Confusing Words Clarified: Group R; Homonyms, Homophones, Homographs, Synonyms, Polysemes, etc. +
(lists of "R" sections that are organized into what for some people are confusing groups of words)
If you have any problems understanding the pronunciation symbols, go to this Pronunciation Chart for clarifications.
2. The reaction to a setback or disappointment: The gossip was that Maude was on the rebound from a broken marriage.
Craig's decision to invest in the stock market will redound positively in terms of his stocks which have experienced a significant rebound in value.
2. To return the ownership of something to the previous owner: The actual proprietary of the farm will recede to the old man who used to live there.
2. To plant an area through the natural distribution of seeds: The grass was allowed to mature so that it would reseed the pasture as a matter of course.
Once the flood waters recede, the farmers will have to reseed their fields.
Open immediately upon delivery of the letter and remember that the enclosed form should be completed and returned within 30 days of the receipt.
2. A formula or steps to take for achieving something: Shanna seems to have found the recipe for success in her writing.
While Henry and Lorna were staying at the charming Bed and Breakfast their seats at the breakfast table were designated; however, since they didn't want to sit next to the window, their host agreed to reseat them.
Shareen had such wonderful muffins, Alisa asked for the recipe and signed a receipt with her host, promising always to follow the directions exactly as specified.
Kelsey is a recent university graduate who made a recent change in where she is living.
Some people resent being told that they are too old to continue working.
2. To end a law, contract, agreement, etc. by officially stating that something is no longer valid: The company decided to rescind its offer of pay raises because of the poor economic situation.
At the recent town hall meeting, Bill Williams asked the town to rescind the tax bill on his factory. The townspeople called out: No! No! We resent that! It's unfair! Unfair!!
2. The act or process of enumerating information: When asked by the Mrs. Smart for his report, Tom gave a recitation of the facts about earthquakes.
In the middle of Debora's recitation, she suddenly fainted. The paramedics provided resuscitation and she was revived and, amazingly, she was able to complete her recitation.
2. To disqualify oneself from acting in a particular situation: The mayor sought to recuse herself from the committee because of a personal conflict of interest.
To recuse refers to the process by which a judge is disqualified as a result of an objection by either party (or disqualifies himself or herself) from hearing a lawsuit because of self-interest, bias, or prejudice.
The old recluse who lived in the barn tried to recuse the plan by the city council to tear down the barn and to build a retreat for holiday goers.
2. To express outrage, malevolence, or resentment: The crowd gathered in the square to wreak their anger at the government because of increased taxes.
3. To cause something very harmful or damaging: The storm is expected to wreak, or wreck, havoc and extensive damage along the coast during the day.
Jerome saw the storm wreak havoc in the farmers' fields; and a short time after that, the prevailing breeze really did reek of rotting crops.
2. The act of mentioning something in speech or in writing: Roy made reference to the agreement he made with the company regarding his retirement.
3. A source of information: The index in the book provided the specific reference for which Art was looking when doing his research.
4. A published work that provides extensive information on many subjects: A thesaurus is a reference to use when looking up multiple meanings or synonyms of words.
In the speech which Nell gave on Fire Fighters’ Day, she made reference to the reverence they owed to their local fire fighters and their commitments to their community.
2. To have overcome vulgarity or coarseness: Helena came from a terribly impoverished background but the opportunity to go to school really refined her ability to speak and to act in an acceptable manner.
3. To have removed impurities: The chemical process refined the ore into pure silver.
In his essay, Carlos refined his story-telling technique to enhance the mythology surrounding the tale of the middle-aged man seeking to refind his youth while hiking through the outback of Australia.
2. To think in a calm and quiet manner: Carolina always reflects on her goals and her progress towards her goals.
3. To cause or to bring about a specific trait in a person: Todd's comment about his opponent reflects well on his sense of integrity and fair play.
4. To express a thought or opinion based on extensive thinking and pondering: After an extensive period of seclusion, Alisa reflects her observations and suggestions to her friends.
2. Something that a person does without thinking as a reaction to a situation: Disagreeing with Jim's suggestions seems to have become a reflex for his colleague at work.
Luis's automatic reflex to say "NO" certainly reflects on his attitude towards new ideas and suggestions.
"The lady sought refuge in the library when she wanted peace and quiet."
The flood refugee sought refuge in the hills above the river.
2. To say or to show that a person is not willing to do something that another person wants him or her to do: After several attempts to get Adele to explain her bad behavior in the restaurant, she continued to refuse to answer the police officer's questions.
Sometimes the public will refuse to accept the truth about bad eating habits and that the lack of exercise can cause obesity.
3. Not allowing someone to have something: The embassy continued to refuse the reporter a visa to visit the country.We have to clean up the house and get all of that refuse into the dumpster.
The city dump is just too full; so, it may be necessary for city officials to refuse any more refuse for awhile.
Ronald said that he will absolutely refuse to let his neighbor put her refuse in his backyard.
Trina's friend would often regale her party guests with tales of her adventures in Africa.
Because she was the mayor, Karin Marissa wore the regalia of her office, including a heavy chain around her neck.
Tammie's cousin used to regale her friends with tales about the regalia that was worn by the participants at the costume ball. Josie said they all looked very regal.
2. An administration, an authority, or a government: The current regime at the office is very strict about working overtime.
2. To subject to uniformity: The school principal attempted to regiment the pupils into neat rows of ten.
The established regime ordered a new regimen for the regiment in terms of their parade duties.
2. The vocal range of a singer’s voice or that of an instrument: The register of the piano is more than seven octaves.
Christine plans to register for three lecture courses this summer.
2. To suggest or to convey an impression: Ronda Smith's name did not at first register with Karl and he was embarrassed when he realized that she was one of his former teachers.Mike's drama teacher taught him how to register "surprise" in his face.
The office of the registrar was located in the same building as the president of the university.
The registrar at the university helped Silvia to register for the classes that she wanted to take the following year.
Confusing Words: Homonyms, Homophones, and Homographs; explained and demonstrated.
Confusing Words: Units, Groups A to Z.
Confusing Words: Vocabulary Quizzes Listed.
