Brain scan" / "CT scan": medical imaging.

1. to look at quickly

   She scanned the menu.

2. to convert to digital form using a scanner

   He scanned the photo into his computer.

Common types: flatbed scanner, barcode scanner, MRI scanner. "Police scanner": receives broadcast radio frequencies used by emergency services.

• a device that scans documents or other inputs

  The barcode scanner beeped.

From French. "Hair salon", "beauty salon", "nail salon": common types. Historical: 17th-18th century French gatherings for intellectual discussion.

• a place where hair, nails, etc. are professionally styled

  She has a hair appointment at the salon.

Often abbreviated "St." in names (St. Peter, St. Paul). "You're a saint" (informal) = you're so kind/patient.

• a holy person, especially one recognized by a Christian church

  She prayed to her favorite saint.

Antonym: profane, secular. "Sacred cow" (idiom) = something considered too special to criticize or change.

• connected with a god or considered holy

  The Bible is sacred to Christians.

Invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1752. Figurative use is very common: "a lightning rod for criticism".

1. a metal rod attached to a building to protect from lightning strikes

   The church has a lightning rod on its steeple.

2. a person or thing that attracts strong reactions

   The new policy became a lightning rod for criticism.

"Rim" of a glass, hat, eye. In basketball, the "rim" is the metal ring of the hoop.

• the outer edge or border of something circular

  He held the glass by the rim.

"Rimless glasses": eyeglasses without a frame around the lenses (popular minimalist style).

• having no rim, especially of glasses

  He wore rimless reading glasses.

From Latin rigidus (stiff). Used both physically (rigid plastic) and figuratively (rigid rules, rigid thinking).

1. unable to bend or be forced out of shape

   The structure is made of rigid steel.

2. not able to change or be persuaded

   He has very rigid opinions.

• the quality of being rigid, in a physical or figurative sense

  The rigidity of the old rules frustrated the staff.

"In reverse" = backwards. "Reverse engineering" = working out how something works by examining it.

1. to move backward

   She reversed the car into the parking spot.

2. to change to the opposite

   The court reversed the lower court's decision.

• opposite to the previous or normal position

  Write the alphabet in reverse order.

"Put the car in reverse" - the gear used to move backward. "Quite the reverse" - the opposite is true.

• the opposite of what has been stated; the reverse gear of a vehicle

  He shifted the car into reverse.

In business: revenue (total sales) vs. profit (revenue minus expenses). "IRS" = Internal Revenue Service (US tax agency).

• income, especially of a company or government

  The company's revenue grew 20% this year.

Many meanings. "Stud finder": a tool that locates studs (wooden beams) behind walls. "Stud earring": small simple earring. "He's a stud" (informal): sexually attractive man.

1. a small decorative knob or piece of metal

   His jacket was covered in metal studs.

2. an attractive or virile man

   He thinks he's such a stud.

Chemical name: nitrous oxide (N2O). Used as a mild anesthetic, especially in dentistry. Also (illegally) used recreationally.

• nitrous oxide, used as an anesthetic or recreational drug

  The dentist gave her laughing gas during the procedure.

Many uses: school class, social class, class action lawsuit, classy (= stylish). In OOP programming, a "class" is a template for creating objects.

1. a group of students taught together

   There are 30 students in the class.

2. a group sharing similar status in society

   The middle class is shrinking.

3. a session of teaching

   He has class at 10 a.m.

Sometimes used sarcastically about something tacky. Compare "high-class" (formal/establishment) vs. "classy" (more attitude/style-based).

• stylish and sophisticated

  That's a classy restaurant.

From Latin abradere (to scrape away). Used both physically (sandpaper) and metaphorically (abrasive personality).

1. capable of scratching or wearing a surface

   Use an abrasive cleaner to remove rust.

2. showing rudeness or harshness

   His abrasive manner offended many people.

Common in medical contexts: "cuts and abrasions".

• an area of skin damaged by scraping; the process of scraping or wearing away

  She had a nasty abrasion on her knee from the fall.

More formal than "promise". "Take a vow" / "wedding vows" - common collocations. Religious orders take "vows of poverty/chastity/obedience".

• to solemnly promise to do something

  He vowed to never lie again.

Past tense: swore. Past participle: sworn. Two senses: solemn promise ("swear an oath") and use bad language ("swear at someone").

1. to make a solemn promise

   I swear I'll never do it again.

2. to use offensive language

   Don't swear in front of the children.

Past participle of swear.

• formally promised or legally bound by an oath

  She gave sworn testimony.

From the literal sense of marking a trail through wilderness. "Portland Trail Blazers": NBA basketball team. Often gendered: "a trailblazer for women in tech".

• a pioneer; an innovator

  She was a trailblazer for women in science.

Largest birds by wingspan: wandering albatross (~3.5m / 11ft). Boeing 747 wingspan: ~65m / 213ft. In basketball, a player's wingspan is a key athletic measurement.

• the distance from one wingtip to the other

  The bird has a 2-meter wingspan.

Common at hotels, offices, airports. "Revolving door" (figurative) = a situation with rapid turnover of people, often used negatively (politicians becoming lobbyists, executives moving between companies).

1. a door with sections that rotate around a central axis

   They entered the building through the revolving door.

2. a situation with continual change of people

   The company has a revolving door of CEOs.

American term; British equivalent: flyover. Antonym: underpass.

• a bridge by which a road or railway crosses over another

  The truck struck the overpass.

Verb is /rɪˈzuːm/; the noun "résumé" /ˈrezʊmeɪ/ (CV in American English) is the same spelling but with accents and different pronunciation.

• to begin again after a pause

  They resumed the meeting after lunch.

From French "résumé" (summary). American term; British equivalent: CV (curriculum vitae).

• (American) a summary of one's job experience and qualifications

  He updated his résumé before applying.

More formal than "answer" or "reply".

1. to say something in reply

   He responded politely to her question.

2. to react to something

   The patient responded well to the treatment.

"Fight or flight response": the body's automatic reaction to danger.

• a verbal or written answer; a reaction

  She received hundreds of responses to her post.

In survey research: the person who fills out a questionnaire. In law: the defendant in certain types of legal proceedings.

• a person who replies to a survey or legal proceeding

  Most respondents agreed with the policy.

• not responsive

  The patient was unresponsive.

• reacting quickly and positively

  A flexible and responsive service.

Founded 1828; one of the two major US political parties. Symbol: donkey. Color: blue. Generally left-of-center on US political spectrum. Don't confuse with smaller "Democratic" parties in other countries.

• one of the two major political parties in the United States

  She has voted for the Democratic Party her whole life.

From Latin res publica (public matter). Contrasted with monarchy. Famous: Plato's "Republic", "The Republic of Korea" (South Korea).

• a country governed by elected representatives, not a monarch

  France is a republic.

Lowercase "republican" = supporter of a republic generally. Capitalized "Republican" usually refers to a member of a specific party (notably the US Republican Party).

• a person who favors a republic over a monarchy

  After the king's death, the republicans gained influence.

Founded 1854. One of the two major US political parties. Symbol: elephant. Color: red. Generally right-of-center on US political spectrum. Often called "GOP" (Grand Old Party).

• one of the two major political parties in the United States

  He has been a Republican Party voter his whole life.

Past tense: repaid. Used both for money ("repay a loan") and for favors/wrongs ("repay kindness").

• to pay back (money or a debt)

  He repaid the loan in three years.

"Repayment plan": schedule for paying back a loan, e.g., student loans.

• the act of paying back money

  Monthly repayments are due on the first.

"Rent out" (as landlord) vs. plain "rent" (as tenant) - same verb, context distinguishes direction.

• to pay someone for the use of property or an item

  They rent a small apartment downtown.

"Rent control" - laws limiting how much landlords can raise rent.

• a regular payment made for the use of property

  The rent is due on the first of the month.

"Car rental" / "vacation rental": common compounds. Airbnb popularized "short-term rental" as a distinct category.

• an item or property that is rented

  They picked up the car rental at the airport.

More formal than "take off" or "take away".

• to take away from a position or place

  Please remove your shoes.

• able to be removed

  The cover is removable for cleaning.

In British: "removal van" / "removals company" = moving truck / moving company.

• the action of removing something

  The removal of the tree took several hours.

Constructions: "remind someone of something" (= bring to mind), "remind someone to do something" (= prompt to do).

• to cause to remember

  She reminded me of our appointment.

Smartphones have "reminder" apps. "Gentle reminder": polite phrasing common in email follow-ups.

• a thing that helps one remember something

  He set a reminder on his phone.

"Reinforced concrete": concrete strengthened with steel bars (rebar). In psychology, "reinforcement" (positive/negative) is a key learning concept.

1. to strengthen or support

   The walls were reinforced with steel.

2. to support an idea by providing further evidence

   The findings reinforce earlier research.

"Call for reinforcements": request additional military/police support.

• the action of strengthening or supporting

  They called for reinforcements.

From French régime. Usually negative for governments ("the Nazi regime", "oppressive regime"). Also: "exercise regime" / "diet regime" = a routine.

1. a government, especially an authoritarian one

   The military regime ruled for decades.

2. a system or planned way of doing things

   She follows a strict fitness regime.

"Recruiter": person who hires (especially in tech, where "recruiters" cold-message engineers on LinkedIn).

• to enlist (someone) in the armed forces or an organization

  They recruited new soldiers for the army.

• a new member of an organization

  The recruits began their training.

• the process of finding new members

  Recruitment is the company's biggest challenge.

• a person whose job is to find new employees or members

  A recruiter reached out to her on LinkedIn.

Weaker than "recommend". Use with "that" + subjunctive in formal contexts: "I suggest that he be there on time".

• to propose for consideration

  I suggest we leave now.

Often associated with hypnosis. "Highly suggestible" people are more susceptible to placebo effects and persuasion.

• easily influenced by other people's ideas

  Young children are highly suggestible.

• an idea or plan put forward for consideration

  Does anyone have any suggestions?

"Sexually suggestive" = mildly sexual. Otherwise: "the evidence is suggestive of foul play" = hints at it.

• hinting at something, especially something improper

  He made a suggestive comment.

"Award recipient": common collocation. In emails: "recipient list" / "To/CC/BCC recipients".

• a person who receives something

  She was the recipient of several awards.

As noun, stress on first syllable; as verb, on second. "Rebel": 1955 James Dean film. Famous fictional: Star Wars Rebels.

• a person who fights against authority

  The rebels seized the capital.

• to resist or fight against authority

  Teenagers often rebel against their parents.

• defying or resisting authority

  He had a rebellious streak as a teenager.

Famous: American Rebellion (Revolutionary War), 1857 Indian Rebellion, Star Wars' Rebellion against the Empire.

• an act of armed resistance to an established government

  The rebellion was crushed.

"Rear" (informal) can also mean buttocks. "Rear end": back part of a vehicle or person.

• the back part of something

  They sat at the rear of the bus.

"Rear its ugly head": a problem unexpectedly appears.

• to care for and bring up (children or animals)

  She reared four children on her own.

From Latin regimen (kingship). Often used metaphorically: "realm of possibility", "realm of ideas".

1. a kingdom

   The dragon terrorized the realm.

2. a field or area of activity

   This issue lies outside my realm of expertise.

Antonym: irrational. In math, a "rational number" can be expressed as a fraction (e.g., 1/2); irrational numbers cannot (e.g., π).

• based on reason or logic

  He made a rational decision.

From Latin rationalis. Often confused with "rational": but rationale is a noun (the reasoning), rational is an adjective (sensible).

• the reasons behind a decision or action

  What is the rationale for this policy?

British spelling: rationalise. Often negative: implies justifying something with false reasoning rather than examining it honestly.

• to find a logical reason for behavior or feelings

  He rationalized his decision to skip the meeting.

In philosophy, rationalism (Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz) is contrasted with empiricism (Locke, Hume).

• a person who believes that reason should be the source of knowledge

  He was a committed rationalist who rejected superstition.

• not based on or in accordance with reason

  He had an irrational fear of spiders.

• the quality of being based on reason or logic

  Economists often assume perfect rationality in their models.

"Portion size": major topic in nutrition (US restaurant portions are notoriously large). "Portion control": managing how much one eats.

1. a part of something divided

   A large portion of the budget goes to defense.

2. an amount of food

   The portions at this restaurant are huge.

Plural: ratios. Common: aspect ratio (screen dimensions), debt-to-income ratio (finance), student-to-teacher ratio.

• the relationship between two amounts

  The student-to-teacher ratio is 20 to 1.