Assumptions

Every argument contains a few propositions which act as a base.  But there are some propositions, an author deliberately leaves as they are obvious to the reader.
For example, If A suggests B to go to ENT specialist as B is suffering from Throat infection, A assumes that a specialist doctor may diagnose better than normal physician.

So an Assumption is an unstated premise.

In finding assumption to any question, we need to search for the reason which gives strength to the argument and without which the entire argument may not hold good.

Note:  Always remember, Assumption is an unstated premised from the author point of view which may not be true for the reader.

For example, A suggests B, Let us go to XYZ movie, as Mahesh acts in that.
Here A assumes if Mahesh acts in a movie, they are worth watching.  But from B point of view, It may not be true.

Solved Examples

Directions : In each question below is given a statement followed by two assumptions numbered I and II. An assumption is something supposed or taken for granted. You have to consider the statement and the following assumptions and decide which of the assumptions is implicit in the statement.

Give answer (a) if only assumption I is implicit; (b) if only assumption II is implicit; (c) if either I or II is implicit; (d) if neither I nor II is implicit; and (e) if both I and II are implicit.

Statement :
 “ A taxi is required on rent.” - an advertisement.
Assumptions :
I. All types of vehicles are available on rent.
II. People will respond to the advertisement.
 b. The statement says that a taxi is required on rent. It does not say that any vehicle is required. So the statement cannot be said to have assumed that any vehicle is available for rent. But II is obviously implicit; whenever an advertisement is made it is assumed that people will respond to it.

Statement :
“Buy pure ghee of company ABC.” - an advertisement in a news paper
Assumptions :
I. No other company supplies pure ghee.
II. People read advertisements.
b. I is definitely not mentioned in the advertisement. II is implicit, otherwise Company ABC wouldn’t have given the advertisements.

Statement : 
Of all the TV sets manufactured in India, ‘XYZ’ brand has the largest sale.
Assumptions : 
I. The sale of all the TV sets manufactured in India is known.
II. The manufacturing of no other TV set in India is an large as ‘XYZ’ brand TV.
 a. Unless the sale of all TV sets manufactured in India was known, the statement could not have been made. Hence I is implicit. II is not implicit because we do not know about manufacturing; we know only about sales. XYZ brand has the largest sale but it may not be the largest manufacturer of TV sets. May be Y company manufactured more sets than XYZ does but it exports all its sets. In that case Y is a bigger manufacturer but its sale in India would be lesser than that of XYZ.

Statement :
Ram’s advice to Gopal - “Go to Tirupathi via Gudur - the shortest route.”
Assumptions :
I. Gopal wishes to go to Tirupathi.
II. Ram gives advice to everybody.

a. Unless Gopal would be going to Tirupathi, Ram would not have advised him this. Hence I is implicit. But it is not certain that Ram gives advice to everybody. Maybe Ram is giving advice to Gopal because Gopal is Ram’s friend.

Statement :
Cricket matches have become indispensable for the entertainment of people.
Assumptions : 
I. Cricket matches are the only medium of entertainment.
II. People enjoy Cricket matches.
 b.  Cricket matches have become indispensable but it does not imply that they are the only medium of entertainment. But it is certain that people enjoy Cricket matches. Hence II is implicit.

Statement :
“Do not lean out of the door of the bus.” - a warning in a school bus.
Assumptions :
I. Leaning out of a running bus is dangerous.
II. Children do not pay any heed to such warnings.
a. Leaning out of a running bus must be dangerous, otherwise the warning would not have been there. Hence I is implicit. But II is not implicit. If the authorities would have assumed that children do not pay any need to such warning, they would not have put it up there.

Statement :
 “If you are a software engineer, we want you as our programmer.” - an advertisement by company XYZ.
Assumptions : 
I. Software engineers are expected to be better performers by company XYZ.
II. The company XYZ needs programmers.
b.  I is not implicit. The company wants software engineers. One reason could be that the company expects software engineers to be good performers, as I suggests. But there could be another reason: for example, the company’s programmer job could be such that only a software engineer could perform it. But one thing is certain. The advertisement was for programmers; this means programmers are needed. Hence II is implicit.

Statement : 
Be humble ever after being victorious.
Assumptions : 
I. Many people the after being victorious.
II. Generally, people are not humble.

d. The statement asks a man to be humble ever after being victorious. This implies that people are usually not humble after victory. I is just the opposite of it. II is not implicit because it generalises the statement. Generally, people may be humble; the point is if they are humble or not after victory.

Statement :
A sentence in the letter to the candidates called for written examinations ---- ‘You have to bear your expenses on travel etc.’
Assumptions :
I. If not clarified, all the candidates may claim reimbursement of expenses.
II. Many organisations reimburse expense on travel to candidates called for written examinations.

e. If the letter mentions expenses to be borne by candidates, those who sent the letter must have assumed that the candidates may demand for reim-bursement if the point is not clarified to them. Also, the candidates would not demand reimbursement if it was not a prevalent practice. So I and II both are implicit.

Statement :
One of the opposition leaders said that the time had come for like-minded opposition parties to unite and dislodge the corrupt government.
Assumptions : 
I. Like minded opposition parties should unite only when they have to dislodge a corrupt government.
II. Opposition parties are not corrupt.
d. To dislodge a corrupt government has been mentioned as the present purpose for the call of unity. But this does not mean that this is the only purpose. So I is not implicit. Further, the leader asks like-minded parties to unite against the government and not the entire opposition. So we cannot generalise that (all) opposition parties are non-corrupt. Hence II is not implicit.

Statement :
Bus charges have been increased to meet the deficit.
Assumptions :
I. The present charges are very low.
II. If the charges are not increased, the deficit cannot be met.
b. Bus charges have been increased. The cause: to meet the deficit. This never means that the present are low. If the price of goods increase, it is not necessary that the earlier price was low. But the tone of the statement clearly implies that Bus charges have been increased out of compulsion: so II is implicit.

Statement : 
If degrees are de-linked from jobs, students will think twice before joining college.
Assumptions : 
I. Students  join college education to get jobs.
II. A degree is of no use in getting a job.
a. The statement says that if degrees are delinked from jobs, students  will not join colleges. This implies that jobs are a major reason for them to join college. So, I is implicit. Now, if I is implicit, II is not because II is just the opposite of I.

Statement : 
“ Present-day education is in a shambles and the country is going to the dogs.”
Assumptions : 
I. A good educations system is essential for the well-being of a nation.
II. A good education alone is sufficient for the well-being of a nation.
a. The statement uses a tone that implies that if education is in a shambles, then the country deteriorates. This means that a good education is needed for the well-being of a nation. But this does not mean that a good education alone is sufficient for it. So, I is implicit but II is not.

Statement : 
The next Annual general meeting of the Company will be held after one year.
Assumptions : 
I. The Company will remain in function after one year.
II. The Governing Board will be dissolved after one year.
a. Obviously, the author assumes that the Company will be functioning after one year, otherwise he would not have fixed the date of the meeting one year later. But there is no hint that the Board will be dissolved after that. So I is implicit, II is not.

Statement :
 “Computer education should start at schools itself.”
Assumptions :
I. Learning computers is easy.
II. Computer educations fetches jobs easily.
 a. If one says that computers should be taught at schools he must have assumed that it is an easy subject, because schools are a place of elementary education; tougher things are taught at colleges. But the statement does not say anything about jobs. So I is implied, II is not.

Statement : 
The new education policy envisages major modifications in the education system.
Assumptions : 
I. Present education system is inconsistent with national needs.
II. Present education system needs change.
e. If major modifications are being envisaged, it must have been assumed that the present educational system is inconsistent with what the nation needs. So I is implicit. Again, if I is implicit, II also is, because II says the same thing as I.

Statement :
Sriram’s advice to Krishna - “If you want to study Management, join Institute Y.”
Assumptions : 
I. Institute Y provides good Management education.
II. Krishna listens to Sriram’s advice.
e. If Sriram advises Krishna to join a particular institute, Sriram must have assumed that the particular institute was a good institute. So I is implicit. While advising Krishna, Sriram must also have thought that Krishna would listen to Sriram’s advice; so II is implicit.

Statement :
 “Drop this letter in the letter in the letter-box on your way to school.” - A mother to her daughter.
Assumptions :
I. The child knows the address of the person to whom the letter is being sent.
II. The child will comply with the orders of his mother.
b. The mother only asks her son to drop the letter. I would have been implicit if she had asked her son to drop the letter and write the address also. But II is implicit. Had the mother not assumed that her son would comply, she wouldn’t have asked him to do the job.

Statement : 
Everybody loves reading romantic stories.
Assumptions : 
I. Romantic stories are the only reading material.
II. Nobody loves reading any other material.
d. People love reading romantic stories but this does not means that they have nothing else to read. Nor does it mean that they do not like to read anything else So, both I and II are not implicit.

Statement :
Read this notice before entering the office.
Assumptions :
I. People coming to the office are literate.
II. No blind person comes to the office.
e. When some says “read this notice” he must have assumed that the other person can read. This would be possible only if the person is literate and not blind. So both I and II are implicit.

Nouns-30(1451-1501)

Valance (n):  val-uhns,
A valance is a piece of cloth that hangs down over the sides of a bed in order to make it look nice
Front and rear valances also bolt on, but are more costly than the sills to replace

Vanguard (n): van-gahrd
The vanguard of an army is the part of it that goes into battle first = forerunners, advance forces
The shop has always been in the vanguard of London fashion trends

Vantage (n):  van-tij
A vantage point is a place from which you can see a lot of things
They fired upon the enemy from behind trees, walls and any other point of vantage they could find

Valetudinarian (n):  val-i-tood-n-air-ee-uhn
Invalid

Vampire (n):  vam-pahyuhr (1455)
A vampire is a creature in legends and horror stories Vampires are said to come out of graves at night and suck the blood of living people
Everyone knows that, who knows anything about vampires

Vassal (n):  vas-uhl
In feudal society, a vassal was a man who gave military service to a lord, in return for which he was protected by the lord and received land to live on
He was a vassal, as indeed his father had been forty years earlier

Vellum (n):  vel-uhm
Vellum is strong paper of good quality for writing on = parchment

Vendetta (n):  ven-det-uh
If one person has a vendetta against another, the first person wants revenge for something the second person did to them in the past = feud, private warfare
The vice president said the cartoonist has a personal vendetta against him

Veneer (n):  vuh-neer
If you refer to the pleasant way that someone or something appears as a veneer, you are critical of them because you believe that their true, hidden nature is not good = thin layer, cover
A thin veneer of politeness hid her growing anger

Vent (n):  vent (1460)
A vent is a hole in something through which air can come in and smoke, gas, or smells can go out = duct, a small opening; outlet
There was a small air vent in the ceiling

Verbiage (n):  vur-bee-ij
If you refer to someone’s speech or writing as verbiage, you are critical of them because they use too many words, which makes their speech or writing difficult to understand
The article is a mere verbiage and has little value to convey

Verisimilitude (n):  ver-uh-si-mil-i-tood, -tyood
Verisimilitude is the quality of seeming to be true or real
To add verisimilitude, the stage is covered with sand for the desert scenes

Verity (n):  ver-i-tee
The verities of something are all the things that are believed to be true about it = reality
She has spent her life in a search for  eternal verities

Vernacular (n):  ver-nak-yuh-ler
The vernacular is the language or dialect that is most widely spoken by ordinary people in a region or country
Gautam Budda preached in the vernacular Pali language instead of highly complex Sanskrit to reach to a larger audiance

Vertex (n):  vur-teks (1465)
The point where two lines meet to form an angle, especially the point of a triangle

Vertigo (n):  vur-ti-goh
If you get vertigo when you look down from a high place, you feel unsteady and sick = dizziness
We test potential plane pilots for susceptibility to spells of vertigo

Vestige (n):  ves-tij
A vestige of something is a very small part that still remains of something that was once much larger or more important
There is not a vestige of truth in the  rumor

Viand (n):  vahy-uhnd
Food

Vicissitudes (n):  vi-sis-i-tood, -tyood
You use vicissitudes to refer to changes, especially unpleasant ones, that happen to someone or something at different times in their life or development
The vicissitudes of his life are a thing of the past, he is a successful interior designer now

Victuals (n):  vahy-uhnd (1470)
Food and drink

Vigilance (n):  vij-uh-luhns
Someone who is vigilant gives careful attention to a particular problem or situation and concentrates on noticing any danger or trouble that there might be= alert

Constant vigilance is necessary in order to avoid accidents in driving

Viper (n):  vahy-per
A viper is a small poisonous snake found mainly in Europe  =  poisonous snake

Virago (n):  vi-rah-goh
An offensive word for an angry woman who often argues with people = shrew
The poor man has a virago of a wife

Virtuoso  (n):  vur-choo-oh-soh
A virtuoso is someone who is extremely good at something, especially at playing a musical instrument
AR Rehman  is a Piano virtuoso

Virus (n):  vahy-ruhs (1475)
A virus is a kind of germ that can cause disease = disease communicator
There are many different strains of flu virus

Visage (n):  viz-ij
Someone’s visage is their face = face
The visage of the leader was used time and again in the caricature

Vivisection (n):  viv-uh-sek-shuhn
Vivisection is the practice of using live animals for scientific experiments
He is a fierce opponent of vivisection

Vogue (n): vohg
If there is a vogue for something, it is very popular and fashionable
Jeans became the vogue on many college campuses

Volition (n):  voh-lish-uhn, vuh-
Your volition is the power you have to decide something for yourself = free will
They left entirely of their own volition (because they wanted to)

Votary (n):  voh-tuh-ree (1480)
A follower of a cult
Maneka Gandhi is a votary of animal rights

Waif (n):  weyf
If you refer to a child or young woman as a waif, you mean that they are very thin and look as if they have nowhere to live
We can see so many waifs on streets begging food

Warranty (n):  wawr-uhn-tee
A warranty is a written promise by a company that, if you find a fault in something they have sold you within a certain time, they will repair it or replace it free of charge = guarantee, assurance by seller
The car is still under warranty

Wastrel (n):  wey-struhl
If you describe someone as a wastrel you mean that they are lazy and spend their time and money on foolish things = profligate
The old man bequeathed nothing for his wastreal son

Welkin (n):  wel-kin
The sky

Welt (n):  welt (1485)
A welt is a mark which is made on someone’s skin, usually by a blow from something such as a whip or sword = injury
My new shoes have caused welts all over my feet

Whit (n):  hwit, wit
A smallest speck
Over the years she hasn’t changed a whit

Whorl (n):  hwurl, hwawrl, wurl, wawrl
A whorl is a spiral shape, for example the pattern on the tips of your fingers
Each flower is composed of an inner whorl of three petal and an outer trio of sepals

Whorl (n):  hwurl
A whorl is a spiral shape, for example the pattern on the tips of your fingers = ring of leaves around stem, ring
He stared at the whorls and lines of her fingertips

Witticism (n):  wit-uh-siz-uhm
A witticism is a witty remark or joke

Wizardry (n):  wiz-er-dree (1490)
You can refer to a very clever achievement or piece of work as wizardry, especially when you do not understand how it is done = sorcery,  magic
High-speed Internet connections and other technical wizardry confused the new student

Wont (n):  wawnt, wohnt, wuhnt
If someone is wont to do something, they often or regularly do it = routine
She got up early, as it was her wont

Wraith (n):  reyth
A wraith is a ghost
That child flits about like a wraith

Wrath (n):  rath, rahth or, especially Brit, rawth
Wrath means the same as anger
‘Where have you been?’ she screamed in wrath

Xenophobia (n):  zen-uh-foh-bee-uh
Xenophobia is strong and unreasonable dislike or fear of people from other countries
The European Union will not allow xenophobia and racism to take root in its member countries

Yardstick (n):  yahrd-stik (1495)
Something that you compare another thing with, in order to judge how good or successful it is
Profit is the most important yardstick of success for any business

Yeoman (n):  yoh-muhn
In former times, a yeoman was a man who was free and not a servant, and who owned and worked on his own land = man owning small estate, middle-class farmer
The definition of yeomen was complex, a matter of subtle distinctions

Yokel (n):  yoh-kuh
If you refer to someone as a yokel, you think they are uneducated and stupid because they come from the countryside = bumpkin
Nature alone can not influence an unschooled yokel

Yore (n):  yawr, yohr
Of yore is used to refer to a period of time in the past = of old
The images provoked strong surges of nostalgia for the days of yore

Zealot (n):  zel-uht
If you describe someone as a zealot, you think that their views and actions are very extreme, especially in following a particular political or religious belief
He was forceful, but by no means a zealot

Zenith (n):  zee-nith (1500)
The zenith of something is the time when it is most successful or powerful  = peak
His career is now at its zenith


Zephyr (n):  zef-er
A soft gentle wind
As the windows facing the lush green lawns were opened, a zephyr passed through the room

Nouns-29(1401-1450)

Tortilla (n):  tawr-tee-uh
A tortilla is a piece of thin flat bread that first came from Mexico, and is made from corn and eggs
A small version of the caldo and plenty of tortillas accompany the entree

Touchstone (n):  tuhch-stohn
If you use one thing as a touchstone of another, you use it as a test or standard by which you judge the second thing = criterion
Job security has become the touchstone of a good job for many employees

Tract (n):  trakt
A tract of land is a very large area of land
There is a vast tract of land ready for development

Trajectory (n):  truh-jek-tuh-ree
The trajectory of a moving object is the path that it follows as it moves = path taken by a projectile
There is obviously a vast number of such possible trajectories

Tranquility (n):  trang-kwil-i-tee(1405)
A state of calm, still and quiet

Transition (n):  tran-zish-uhn
Transition is the process in which something changes from one state to another
The transition to a multi-party democracy is proving to be difficult

Transgression (n):  trans-gresh-uhn
violation of a law; sin
Forgive us our transgressions

Travail (n):  truh-veyl, trav-eyl
You can refer to unpleasant hard work or difficult problems as travail
He couldn’t endure such travails and degradation and rebelled against them

Travesty (n):  trav-uh-stee
If you describe something as a travesty of another thing, you mean that it is a very bad representation of that other thing
I found the movie’s representation of the epic as travesty

Treacle (n):  tree-kuhl (1410)
Treacle is a thick, sweet, sticky liquid that is obtained when sugar is processed It is used in making cakes and puddings

Treatise (n):  tree-tis
A treatise is a long, formal piece of writing about a particular subject
Locke's Treatise on Civil Government is a magnum opus

Tremor (n):  trem-er
A tremor is a shaking of your body or voice that you cannot control = trembling, slight quiver
He felt a tremor in his arms

Trencherman (n):  tren-cher-muhn
A good eater

Trepidation (n):  trep-i-dey-shuhn
Trepidation is fear or anxiety about something that you are going to do or experience = anxiety
He knocked on the door with some trepidation

Tribulation (n):  trib-yuh-ley-shuhn (1415)
You can refer to the suffering or difficulty that you experience in a particular situation as tribulations = distress, suffering
She didn’t even tell her mother about the tribulations she faced at her in-laws’ place

Tribunal (n):   trahy-byoon-l
A tribunal is a special court or committee that is appointed to deal with particular problems
The prisoner appeared before the tribunal for sentencing

Tribute  (n):  trib-yoot
A tribute is something that you say, do, or make to show your admiration and respect for someone
The colonists refused to pay tribute to a foreign despot

Trident (n):  trahyd-nt
Three-pronged spear
The trident-carrying hermits came for their holy dip to Haridwar

Triolet (n):  tree-uh-ley
Eight-line stanza

Trilogy (n):  tril-uh-jee (1420)
A trilogy is a series of three books, plays, or films that have the same subject or the same characters
The Lord of the Rings is a very famous and brilliantly made trilogy

Troglodyte (n):  trog-luh-dahyt
A troglodyte is someone who lives in a cave

Trope (n):  trohp
A figure of speech

Troth (n):  trawth, trohth
Pledge your troth is an old phrase meaning ‘to promise to get married to someone
He gave her his troth and vowed he would cherish her always

Truculence (n):  truhk-yuh-luhnt, troo-kyuh-
Truculence attitude is willingness to argue or fight
“Your secretary said you’d be wanting a cleaner,” she announced with her usual truculence

Truism (n):  troo-iz-uhm (1425)
A truism is a statement that is generally accepted as obviously true and is repeated so often that it has become boring = self-evident truth, cliché
His speech was just a collection of cliches and truisms

Trumpery (n):  truhm-puh-ree
Objects that are showy, valueless, deceptive
The hermits renounce the trumpery of life to lead a life to serenity

Tryst (n):  trist, trahyst
A tryst is a meeting between lovers in a quiet secret place
The lovers tryst was rudely interrupted by the police

Tumbrel (n):  tuhm-bruhl
an open cart that tilted backwards to empty out its load, in particular one used to convey prisoners to the guillotine during the French Revolution

Tumult  (n):  too-muhlt, tyoo-
A tumult is a state of great confusion or excitement
She could not make herself heard over the tumult of the mob

Tundra (n):  tuhn-druh (1430)
a vast, flat, treeless Arctic region of Europe, Asia, and North America in which the subsoil is permanently frozen

Turbulence (n): tur-byuh-luhns
Turbulence is a state of confusion and disorganized change
We were frightened by the turbulence of the ocean during the storm

Tureen (n):  too-reen
Tundra is one of the large flat areas of land in the north of Europe, Asia, and America The ground below the top layer of soil is always frozen and no trees grow there
Pour mussels into a tureen or large bowl

Turnkey (n):  turn-kee
A Jailer

Turpitude (n):  tur-pi-tood, -tyood
Turpitude is very immoral behaviour = wickedness
The visitor was denied admittance to the country on charges of moral turpitude

Tutelage (n):  toot-l-ij, tyoot- (1435)
If one person, group, or country does something under the tutelage of another, they do it while they are being taught or guided by them = guidance
Under his tutelage, she started reading widely again

Tyro (n):  tahy-ro
A tyro is a person who is just beginning to learn something or who has very little experience of something = beginner,  novice
The tyro journalist was made a bait in the whole scandal

Ukase (n):  yoo-keys
An official decree, usually Russian

Ultimatum (n):  uhl-tuh-mey-tuhm
An ultimatum is a warning to someone that unless they act in a particular way, action will be taken against them = last demand; warning
They issued an ultimatum to the police to rid an area of racist attackers, or they will take the law into their own hands

Umbrage (n):  uhm-brij
If you say that a person takes umbrage, you mean that they are upset or offended by something that someone says or does to them, often without much reason = take offence
He took umbrage at her remarks and left the party

Unanimity (n):  yoo-nuh-nim-i-tee (1440)
When there is unanimity among a group of people, they all agree about something or all vote for the same thing = complete agreement
All decisions would require unanimity

Unction (n):  uhngk-shuhn
The act of anointing with oil

Unguent (n):  uhng-gwuhnt
If you describe someone as ungrateful, you are criticizing them for not showing thanks or for being unkind to someone who has helped them or done them a favour = ointment
The village doctor applied some unguent on the patient’s forehand

Unison (n):  yoo-nuh-suhn
If two or more people do something in unison, they do it together at the same time = unity of pitch, complete accord
Both the parties nodded in unison

Usufruct (n):  yoo-zoo-fruhkt
A right of enjoying things belonging to another

Usurpation (n):  yoo-ser-pey-shuhn (1445)
If you say that someone usurps a job, role, title, or position, they take it from someone when they have no right to do this
Did she usurp his place in his mother's heart?

Usury (n):  yoo-zhuh-ree
Usury is the practice of lending money at a high rate of interest
In medieval times, it was illegal for the Muslims to practice usury

Utopia (n):  yoo-toh-pee-uh
If you refer to an imaginary situation as a utopia, you mean that it is one in which society is perfect and everyone is happy, but which you feel is not possible
Most Bollywood movies end with a warm feeling of utopia

Uxoricide (n): uhk-sawr-uh-sahyd
Killing one’s own wife

Vacillation (n):  vas-uh-ley-shuhn
To continue to change your opinions, decisions, ideas etc= waver
Her parents vacillated between different approaches to discipline

Vagary (n):  vuh-gair-ee (1450)
Vagaries are unexpected and unpredictable changes in a situation or in someone’s behaviour which you have no control over  = caprice, whim
She followed every vagary of fashion

Nouns-28(1351-1400)

Surveillance (n):  ser-vey-luhns
Surveillance is the careful watching of someone, especially by an organization such as the police or the army =  guarding
He was arrested after being kept under constant surveillance

Sustenance (n):  suhs-tuh-nuhns
Sustenance is food or drink which a person, animal, or plant needs to remain alive and healthy = means of support, food, nourishment
The state provided a basic quantity of food for daily sustenance, but little else

Suture (n):  soo-cher
A suture is a stitch made to join together the open parts of a wound, especially one made after a patient has been operated on = stitch
The doctor put six sutures for the wound on his face

Sybarite (n):  sib-uh-rahyt
A person who is self-indulgently fond of sensuous luxury
Not all rich people are sybarite by  nature

Sycophant (n):  sik-uh-fuhnt (1355)
A sycophant is a person who behaves in a sycophantic way  = servile flatterer
The gullible minister was befooled by the sycophant

Syllogism (n):  sil-uh-jiz-uhm
A logical formula utilizing a major premise, a minor premise and a conclusion
He used illogical syllogism to reach at the absurd conclusion

Symmetry (n):  sim-i-tree
Something that has symmetry is symmetrical in shape, design, or structure
The symmetry between increasing number of burglaries and rising unemployment isn’t just coincidental

Synthesis (n):  sin-thuh-sis
A synthesis of different ideas or styles is a mixture or combination of these ideas or styles
This Book is a synthesis of the work of authors

Talisman (n):  tal-is-muhn
A talisman is an object which you believe has magic powers to protect you or bring you luck = charm
He has worn the ring as a talisman ever since he survived the fatal accident

Talon (n):  tal-uhn (1360)
The talons of a bird of prey are its hooked claws = claw of bird
The eagle sank its talons into the rat

Tantrum (n):  tan-truhm
If a child has a tantrum, they lose their temper in a noisy and uncontrolled way If you say that an adult is throwing a tantrum, you are criticizing them for losing their temper and acting in a childish way = fit of petulance, caprice
The boy had a tantrum because his mother didn’t buy him a chocolate

Taper (n):  tey-per
If something tapers, or if you taper it, it becomes gradually thinner at one end
She lit the gas with a taper

Tarantula (n):  tuh-ran-chuh-luh
A tarantula is a large hairy spider which has a poisonous bite = venomous spider
He once did a show on an Amazonian tarantula that occasionally eats birds

Tarn (n):  tahrn
A tarn is a small lake in an area of mountains
On the road back to the tarn we passed a cluster of cottages

Tatterdemalion (n):  tat-er-di-meyl-yuhn (1365)
A person in tattered clothing

Tautology (n):  taw-tol-uh-jee
Tautology is the use of different words to say the same thing twice in the same statement `The money should be adequate enough' is an example of tautology = unnecessary repetition,  pleonasm

Tedium (n):  tee-dee-uhm
If you talk about the tedium of a job, task, or situation, you think it is boring and rather frustrating = boredom
She longed for something to relieve the tedium of everyday life

Teleology (n):  tel-ee-ol-uh-jee
A doctrine of final causes

Temerity (n):  tuh-mer-i-tee
If you say that a person has the temerity to do something, you are annoyed about something they have done which you think showed a lack of respect
He had the temerity to call me a liar

Temperament  (n):  tem-per-uh-muhnt (1370)
Your temperament is your basic nature, especially as it is shown in the way that you react to situations or to other people
Dhoni is praised for his cool temperament

Tempo (n):  tem-poh
The tempo of a piece of music is the speed at which it is played = speed of music
Both teams played the match with great tempo

Tenacity (n):   tuh-nas-i-tee
If you have tenacity, you are very determined and do not give up easily = firmness
It is extremely difficult to overcome the tenacity of a habit such as smoking

Tenet (n):  ten-it
The tenets of a theory or belief are the main principles on which it is based  = principle, doctrine
The judge’s ruling was based on the simple commensense tenet that no man is above the law

Tenure (n):  ten-yer
Tenure is the legal right to live in a particular building or to use a particular piece of land during a fixed period of time
The company has doubled in value during his tenure

Tergiversation (n):  tur-ji-ver-sey- shun (1375)
Using evasive language

Termagant  (n): tur-muh-guhnt
A woman who is always arguing and fighting = brawling woman

Terminology (n):  tur-muh-nol-uh-jee
The terminology of a subject is the set of special words and expressions used in connection with it
It was an interesting programme, which gave the facts without using too much scientific terminology

Terminus (n):  tur-muh-nuhs
On a bus or train route, the terminus is the last stop, where the bus or train turns round or starts a journey in the opposite direction = last stop of railroad
Mumbai’s Victoria Trminus is the busiest terminus in India

Terrapin (n):  ter-uh-pin
A terrapin is a reptile which has a thick shell covering its body and which lives partly in water and partly on land

Testator (n):  tes-tey-ter (1380)
If one thing is a testament to another, it shows that the other thing exists or is true
He was trying to prove that the testator was under duress

Thaumaturge (n):  thaw-muh-turj
A  worker  of  wonders  or  miracles;  magician

Theocracy (n):  thee-ok-ruh-see
A theocracy is a society which is ruled by priests who represent a god
Vatican city is a perfect example of theocracy

Theosophy (n):  thee-os-uh-fee
wisdom in divine things

Thrall (n):  thrawl
If you say that someone is in thrall to a person or thing, you mean that they are completely in their power or are greatly influenced by them =  bondage
The captured soldier was held in thrall by the conquering army

Threnody (n):  thren-uh-dee (1385)
A song of lamentation = dirge

Throes (n):  throh
If someone is experiencing something very unpleasant or emotionally painful, you can say that they are in the throes of it, especially when it is in its final stages
Despite being in the throes, the lady  could make it to the hospoital all alone

Thyme (n):  tahym
Thyme is a type of herb used in cooking
Let cool and stir in thyme, marjoram, savvy, and chives

Timbre (n):  tam-ber
The timbre of someone's voice or of a musical instrument is the particular quality of sound that it has
His voice had a deep timbre

Timidity (n):  tim-id
Timid people are shy, nervous, and have no courage or confidence in themselves= lack of self-confidence
The President’s critics say he has been too timid in responding to changing international developments

Timorous (n):  tim-er-uhs (1390)
If you describe someone as timorous, you mean that they are frightened and nervous of other people and situations
= timid
Some delegates believe the final declaration is likely to be too timorous

Tirade (n):  tahy-reyd
A tirade is a long angry speech in which someone criticizes a person or thing = verbal attack
She launched into a tirade of abuse against politicians

Tithe (n):  tahyth
A tithe is a fixed amount of money or goods that is given regularly in order to support a church, a priest, or a charity = tax of one-tenth

Tocsin (n): tok-sin
Alarm bell

Toga (n):  toh-guh
A toga is a piece of clothing which was worn by the ancient Romans = Roman outer robe

Tome (n):  tohm (1395)
A tome is a very large, heavy book = large volume

Tonsure (n):  ton-sher
Shaving of the head, especially by person entering religious orders
Hindus tonsure their heads at Tirupathi Balaji as a mark of sacrifice

Topography (n):  tuh-pog-ruh-fee
Topography is the study and description of the physical features of an area, for example its hills, valleys, or rivers, or the representation of these features on maps
The topography of Andaman and Nicobar Islands has changed significantly after tsunami disaster

Torpor (n):  tawr-per
Torpor is the state of being completely inactive mentally or physically, for example because of illness or laziness
In the heat, they sank into a state of torpor

Torque (n):  tawrk
Torque is a force that causes something to spin around a central point such as an axle
With her wrench she applied sufficient torque to the nut to loosen it

Torso (n):  tawr-soh (1400)
Your torso is the main part of your body, and does not include your head, arms, and legs
Excavators have found a torso, which they claim of an ancient king

Nouns-27(1301-1350)

Sluice (n):  sloos
A sluice is a passage that carries a current of water and has a barrier, called a sluice gate, which can be opened and closed to control the flow of water
The sluice gates are lifted by chains on old fashioned rollers

Smattering (n):  smat-er-ing
A smattering of something is a very small amount of it = slight knowledge
At least a smattering of French and German is required for this job

Sobriety (n):  suh-brahy-i-tee
Sobriety is the state of being sober rather than drunk = soberness

Sobriquet (n):  soh-bruh-key
A sobriquet is a humorous name that people give someone or something = nickname
From his staff he earned the sobriquet `Mumbles'

Sojourn (n):  soh-jurn (1305)
A sojourn is a short stay in a place that is not your home
I went to my uncle’s place for a sojourn

Solace (n):  sol-is
Solace is a feeling of comfort that makes you feel less sad  = comfort
I hope you will find solace in the thought that all of us share your loss

Solecism (n):  sol-uh-siz-uhm
Something that is not considered polite behaviour
The billionaire’s only son was accussed of social solecism

Soliloquy  (n):  suh-lil-uh-kwee
A soliloquy is a speech in a play in which an actor or actress speaks to himself or herself and to the audience, rather than to another actor = talking to oneself
The soliloquy is a device by the dramatist to reveal a character’s innermost thoughts and emotions

Solstice (n):  sol-stis
The summer solstice is the day of the year with the most hours of daylight, and the winter solstice is the day of the year with the fewest hours of daylight

Somnambulist (n):  som-nam-byuh-liz-uhm, suhm- (1310)
If you are somnolent, you feel sleepy = sleepwalker
He was walking more like a somnambulist than a person fully awake

Sophist (n):  sof-ist
A teacher of philosophy; quibbler; employer of fallacious
reasoning

Sophistication (n):  suh-fis-ti-key-shuhn
The sophistication of machines or methods is their quality of being more advanced or complex than others = artificiality, unnaturalness
Given the sophistication of modern machines, there is little that cannot be successfully washed at home

Sophistry (n):  sof-uh-stree
Sophistry is the practice of using clever arguments that sound convincing but are in fact false
Instead of advancing valid arguments, he tried to overwhelm his audience with a flood of sophistries

Soporific (n):  sop-uh-rif-ik
Something that is soporific makes you feel sleepy = sleep producer
The professor’s soporfic voice made it difficult to stay awake in the lecture

Soupcon (n):  soop-sawn (1315)
A very small amount of something = suggestion, hint, taste

Spangle (n): spang-guhl
Spangles are small pieces of shiny metal or plastic which are used to decorate clothing or hair
The city skyline was spangled with lights

Spate (n):  speyt
A spate of things, especially unpleasant things, is a large number of them that happen or appear within a short period of time = series
Police are investigating a spate of burglaries in the locality

Spatula (n):  spach-uh-luh
A spatula is an object like a knife with a wide, flat blade Spatulas are used in cooking
Using a spatula, transfer charlotte to a large serving platter

Spectrum (n):  spek-truhm
The spectrum is the range of different colours which is produced when light passes through a glass prism or through a drop of water A rainbow shows the colours in the spectrum
The visible protion of the spectrum includes red at one end and violet at the other

Spoonerism (n):  spoo-nuh-riz-uhm (1320)
A spoonerism is a mistake made by a speaker in which the first sounds of two words are changed over, often with a humorous result, for example when someone says `wrong load' instead of `long road'
When he said ‘wrong load’ instead of ‘long road’, he was guilty of spoonerism

Spume (n):  spyoom
froth or foam, especially that found on waves

Stalemate (n):  steyl-meyt
Stalemate is a situation in which neither side in an argument or contest can win or in which no progress is possible = deadlock
President Bush has ended the stalemate over moves to cut the country's budget deficit

Stamina (n):   stam-uh-nuh
Stamina is the physical or mental energy needed to do a tiring activity for a long time
I doubt that she has the stamina to run the full distance of the marathon race

Statute (n):  stach-oot
A statute is a rule or law which has been made by a government or other organization and formally written down = law
The new statute covers the care for, bringing up and protection of children

Stein (n):  stahyn (1325)
A tall cup for drinking beer, often decorated and with a lid

Stickler (n):  stik-ler
A person who insists on a certain quality or type of behaviour
Lucy was a stickler for perfection and everything had to be exactly right

Stigma (n):  stig-muh
If something has a stigma attached to it, people think it is something to be ashamed of = token of disgrace
There’s still a social stigma attached to AIDS

Stint (n):  stint
A stint is a period of time which you spend doing a particular job or activity or working in a particular place
He performed his daily stint cheerfully and willingly

Stipend (n):  stahy-pend
A stipend is a sum of money that is paid regularly, especially to a magistrate or a member of the clergy, as a salary or for their living expenses
There is a nominal stipend for this position

Stoic (n):  stoh-ik (1330)
A person who can endure pain or hardship without showing his feelings or complaining
Although the contenstants were desperate to win the contest, they pretended to be stoical about the outcome

Stratagem (n):  strat-uh-juhm
A stratagem is a plan that is intended to achieve a particular effect, often by deceiving people = ploy, deceptive scheme
Trade discounts may be used as a competitive stratagem to secure customer loyalty

Stratum (n):  strey-tuhm
A stratum of society is a group of people in it who are similar in their education, income, or social status = layer of earth's surface,  layer of society
It was an enormous task that affected every stratum of society

Stricture (n):  strik-cher
You can use strictures to refer to severe criticism or disapproval of something = critical comments, severe and adverse criticism
The Government remained unmoved by the strictures on its handling of the crisis

Strut (n):  struht
Someone who struts walks in a proud way, with their head held high and their chest out, as if they are very important
The boys strutted around, trying to get the attention of the group of girls that was nearby

Stupor (n):  stoo-per (1335)
Someone who is in a stupor is almost unconscious and is unable to act or think normally, especially as a result of drink or drugs
He fell back onto the sofa in a drunken stupor

Suavity (n):  swah-vi-tee
Urbanity; polish

Subaltern (n):  suhb-awl-tern
A subaltern is any commissioned officer in the army below the rank of captain = subordinate
The captain treated his subaltern in a very good fashion

Subsidiary  (n):  suhb-sid-ee-er-ee
A subsidiary or a subsidiary company is a company which is part of a larger and more important company
Hindustan Lever limited is previously subsidiary of Unilever company

Subsidy (n):  suhb-si-dee
A subsidy is money that is paid by a government or other authority in order to help an industry or business, or to pay for a public service = direct financial aid by government, etc
The government provides hefty subsidy on LPG

Subsistence (n):  suhb-sis-tuhns (1340)
Subsistence is the condition of just having enough food or money to stay alive = livelihood
Many of the families are forced to live at the subsistence level

Subterfuge (n):  suhb-ter-fyooj
Subterfuge is a trick or a dishonest way of getting what you want = deception, artifice, ploy
Most people can see right through that type of subterfuge

Subtlety (n):  suht-l-tee
Subtleties are very small details or differences which are not obvious = nicety, cunning, guile, delicacy
The subtlety of his remarks was unnoticed by most of his audience

Succor (n):  suhk-er
Assistance and support in times of hardship and distress
The government and the locals are giving succour to the plane-crash victims

Summation (n):  suh-mey-shuhn
A summation is a summary of what someone has said or done = summary
A summation of the balance sheet reveals that the company actually made profits last year

Superfluity (n):   oo-per-floo-i-tee (1345)
If there is a superfluity of something, there is more of it than is needed = excess, overabundance
The city has a superfluity of five-star hotels

Supernumerary (n):  soo-per-noo-muh-rer-ee
A person or thing in excess of what is necessary
Even the supernumerary staff was handsomely paid by the director

Supposition (n):  suhp-uh-zish-uhn
A supposition is an idea or statement which someone believes or assumes to be true, although they may have no evidence for it
His version of events is pure supposition

Surcease (n):  sur-sees
Cessation = stopping

Surfeit (n):  sur-fit
A surfeit of something is an amount which is too large = surplus, profusion
India has surfeit of cheap labor

Surmise  (n):  ser-mahyz (1350)
If you surmise that something is true, you guess it from the available evidence, although you do not know for certain = guess
Archaeologists have surmised that the artifacts belong to prehistoric times

Nouns-26(1251-1300)

Saga  (n):  sah-guh
A saga is a long story, account, or sequence of events
This is a saga of the sea and the men who risk their lives on it

Salutatory (n):  suh-loo-tuh-tawr-ee
A salutary experience is good for you, even though it may seem difficult or unpleasant at first

Salvage  (n):  sal-vij
If something is salvaged, someone manages to save it, for example from a ship that has sunk, or from a building that has been damaged
They managed to salvage only a few of their belongings in the fire

Salver (n):  sal-ver
A salver is a flat object, usually made of silver, on which things are carried = tray
The winners received a salver and cheque for £300

Sangfroid (n):  Fr sahn-frwa (1255)
A person’s sang-froid is their ability to remain calm in a dangerous or difficult situation = composure, level-headedness
His sangfroid was admirable in the face of the great crisis

Sarcophagus (n):  sahr-kof-uh-guhs
A sarcophagus is a large decorative container in which a dead body was placed in ancient times = stone coffin

Satellite (n):  sat-l-ahyt
A satellite is an object which has been sent into space in order to collect information or to be part of a communications system Satellites move continually round the earth or around another planet
The rocket launched two communications satellites

Satiety (n):  suh-tahy-i-tee
A condition of being full; glutted state; repletion

Satire (n):  sat-ahyuhr
Satire is the use of humour or exaggeration in order to show how foolish or wicked some people's behaviour or ideas are
‘Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron’ is a satire on games played in political circles

Satrap (n):  sey-tra (1260)
a provincial governor in the ancient Persian empire
Nancy gripped the strap of her beach bag

Satyr (n):  sey-trap
In classical mythology a satyr is a creature that is half man and half goat
It involved two satyrs and a woman and was very obscene indeed

Savant (n):  sa-vahnt
A savant is a person of great learning or natural ability
The opinion of the savants on the  composition of the lunar surface is not as united as it appears

Savoir faire (n):  sav-wahr-fair
Savoir-faire is the confidence and ability to do the appropriate thing in a social situation = tact, poise
He was full of jocularity and savoir-faire

Scapegoat (n):  skeyp-goht
If you say that someone is made a scapegoat for something bad that has happened, you mean that people blame them and may punish them for it although it may not be their fault
After the Challenger disaster, NASA searched for scapegoats on whom they could cast the blame

Scavenger (n):  skav-in-jer (1265)
An  animal or other organism that feeds on dead organic  matter

Schism  (n): siz-uhm
When there is a schism, a group or organization divides into two groups as a result of differences in thinking and beliefs  = division, split
Let us not widen the schism by further bickering

Scintilla (n):  sin-til-uh]
If you say that there is not a scintilla of evidence, hope, or doubt about something, you are emphasizing that there is none at all = least bit
There’s not a scintilla of truth in whatever he has just said

Sciolism (n):  sahy-uh-liz-uhm
superficial  knowledge

Scion (n):  sahy-uhn
A scion of a rich or famous family is one of its younger or more recent members = offspring
He was the scion of a noble and highly educated family

Scourge (n):  skurj (1270)
A scourge is something that causes a lot of trouble or suffering to a group of people = misfortune
Drugs are a scourge that is devastating our society

Screed (n):  skreed
A long speech or piece of writing

Scullion (n):  skuhl-yuhn
A servant assigned the most menial kitchen tasks

Secession (n):  si-sesh-uhn
The secession of a region or group from the country or larger group to which it belongs is the action of formally becoming separate = withdrawal
In the referendum, the people voted for secession from their mother country

Sedition (n):  si-dish-uhn
Sedition is speech, writing, or behaviour intended to encourage people to fight against or oppose the government
Government officials charged him with sedition

Seine (n):  seyn (1275)
A net for catching fish

Semblance (n):  sem-bluhns
If there is a semblance of a particular condition or quality, it appears to exist, even though this may be a false impression = outward appearance, guise
After the war, life returned to a semblance of normality

Senility (n):  si-nil-i-tee
If old people become senile, they become confused, can no longer remember things, and are unable to look after themselves = dotage
The old man was forced to resign after showing unmistakable signs of senility

Sepulchre (n):  sep-uhl-ker
A sepulchre is a building or room in which a dead person is buried  = grave, tomb, crypt
The sepulchre of Emperor Akbar is at Fatehpur Sikri

Seraph (n):  ser-uhf
In the Bible, a seraph is a kind of angel

Serendipity (n):  ser-uhn-dip-i-tee (1280)
Serendipity is the luck some people have in finding or creating interesting or valuable things by chance
Many scientific discoveries are a matter of serendipity

Serenity (n):  suh-ren-i-tee
Someone or something that is serene is calm and quiet
I had a wonderful feeling of peace and serenity when I saw my child

Severance (n):  sev-er-uhns
Severance from a person or group, or the severance of a connection, involves the ending of a relationship or connection = division, partition, separation
The severance of diplomatic ties between the two countries resulted in decreased trade activity

Shambles (n):  sham-buhl
If a place, event, or situation is a shambles or is in a shambles, everything is in disorder = mess, slaughterhouse, scene of carnage
The economy is in a shambles

Shard (n):  shahrd
Shards are pieces of broken glass, pottery, or metal
fragment, generally of pottery
The archaeologist assigned several students the task of reassembling earthenware vessels from the shards he had brought back from the expedition

Sheaf (n):  sheef (1285)
A sheaf of papers is a number of them held or fastened together
He took out a sheaf of papers and leafed through them

Sherbet (n):  shur-bit
Sherbet is like ice cream but made with fruit juice, sugar, and water = flavored dessert ice
We two glasses of lemon sherbet

Shibboleth (n):  shib-uh-lith
If you describe an idea or belief as a shibboleth, you mean that it is thought important by a group of people but may be old-fashioned or wrong = watchword, slogan
It is time to go beyond the shibboleth that conventional forces cannot deter

Shoal (n):  shohl
A small hill on the bottom of the sea that can be dangerous for boats
The ship was stranded on a shoal and had to be pulled off by tugs

Silt (n):  silt
Silt is fine sand, soil, or mud which is carried along by a river
The lake was almost solid with silt and vegetation

Simile (n):  sim-uh-lee (1290)
A simile is an expression which describes a person or thing as being similar to someone or something else For example, the sentences `She runs like a deer' and `He's as white as a sheet' contain similes

Similitude (n):  si-mil-i-tood
The quality or state of being similar

Sirocco (n):  suh-rok-oh
Africa to southern Europe

Sinecure (n):  sahy-ni-kyoor, sin-i-
A sinecure is a job for which you receive payment but which does not involve much work or responsibility
Most people look for sinecure jobs

Sluggard (n):  sluhg-erd
A lazy, sluggish person

Skeptic (n):  skep-tik (1295)
A sceptic is a person who has doubts about things that other people believe = doubter
In this matter, I am a skeptic; I want proof

Skulduggery (n):  skuhl-duhg-uh-ree
Skulduggery is behaviour in which someone acts in a dishonest way in order to achieve their aim
There’s so much skullduggery in politics these days that you don’t know who to vote for

Slander (n):  slan-der
Slander is an untrue spoken statement about someone which is intended to damage their reputation Compare libel = defamation
North Korea has been a target of threats and slanders from the major western powers

Slattern (n):  slat-ern
A dirty, untidy woman

Sleight (n):  slahyt
Sleight of hand is the deceiving of someone in a skilful way = skill, dexterity
The sleight of the acrobat’s movements amazed us all

Sloth (n):  slawth (1300)
Sloth is laziness, especially with regard to work = idleness, laziness
He admitted a lack of motivation and a feeling of sloth   

Nouns-25(1201-1250)

Regimen (n):  rej-uh-muhn, -men, rezh-
A regimen is a set of rules about food and exercise that some people follow in order to stay healthy = regime
Whatever regiment has been prescribed should be rigorously followed

Regime (n):  ruh-zheem
If you refer to a government or system of running a country as a regime, you are critical of it because you think it is not democratic and uses unacceptable methods  = method or system of government
The present regime is very flexible in its attitude towards FDI

Regression (n):  ri-gresh-uhn
Biology reversion to an earlier or less advanced state or form or to a common or general type
The country’s obsession with military issues and neglect of economic development will only hasten its regression

Relic (n):  rel-ik
If you refer to something or someone as a relic of an earlier period, you mean that they belonged to that period but have survived into the present
The tower is a relic of grim days when big houses had to be fortified against invaders

Reminiscence (n):  rem-uh-nis-uhns (1205)
Someone’s reminiscences are things that they remember from the past, and which they talk or write about Reminiscence is the process of remembering these things and talking or writing about them = recollection
Her reminiscences of her experiences are so fascination that she ought to write a book

Remnant (n):  rem-nuhnt
The remnants of something are small parts of it that are left over when the main part has disappeared or been destroyed = remainder
The remnants of the party laid everywhere in the room

Renaissance (n): ren-uh-sahns
The Renaissance was the period in Europe, especially Italy, in the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries, when there was a new interest in art, literature, science, and learning
The revival of letters, and then of art, which marks the transition from medieval to modern time

Rendezvous (n):  rahn-duh-voo
A rendezvous is the place where you have arranged to meet someone, often secretly = meeting place
Their rendezvous would be the local Ice-cream parlour

Rendition (n):  ren-dish-uhn
A rendition of a play, poem, or piece of music is a performance of it = performance, translation
The audience cheered enthusiastically as she completed her rendition of the aria

Renegade (n):  ren-i-geyd (1210)
A renegade is a person who abandons the religious, political, or philosophical beliefs that he or she used to have, and accepts opposing or different beliefs = traitor, deserter
A band of renegades had captured the prince and holding him to ransom

Renunciation (n):  ri-nuhn-see-ey-shuhn
The renunciation of a claim, title, or privilege is the act of officially giving it up = giving up, renouncing
Gandhiji exemplified the virtues of renunciation, asceticism and restraint

Reparation (n):  rep-uh-rey-shuhn
Reparations are sums of money that are paid after a war by the defeated country for the damage and injuries it caused in other countries = amends,  compensation
Israel accepted billions of dollars in war reparation

Repartee (n):  rep-er-tee
Repartee is conversation that consists of quick, witty comments and replies = quick, witty reply
He is very sharp, a quick thinker and swift with repartee

Repercussion (n):  ree-per-kuhsh-uhn
If an action or event has repercussions, it causes unpleasant things to happen some time after the original action or event = consequence
It was an effort which was to have painful repercussions

Repertoire (n): rep-er-twahr (1215)
A performer’s repertoire is all the plays or pieces of music that he or she has learned and can perform
The opera company decided to include “Madame Butterfly” in its repertoire for the following season

Replica (n):  rep-li-kuh
A replica of something such as a statue, building, or weapon is an accurate copy of it = exact copy
This mock paper is the exact replica of CAT - 2001

Repository (n):  ri-poz-i-tawr-ee
A repository is a place where something is kept safely = storehouse, store
A church in Moscow became a repository for police files     

Reprieve (n):  ri-preev
A reprieve is a delay before a very unpleasant or difficult situation which may or may not take place = temporary stay
It looked as though the college would have to shut, but this week it was given a reprieve

Reprisal (n):  ri-prahy-zuhl
If you do something to a person in reprisal, you hurt or punish them because they have done something violent or unpleasant to you = retaliation
The aggrieved family didn’t go to the police for fear of reprisal of the gangster    

Reprobate (n):  rep-ruh-beyt (1220)
If you describe someone as a reprobate, you mean that they behave in a way that is not respectable or morally correct
Far from being the reprobate of popular legend, they found him punctual and hard working

Repugnance (n):  ri-puhg-nuhns
If you think that something is horrible and disgusting, you can say that it is repugnant = loathing
Even though the device was righteous, he felt a certain repugnance towards it

Requiem (n):  rek-wee-uhm
A requiem or a requiem mass is a Catholic church service in memory of someone who has recently died = mass for the dead; dirge

Requisite (n):  rek-wuh-zit
You can use requisite to indicate that something is necessary for a particular purpose = necessary  requirement
She filled in the requisite paperwork

Rescission (n):  ri-sizh-uhn
Abrogation, annulment = cancel

Residue (n):  rez-i-doo (1225)
A residue of something is a small amount that remains after most of it has gone = remainder, balance
The white residue you see on the tap is a result of deposition of minerals found in water

Resolution (n):  rez-uh-loo-shuhn
A resolution is a formal decision taken at a meeting by means of a vote
The resolution was passed by a two-thirds majority

Respite (n):  res-pit
A respite is a short period of rest from something unpleasant = gap
The pain went on without respite

Restitution (n):  res-ti-too-shuhn, -tyoo-
Restitution is the act of giving back to a person something that was lost or stolen, or of paying them money for the loss = compensation
The victims of the rail accident are demanding full restitution

Reticence (n):  ret-uh-suhnt
Someone who is reticent does not tell people about things = reserve,  uncommunicativeness
She is so reticent about her achievements

Retinue (n):  ret-n-oo, -yo (1230)
An important person’s retinue is the group of servants, friends, or assistants who go with them and look after their needs = enrourage
Mind trainers are now as much a part of the tennis stars’ retunue as the body trainers

Retort (n):  ri-tawrt
To retort means to reply angrily to someone
His sharp retort clearly made an impact

Retraction (n):  ri-trak-shuhn
withdrawal

Retribution (n):  re-truh-byoo-shuhn
Retribution is punishment for a crime, especially punishment which is carried out by someone other than the official authorities  = severe punishment
He didn’t want any further involvement for fear of retribution

Retroaction (n):  re-troh-ak-shuhn
If you retract something that you have said or written, you say that you did not mean it

Revelry (n):  rev-uhl-ree (1235)
Revelry is people enjoying themselves in a noisy way, often while they are drunk
People came from miles around to join in the revelry

Reverie  (n): rev-uh-ree
A reverie is a state of imagining or thinking about pleasant things, as if you are dreaming  = daydream
He was awakened from his reverie by the teacher’s question

Revulsion (n):  ri-vuhl-shuhn
Someone's revulsion at something is the strong feeling of disgust or disapproval they have towards it = disgust
Ravi expressed revulsion at the killings  

Rhetoric (n):  ret-er-ik
If you refer to speech or writing as rhetoric, you disapprove of it because it is intended to convince and impress people but may not be sincere or honest
What is required is immediate action, not rhetoric

Rift (n):  rift
A rift is a split that appears in something solid, especially in the ground = opening, break
The winds had torn open a rift in the clouds

Rigmarole (n):  rig-muh-rohl (1240)
You can describe a long and complicated process as a rigmarole = procedure
I had no wish to go through the whole rigmarole again and so I niped the problem in the bud

Riguor  (n):  rig-er
severity
Many students could not stand the IIM ahmedabad academic riguor

Rime (n):  rahym
white frost

Rivet (n):   riv-it
If you are riveted by something, it fascinates you and holds your interest completely

Rood (n):  rood
A decorated wooden or stone wall in a Christian church which divides the part where the    choir it from the part where other people sit = crucifix
They all squatted on the paving-stone before the rood screen

Rostrum (n):  ros-truhm (1245)
A rostrum is a raised platform on which someone stands when they are speaking to an audience, receiving a prize, or conducting an orchestra = pulpit
The speaker stood on the rostrum, and delivered an inspiring speech

Rote (n):  roht
Rote learning or learning by rote is learning things by repeating them without thinking about them or trying to understand them = repetition
He recited the passage by rote and gave no indication he understood what he was saying

Rotunda (n):  roh-tuhn-duh
A rotunda is a round building or room, especially one with a round bowl-shaped roof
At the park entrance is that familiar little rotunda

Rotundity (n): roh-tuhn-di-tee
having a fat round body - used humorously = stout
Washington Irving emphasized the rotundity of the governor by describing his height and circumference

Rubble (n):  ruhb-uhl
Rubble is used to refer to the small pieces of bricks and stones that are used as a bottom layer on which to build roads, paths, or houses = fragments
The investigators searched for clues in the rubble

Ruse (n):  rooz (1250)
A ruse is an action or plan which is intended to deceive someone = trick, artifice, stratagem
She tried to think of a ruse to get him out of the house