< V > TOEFL Vocabulary (169)

Rate-slashing (adjective) 

to reduce sharply

The Fed started its rate-slashing campaign in 2001, and by January 2002, the average

interest rate on credit cards had fallen by more than 2 percentage points. But then they

began a steady creep upward. 

Ratio (noun) 

the quantitative relation between two amounts showing the number of times one value 

contains or is contained within the other

Mercury is the only body in the solar system known to have an orbital/rotational

resonance with a ratio other than 1:1.

Raw (adjective) 

uncooked; in its natural state, not processed  

The chlorophyll captures the light energy and uses this energy to build carbohydrates 

from simple raw materials (water, carbon dioxide and minerals).  

Ravenous (adjective) 

desiring or craving food

Ladybugs, those polka-doted little beetles, have a ravenous appetite for aphids and

other insects, which is why they can be used in place of insecticides in the citrus industry

of California.

Reacquaint (verb) 

to re-familiarize oneself with someone or something; to  cause to know about or be aware  

of something or someone which was once familiar

Page through the text and/or your notebook to reacquaint yourself with the important

points.

Readily (adverb) 

without hesitation, willingly; without difficulty, easily

The developments in the music of Rhythm and Blues of the mid to late 1980's are readily

apparent, especially the pervasive influence of hip-hop.

Reality (noun) 

the state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea of them  Cervantes's work, a keen critique of the literature of his time, presented the clash between

reality and the ideals which Don Quixote sought to revive, and at the same time

originated the theme of the clairvoyance of insanity.

Realize (verb) 

become fully aware of as a fact; understand clearly

Although they loved Vinland, they realized there would always be trouble living with

the Indians.

Rear (verb) 

to take care of and educate [a child]

The life cycle of insects is so short that many generations can be reared each year.  

Recall (verb) 

remember; cause one to remember or think of; officially order to return

They cannot recall having made withdrawals from their bank account signed for in a

strange handwriting.