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rabbi < middle english rabbi < late latin rabbi < ancient greek ‘ραββί | hrabbi < hebrew rabbi (= my master) < rabh (= master) + [suffix] -i.
rabbit < middle english rabbit < walloon robète, a diminutive of flemish / middle dutch robbe (= rabbit).
raccoon < racoon < arocoun < algonquian arahkun < arahkunem (= he scratches with the hands).
race (= act of runing) < old english race < old norse ras (= running, rush) < proto-germanic *res-.
race (= people from common ancestor) < middle french race < razza (= race, lineage, family) < (?) italian razza (= race).
Rachel < late latin Rachel < ancient greek ‘Ραχήλ | hRakhēl < hebrew Rahel (= ewe).
rack < middle english rack < (?) middle dutch rec (= framework) < proto-germanic *rak-.
racket < middle french rachette / requette (= racket for hitting, palm of the hand) < (?) vulgar arabic rahet < arabic raha(t) (= palm of the hand).
radar < an acronym of radio detecting and ranging [1941].
radiation < middle english radiation < middle french radiation < latin radiatio (= a shining, radiation) < radio [inf. radiare] (= to beam, shine) < radius (= beam of light, radius of a circle, spoke of a wheel).
radio < [1907] a shortening of radiophone [1881] / radio-telegraphy [1898] / radio-receiver [1903] < latin radius (= beam of light, radius of a circle, spoke of a wheel).
radius < latin radius (= beam of light, radius of a circle, spoke of a wheel).
RAF < an acronym of Royal Air Force [1918].
raffle < middle english raffle < old french rafle (= dice game, plundering) < (?) proto-germanic *khrap- (= to pluck out, snatch off).
rag < middle english rag < (?) old norse rögg (= shaggy tuft) / old danish rag < proto-germanic *rawwa-.
rage < middle english rage < old french ra(i)ge (= spirit, passion, fury) < medieval latin rabia < latin rabies (= rage, fury, madness).
raid < middle english raid < rade (= a riding, journey) < old english rad (= a riding, expedition, journey).
rail < middle english rail < old french reille (= bolt, bar) < vulgar latin *regla < latin regula (= rule, straight piece of wood).
rain < old english regn (= rain) < proto-germanic *regna- {> old norse regn, dutch regen, german regen}.
raise < middle english raise < proto-germanic *raizjan < *ris- (= to rise).
rake < old english raca < ræce < proto-germanic *rak- (= gather).
rally < french rallier < old french ralier (= reassemble) < re- (< latin re- (= again)) + alier (= unite) (< old french alier (= combine) < aliier < latin alligo [inf. alligare] < adligo [inf. adligare] (= bind to) < ad (= to) + ligo [inf. ligare] (= to bind, tie)).
Ralph < a shortening of Radulf < old norse Raðulfr < rað (= counsel) + ulfr (= wolf).
ram < old english ramm < rom (= male sheep) < west germanic source.
RAM < [1957] an acronym of Random Access Memory.
Ramadan < arabic Ramadan (= the hot month) < ramida (= be burnt).
ramp < middle english ramp < old french ramper (= to climb, mount) < (?) frankish *rampon < proto-germanic *hrimp- (= to contract oneself).
ranch < american spanish rancho (= small farm) < spanish rancho (= mess-room) < ranchear (= to lodge) < old french ranger (= install in position) < rang / reng (= row, line) < frankish *hring < proto-germanic *hringaz (= circle, ring).
Randal < a shortening of old english Randwulf < rand (= shield) + wulf (= wolf).
Randolph < old norse Rannulfr (= shield-wolf) / frankish *Rannulf (= raven-wolf) (< wulf (= wolf)).
random < [at] random (= [at] great speed, carelessly, haphazardly) < middle english randon (= impetuosity, speed) < old french randon (= rush, force) < randir (= run fast) < frankish *rant (= a running) < proto-germanic *randa.
range < middle english rengen (= move over a large area) < old french ranger < rengier (= arrange, get into line) < rang / reng (= row, line) < frankish *hring < proto-germanic *hringaz (= circle, ring).
rank < middle english rank < old french ranc / renc (= row, line) < frankish *hring < proto-germanic *hringaz (= circle, ring).
ransom < middle english ransom < old french ranson < raenson (= ransom, redemption) < latin redemptio (= a redeeming) < redimo [inf. redimere] (= redeem, buy back) < re(d)- (= back, again) + emo [inf. emere] (= buy).
rant < dutch randten (= talk foolishly, rave).
rap (= talk informally, chat) < middle english rap (= quick blow) < (?) scandinavian source < imitative origin.
rape < middle english rape < anglo-french raper (= seize, abduct) < latin rapio [inf. rapere] (= hurry away, seize, abduct).
Raphael < late latin Raphael < ancient greek ‘Ραφαήλ | hRaphaēl < hebrew Repha’el (= God has healed) < rapha (= he healed) + El (= God).
rapid < french rapide < latin rapidus (= hasty, fierce, impetuous) < rapio [inf. rapere] (= hurry away, seize, abduct).
rapture < middle french rapture < medieval latin raptura (= seizure, rape, kidnapping) < latin raptus, past participle of rapio [inf. rapere] (= hurry away, seize, abduct).
rare (= unusual) < middle english rare < old french rere (= sparse) < latin rarus (= not thick, full of empty spaces).
rare (= undercooked) < middle english rere < old english hrere (= lightly cooked) < proto-germanic *hrorjan.
rascal < middle english rascaile (= tricky, dishonest person, of the lowest class) < old french rascaille (= rabble, mob) < (?) a diminutive of old french rascler < vulgar latin *rasico [inf. rasicare] (= to scrape).
rase < middle english rase < old french raser (= scrape, shave) < medieval latin raso [inf. rasare] (= to scrape) < latin rado [inf. radere] (= to scrape, shave).
rash (= eruption of small red spots on skin) < (?) french rache (= a sore) < vulgar latin * rasico [inf. rasicare] (= to scrape) < latin rasus, past participle of rado [inf. radere] (= to scrape, shave).
rash (= quick) < middle english rash (= quick, vigorous) < proto-germanic *raskuz.
rasp < middle english rasp (= to scrape) < middle dutch raspen < old french rasper (= to grate, rasp) < (?) west germanic source.
raster < german Raster (= screen, frame) < latin rastrum (= rake) < rasum, neuter past participle of rado [inf. radere] (= to scrape, shave).
rat < old english ræt (= rat) < (?) 1. germanic origin or 2. vulgar latin *rattus or 3. latin rodo [inf. rodere] (= eat).
rate (= estimated value) < middle english rate < old french rate (= price, value) < medieval latin rata [pars] (= fixed [part]) < latin rata (= fixed), female past participle of reor [inf. reri] (= reckon, think).
rate (= to scold) < middle english rate < (?) old french reter (= accuse) < latin reputo [inf. reputare] (= count over, blame) < re- (= again) + puto [inf. putare] (= judge, suppose).
rather < old english hraþor (= more quickly, sooner), comparative of hraþe / hræþe (= quickly, promptly, readily) < proto-germanic *khratha- < I.E. *kret- (= to shake).
ratify < middle english ratify < old french ratifier < medieval latin ratifico [inf. ratificare] (= confirm, approve) < latin ratus (= fixed), past participle of reor [inf. reri] (= reckon, think) + facio [inf. facere] (= make, do).
ratio < latin ratio (= reckoning, calculation, reason, judgment) < reor [inf. reri] (= reckon, think).
ration < french ration < latin ratio (= reckoning, calculation, reason, judgment) < rat reor [inf. reri] (= reckon, think).
raucous < latin raucus (= hoarse).
ravage < french ravager (= devastate) < old french ravage (= destruction) < ravir (= seize, take away hastily) < latin rapio [inf. rapere] (= hurry away, seize, abduct).
rave < middle english rave (= show madness) < old french raver < resver (= dream, wander, be crazy).
raven < old english hræfn / hrefn (= raven) < proto-germanic *khrabanaz.
ravish < middle english ravish < old french ravir (= seize, take away hastily) < latin rapio [inf. rapere] (= hurry away, seize, abduct).
raw < old english hreaw (= uncooked, raw) < proto-germanic *khrawaz < I.E. *kreue- (= raw flesh).
ray < middle english ray < old french rais (= ray, gush, spurt) < latin radius (= beam of light, radius of a circle, spoke of a wheel).
Raymond < old french Raimund < frankish *Raginmund < ragin (= counsel) + mund (= hand, protection) (< proto-germanic *mundo < I.E. *man-(2) (= hand)).
rayon < french rayon (= beam of light, ray) [so called for its shining texture] < old french rais (= ray, gush, spurt) < latin radius (= beam of light, radius of a circle, spoke of a wheel).
raze < racen (= pull down, knock down) < rasen (= to scratch, slash, erase) < old french raser (= to scrape, shave) < medieval latin raso [inf. rasare] (= to scrape) < latin rado [inf. radere] (= to scrape, shave).
RCA < [1922] an acronym of Radio Corporation of America.
reach < old english ræcan / reccan (= to reach out, stretch out, to extend) < proto-west germanic *raikejanan (= stretch out the hand) < proto-germanic *raikijanau.
read < old english rædan / redan (= to advise, persuade, discuss, explain, read) < proto-germanic *redan {> old norse raða, dutch raden, german raten} < I.E. *re- (= to reason, count).
ready < old english ræde / geræde (= prepared, ready) < proto-germanic *(ga)raitha- (= arranged).
real (= actual) < middle english real < old french reel (= real, actual) < late latin realis (= actual) < latin res (= property, goods, matter, thing).
real (= spanish coin) < spanish real, a silver coin < real (= regal) < latin regalis (= regal, royal) < rex [gen. regis] (= king)
realm < middle english realm < old french reaume < (?) roiaume (= kingdom) [by influence of latin regalis (= regal)] < gallo-roman *regimin < latin regimen [gen. regiminis] (= rule, government) < rego [inf. regere] (= to rule, to direct, guide).
ream < middle english reme (= make room, open up) < old english ryman (= extend, enlarge) < proto-germanic *rumijan < *rumaz (= spacious).
rear (= hindmost part) < rerewarde (= rear guard) < anglo-french rerewarde / old french rieregarde < old french riere (= behind) (< latin retro (= back, behind) + old french garde (= guardian).
rear (= raise) < old english ræran (= raise, build up, create) < proto-germanic *raizijanau (= to raise), causative of *risanan (= to rise).
reason < middle english reason < anglo-french resoun / old french raison (= course, matter, thought) < latin ratio (= understanding, motive, cause) < ratus, past participle of reor [inf. reri] (= reckon, think)
reave < old english reafian (= to rob, plunder) < proto-germanic *raubojanan < I.E. *runp- (= to break).
rebate < middle english rebate < old french rabattre (= beat down, drive back) < re- (= again) (< latin re- (= again)) + abattre (= beat down).
Rebecca < late latin Rebecca < ancient greek Ρεβέκκα | hRebhekka < hebrew Ribhqeh (= connection) < semitic r-b-q (= to tie, join).
rebel < middle english rebel < old french rebelle (= obstinate, rebellious) < latin rebellis (= insurgent, rebellious) < rebello [inf. rebellare] (= to rebel, revolt) < re- (= again, against) + bello [inf. bellare] (= wage war) (< bellum (= war)).
rebus < latin rebus (= by means of objects), ablative plural of res (= thing, object).
recede < middle english recede < middle french receder < latin recedo [inf. recedere] (= go back, fall back) < re- (= back, again) + cedo [inf. cedere] (= go).
receive < middle english receive < old french receivre (= seize, pick up, accept) < latin recipio [inf. recipere] (= regain, take back, recover) < re- (= back, again) + capio [inf. capere] (= take, hold).
recent < middle english recent < latin recens [gen. recentis] (= new, fresh, young) < re- (= again) + I.E. *ken- (= new, fresh, young).
recess < latin recessus (= a going back, retreat) < recessus, past participle of recedo [inf. recedere] (= go back, fall back) < re- (= back, again) + cedo [inf. cedere] (= go).
recipe < middle french récipé < latin recipe (= take!), imperative of recipio [inf. recipere] (= regain, take back, recover) [usual word of physicians at the start of prescriptions] < re- (= back, again) + capio [inf. capere] (= take, hold).
recital < recite (q.v.) + [suffix] -al.
recite < middle english recite < old french reciter < latin recito [inf. recitare] (= read aloud, repeat from memory) < re- (= back, again) + cito [inf. citare] (= to summon).
reck < old english reccan (= take care of, be interested in) < west germanic *rokjan < proto-germanic *rokja-.
reckon < middle english recenen < old english gerecenian (= explain, recount) < proto-germanic *(ga)rakinaz (= ready).
reclaim < middle english reclaim < old french reclamer (= call upon, invoke, seduce) < latin reclamo [inf. reclamare] (= cry out against, protest) < re- (=back, against) + clamo [inf. clamare] (= cry out).
recline < middle english recliner < old french recliner (= rest, bend, lean over) < latin reclino [inf. reclinare] (= bend back, lean back) < re- (= back, against) + clino [inf. clinare] (= to bend).
recognize < middle english recognize < old french reconoistre (= know again, recognize) < latin recognosco [inf. recognoscere] (= recall to mind) < re- (= back, again) + cognosco [inf. cognoscere] (=get to know).
recoil < middle english recoil < old french reculer (= go back, give way, retreat) < vulgar latin *reculo [inf. reculare] < latin re- (= back, again) + culus (= backside, bottom).
recommend < middle english recommend < medieval latin recommendo [inf. recommendare] (= recommend) < latin re- (= back, again) + commendo [inf. commendare] (= commend).
recompense < middle english recompense (= to redress) < middle french recompenser < medieval latin recompenso [inf. recompensare] (= to reward) < latin re- (= again) + compenso [inf. compensare] (= balance out) (< com (= together) + penso [inf. pensare] (= to balance, weigh) < pendo [inf. pendere] (= to hang, weigh, pay)).
reconcile < middle english reconcilen (= to restore) < old french reconcilier < latin reconsilio [inf. reconcilare] (= to regain, conciliate) < re- (= again) + concilio [inf. conciliare] (= make friendly) (< consilium (= a meeting)).
recondite < old french recondit < latin reconditus, past participle of recondo [inf. recondere] (= store away, hide, put back again) < re- (= again) + condo [inf. condere] (= set up, build) (< com (= together) + do [inf. dare] (= give)).
record < middle english record < old french recorder (= tell, repeat, report) < latin recordor [inf. recordari] (= remember, call to mind) < re- (= again, restore) + cor [gen. cordis] (= heart, mind).
recoup < french recouper (= cut back) < old french re- (< latin re- (= back, again)) + couper (= to cut) (< coup, colp (= a blow, strike) < medieval latin colpus < vulgar latin *colapus < latin colaphus (= a cuff on the head) < ancient greek κόλαφος | kolaphos (= a blow, punch, slap)).
recourse < middle english recourse < old french recours < latin recursus (= a return) < recurro [inf. recurrere] (= run back, return) < re- (= back, again) + curro [inf. currere] (= to run).
recover < middle english recover < anglo-french rekeverer / old french recovrer (= come back, return) < medieval latin recupero [inf. recuperare] (= get back, regain) < re- (= back, again) + cupero [inf. cuperare] (= to run).
recreant < middle english recreant < old french recreant (= defeated, vanquished) < recroire (= to yield, surrender, believe again) < re- (< latin re- (= back, again)) + croire (= believe) (< latin credo [inf. credere] (= believe)).
recreation < middle english recreation < old french recreacion < latin recreatio (= recovery from illness) < recreo [inf. recreare] (= refresh, revive) < re- (= back, again) + creo [inf. creare] (= create).
recrement < french récrément < latin recrementum < re- (= back, again) + cerno [inf. cernere] (= to sift, separate).
recruit < recrew / recrue < french recrute < recreue (= a supply, a levy of troops) < recrue (= a levy, a recruit) < old french recreu, past participle of recreistre (= grow again) < re- (< latin re- (= back, again)) + creistre (= to grow) (< latin cresco [inf. crescere] (= to grow)).
rectangle < middle french rectangle < late latin rectangulum < latin rectus (= right, straight) + angulus (= angle).
rectify < middle english rectify < old french rectifier (= make straight) < late latin rectifico [inf. rectificare] (= make right) < latin rectus (= right, straight) + facio [inf. facere] (= make, do).
rector < middle english rector < latin rector (= ruler, governor, guide) < rego [inf. regere] (= to rule, guide).
rectum < middle english rectum < latin [intestinum] rectum (= straight [intestine]) < rectum, neuter past participle of rego [inf. regere] (= to rule, guide, keep straight).
recumbent < latin recumbens [gen. recumbentis], present participle of recumbo [inf. recumbere] (= recline, lie down, fall) < re- (= back, again) + -cumbo [inf. -cumbere] (= to lie down).
recur < middle english recur < latin recurro [inf. recurrere] (= run back, return) < re- (= back, again) + curro [inf. currere] (= to run).
recuse < middle english recuse < old french recuser < latin recuso [inf. recusare] (= decline, refuse, reject) < re- (= back, again) + causa (= cause, reason, lawsuit).
red < old english read (= red) < proto-germanic *rauthan {> old norse rauðr, danish rød, dutch rood, german rot} < I.E. *reudh- (= red, ruddy).
redact < middle english redact < latin redactus, past participle of redigo [inf. redigere] (= drive back, force back) < re(d)- (= back, again) + ago [inf. agere] (= drive, lead, act).
redd < middle english redd < old english hreddan (= to save, free, recover) < proto-germanic *hradjan.
redeem < middle english redeem < old french redimer (= buy back) < latin redimo [inf. redimere] (= redeem, buy back) < re(d)- (= back, again) + emo [inf. emere] (= take, buy).
redo < re- (< latin re- (= back, again)) + do (< middle english do < old english don (= make, perform) < west germanic *doanan).
redolent < middle english redolent < old french redolent (= emitting a scent) < latin redolens [gen. redolentis], present participle of redoleo [inf. redolere] (= diffuse odor) < re(d)- (= back, again) + oleo [inf. olere] (= give off a smell).
reduce < middle english reduce < old french reducer < latin reduco [inf. reducere] (= bring back, restore) <re- (= back, again) + duco [inf. ducere] (= lead, bring).
reebok < dutch roebuck (= south african antelope) < roe (= small deer) (< proto-germanic *raikhaz) + buck (= male deer) (< proto-germanic *buccon).
reed < old english hreod (= reed, rush) < proto-germanic *kreut- (= reed).
reef (= rock ridge underwater) < riffe < (?) dutch riffe < scandinavian source.
reef (= horizontal section of sail) < middle english reef < scandinavian source.
reek < old english re(o)can (= emit smoke) < proto-germanic *reukan.
reel < old english hreol (= reel for winding thread) < proto-germanic *hrehulaz.
refer < middle english refer < old french referer < latin refero [inf. referre] (= relate, refer) < re- (= back, again) + fero [inf. ferre] (= carry, bear).
reflection < middle english reflexion < late latin reflexio (= reflection) < latin reflecto [inf. reflectere] (= bend back) <re- (= back, again) + flecto [inf. flectere] (= to bend).
refract < latin refractus, past participle of refringo [inf. refringere] (= break up) < re- (= back, again) + frango [inf. frangere] (= to break).
refrain < middle english refrain < old french refraigner (= restrain, repress) < latin refreno [inf. refrenare] (= to bridle, control) < re- (= back, again) + freno [inf. frenare] (= restrain, bridle) (< frenum (= bridle)).
refrigeration < middle english refrigeration < latin refrigeratio (= a cooling) < refrigero [inf. refrigerare] (= to cool down) < re- (= back, again) + frigero [inf. frigerare] (= make cool) (<frigus [gen. frigoris] (= cold)).
refuge < middle english refuge < old french refuge (= hiding place) < latin refugium (= a taking refuge) < re- (= back, again) + fugo [inf. fugere] (= to flee).
refund < middle english refund < old french refunder (= restore) < latin refundo [inf. refundere] (= give back, restore) < re- (= back, again) + fundo [inf. fundere] (= to pour).
refuse < middle english refuse < old french refus (= rubbish, refusal, rejection) < refuser (= reject, avoid) < vulgar latin *refuso [inf. refusare] < latin refundo [inf. refundere] (= give back, restore) < re- (= back, again) + fundo [inf. fundere] (= to pour).
refute < middle french réfuter < latin refuto [inf. refutare] (= drive back, rebut, disprove) < re- (= back, again) + *futo [inf. futare] (= to beat).
regain < middle french regaigner < re- (< latin re- (= back, again)) + gaginer (< old french gaaignier (= to earn, capture, win) < frankish *waidanjan (= hunt) < proto-germanic *waithanjan (= hunt) < *waithjo- (= hunting)).
regal < middle english regal < old french regal (= royal) / latin regalis (= royal, kingly) < rex [gen. regis] (= king).
regale < french régaler (= to entertain) < old french regale / rigale < gale (= merriment) < galer (= make merry, rejoice) < (?) frankish *wala- (= good, well) < proto-germanic *wal-.
regard < middle english regard (= judgment) < old french regard < regarder (= take notice of, heed) < [prefix] re- (< latin re- (= back, again)) + garder (= heed, protect, preserve) (< frankish *wardon < proto-germanic *wardon (= to guard)).
regatta < italian [venetian] regatta (= contention for mastery) < rigattare (= compete, haggle, sell at retail) < (?) riga (= row, rank) < germanic source.
regent < middle english regent (= a ruler) < regent (= governing) < medieval latin regens [gen. regentis] (= ruler) < latin regens, present participle of rego [inf. regere] (= to rule, direct).
reggae < jamaican english reggae [1968] < (?) related to rege-rege (= ragged clothes, quarrel, protest) < raga-raga < middle english rag < (?) old norse rögg (= shaggy tuft) / old danish rag < proto-germanic *rawwa-.
regiment < middle english regiment < old french regiment (= government) < late latin regimentum (= rule, direction) < latin rego [inf. regere] (= to rule, direct).
Reginald < old high german Reginald (= ruling with power).
region < middle english region (= tract of land of a considerable but indefinite extent) < anglo-french regioun / old french region (= land, region, province) < latin regio (= district, territory, direction) < rego [inf. regere] (= to rule, direct).
register < middle english register < old french registre < medieval latin registrum < late latin regesta (= list) < latin regesta, neuter plural past participle of regero [inf. regerere] (= bring back, record) < re- (= back, again) + gero [inf. gerere] (= carry, bear).
regress < middle english regress < latin regressus (= a return, retreat) < regredior [inf. regredi] (= go back) < re- (= back, again) + gradior [inf. gradi] (= to step, walk).
regret < middle english regret < old french regreter (= long after, bewail) < [prefix] re- (< latin re- (= back, again)) + -greter (< (?) proto-germanic *gretan (= weep)).
regular < middle english regular < old french reguler < late latin regularis (= containing rules) < latin regula (= rule, straight piece of wood).
Reich < german Reich (= kingdom, state) < old high german rihhi (= realm) < proto-germanic *rikja (= rule) < I.E. *reg- (= move in a straight line).
reign < middle english reign < old french regner (= rule, reign) < latin regno [inf. regnare] (= reign, be king) < regnum (= kingship, dominion).
reject < middle english reject < old french rejecter < latin rejectus, past participle of rejecto [inf. rejectare] (= throw away, cast away) < rejicio [inf. rejicere] (= throw back) < re- (= back, again) + jaceo [inf. jacere] (= to throw).
relate < middle french relater (= refer, report) < latin relatus, past participle of refero [inf. referre] (= bring back) < re- (= back, again) + latus, past participle of fero [inf. ferre] (= bring, carry).
relax < middle english relax < old french relaschier (= set free, soften) < latin relaxo [inf. relaxare] (= relax, loosen) < re- (= back, again) + laxo [inf. laxare] (= loosen) (< laxus (= loose)).
relay < middle english relay < middle french relai < old french relaier (= leave behind) < re- (< latin re- (= back, again)) + laier (= leave, let) (< (?) old french laissier (= leave) < latin laxo [inf. laxare] (= loosen) (< laxus (= loose)).
release < middle english release < old french relaissier / relesser (= to quit, abandon) < relacher (= release, relax) < latin relaxo [inf. relaxare] (= relax, loosen) < re- (= back, again) + laxo [inf. laxare] (= loosen) (< laxus (= loose)).
relic < middle english relic < old french relique < late latin reliquiæ [plural] (= remains of a martyr) < latin reliquiæ, female plural of reliquus (= remaining), related to relinquo [inf. relinquere] (= leave behind) < re- (= back, again) + linquo [inf. linquere] (= to leave).
relict < middle english relict (= a widow) < old french relicte, female of relict (= left behind) < medieval latin relicta (= a widow) < relicta, female of relictus (= abandoned) < latin relinquo [inf. relinquere] (= leave behind) < re- (= back, again) + linquo [inf. linquere] (= to leave).
relieve < middle english relieve < old french relever (= to raise) < latin relevo [inf. relevare] (= to raise, lift up) < [prefix] re- (= back, again) + levo [inf. levare] (= lift up, lighten) (< levis (= light, not heavy)).
religion < middle english religion < anglo-french religiun / old french religion (= piety, religious community) < late latin religio (= monastic life) < latin religio (= respect for the gods, divine service, religion) < 1. relego [inf. relegere] (= go through again) < re- (= back, again) + lego [inf. legere] (= read) or 2. religo [inf. religare] (= to bind up) < [prefix] re- (= back, again) + ligo [inf. ligare] (= to bind) or 3. religiens (= careful) [as opposite of negligens].
relish < middle english reles (= scent, taste) < old french relais / reles (= left behind) < relaisser (= to leave behind) < latin relaxo [inf. relaxare] (= relax, loosen) < re- (= back, again) + laxo [inf. laxare] (= loosen) (< laxus (= loose)).
reluctance < reluct (= to struggle against) < latin reluctor [inf. reluctari] (= to struggle against) < re- (= back, against) + luctor [inf. luctari] (= to struggle, wrestle).
rely < middle english rely < old french relier (= assemble, fasten. put together) < latin religo [inf. religare] (= to bind up) < [prefix] re- (= back, again) + ligo [inf. ligare] (= to bind).
remain < middle english remain < old french remanoir (= stay, remain) < latin remaneo [inf. remanere] (= to remain, to stay behind) < re- (= back, again) + maneo [inf. manere] (= to stay, remain).
remand < middle english remand < middle french remander (= send for again) / late latin remando [inf. remandare] (= repeat a command) < latin re- (= back, again) + mando [inf. mandare] (= to order).
remedy < middle english remedy < anglo-french remedie / old french remede (= cure, remedy) < latin remedium (= cure, remedy, medicine) < re- (= back, again) + medeor [inf. mederi] (= to heal).
remember < middle english remembren < old french remembrer (= bring to mind) < latin rememoror [inf. rememorari] (= recall to mind) < re- (= back, again) + memoror [inf. memorari] (= be mindful of) (< memor (= mindful)).
reminiscence < middle french reminiscence < late latin reminiscentia (= remembrance) < latin reminiscens [gen. reminiscentis], present participle of reminiscor [inf. reminisci] (= remember) < re- (= back, again) + miniscor [inf. minisci] (= to remember) (< mens (= mind)).
remise < middle english remise < old french remise, past participle of remettre (= send back) < latin remitto [inf. remittere] (= send back) < re- (= back, again) + mitto [inf. mittere] (= to send).
remit < middle english remit < latin remitto [inf. remittere] (= send back) < re- (= back, again) + mitto [inf. mittere] (= to send).
remorse < middle english remorse < old french remors < medieval latin remorsum (= a biting back) < remorsum, neuter past participle of latin remordeo [inf. remordere] (= to vex, torment disturb) < re- (= back, again) + mordeo [inf. mordere] (= to bite).
remote < middle english remote < middle french remot < latin remotus (= remote, distant in place) < remotus, past participle of removeo [inf. removere] (= move back, take away) < re- (= back, again) + moveo [inf. movere] (= to move).
remunerate < latin remuneratus, past participle of remuneror [inf. remunerari] (= repay, reward) < re- (= back, again) + muneror [inf. munerari] (= give) (< munus [gen. muneris] (= gift, duty)).
Renaissance < french renaissance [des letters] (= rebirth [of letters]) < old french renaissance (= rebirth) < renastre (= be reborn) < vulgar latin *renasco [inf. renascere] < latin renascor [inf. renasci] (= be born again) < re- (= back, again) + nascor [inf. nasci] (= be born).
renal < french rénal < late latin renalis (= of kidneys) < latin ren [gen. renis, plural renes] (= kidney).
rend < old english (h)rendan (= to tear, cut down) < proto-west germanic *rendan.
render < middle english render < old french rendre (= give back, present) < vulgar latin *rendo [inf. rendere] < latin reddo [inf. reddere] (= give back, restore) < re(d)- (= back, again) + do [inf. dare] (= give).
rendezvous < middle french rendez-vous (= present yourselves) < rendez, plural imperative of rendre (= give back, present) (< vulgar latin *rendo [inf. rendere] < latin reddo [inf. reddere] (= give back, restore) < re(d)- (= back, again) + do [inf. dare] (= give)) + vous (= you) [plural] (< latin vos (= you) [plural]).
renegade < (?) spanish renegado (= apostate, Christian turned Muslim) < medieval latin renegatus < renegatus, past participle of renego [inf. renegare] (= deny) < latin [prefix] re- (= back, again) + nego [inf. negare] (= refuse).
renege < medieval latin renego [inf. renegare] (= deny) < latin [prefix] re- (= back, again) + nego [inf. negare] (= refuse).
rent < middle english rent < old french rente (= profit, income) < vulgar latin *rendita, female past participle of * rendo [inf. rendere] < latin reddo [inf. reddere] (= give back, restore) < re(d)- (= back, again) + do [inf. dare] (= give).
repair < middle english repair < old french reparer (= repair, mend) < latin reparo [inf. reparare] (= restore) < re- (= back, again) + paro [inf. parare] (= prepare).
repast < middle english repast < old french repast (= meal, food) < late latin repastus (= meal) < latin re- (= nack, again) + pasco [inf. pascere] (= to graze).
repeat < middle english repeat < old french repeter (= do again, get back) < latin repeto [inf. repetere] (= do again, attack again) < re- (= back, again) + peto [inf. petere] (= go to, attack).
repel < middle english repel < old french repeller < latin repello [inf. repellere] (= drive back) < re- (= back, again) + pello [inf. pellere] (= to drive, strike).
repent < middle english repent < old french repentir < [prefix] re- (< latin re- (= back, again)) + vulgar latin *penitio [inf. penitire] (= to regret) (< latin poenitio [inf. poenitire] (= make sorry) < poena (= punishment) < ancient greek ποινή | poenē (= penalty)).
repertory < late latin repertorium (= inventory, list) < latin repertus, past participle of reperio [inf. reperire] (= find, invent) < [prefix] re- (= back, again) + old latin pario [inf. parire] (= produce, bring forth).
replica < italian replica (= copy, repetition) < replicare (= duplicate) < latin replico [inf. replicare] (= fold back, repeat) < re- (= back, again) + plico [inf. plicare] (= to fold).
replication < middle english replication < anglo-french replicacioun / old french replicacion (= reply) < latin replicatio (= a reply, repetition) < replico [inf. replicare] (= fold back, repeat) < re- (= back, again) + plico [inf. plicare] (= to fold).
reply < middle english reply < old french replier (= to reply) < latin replico [inf. replicare] (= fold back, repeat) < re- (= back, again) + plico [inf. plicare] (= to fold).
repo < american english repo, a shortening of 1. middle english repossess (= reoccupy) < re- (< latin re- (= back, again)) + possess (= occupy) or 2. repossession < re- (< latin re- (= back, again)) + middle english possession (= occupation) (< old french possession < latin possessio < possideo [inf. possidere] (= have and hold) < (?) potis (= powerful) + sedeo [inf. sedere] (= to sit)).
report < middle english report < old french reporter (= tell, relate) < latin reporto [inf. reportare] (= bring back, report) < re- (= back, again) + porto [inf. portare] (= to carry).
repose < middle english repose < middle french reposer < old french repauser < late latin repauso [inf. repausare] (= cause to rest) < latin [prefix] re- (= back, again) + late latin pauso [inf. pausare] (= to pause) (< pausa (= a stop) < ancient greek παύσις | pafsis (= a stopping) < παύω | pavō (= to stop)).
reprehend < middle english reprehend < latin reprehendo [inf. reprehendere] (= hold back, restrain) < re- (= back, again) + prehendo [inf. prehendere] (= seize) (< prae- (= before) + -hendo [inf. -hendere] (= take)).
reptile < middle english reptile < old french reptile < late latin reptile, neuter of reptilis (= creping, crawling) < reptus, past participle of repo [inf. repere] (= to crawl, creep).
republic < middle french république < latin respublica (= commonwealth, state, republic) < res publica (= public interest) < res (= affair, matter, thing) + publica, female of publicus (= public) (< old latin poplicus (= of the people) < populus (= people)).
repute < middle english repute < middle french reputer < latin reputo [inf. reputare] (= count over, think over) < re- (= bsck, again) + puto [inf. putare] (= to judge, suppose, believe).
request < middle english request < old french requeste < vulgar latin *requaesita < latin requisita, female of requisitus (= requested) < requiro [inf. requirere] (= seek to know, ask) < re- (= back, again) + quaero [inf. quaerere] (= ask, seek).
requiem < middle english requiem < latin requiem, accusative of requies (= rest, repose) [the first word of the Mass for the Dead in the latin liturgy: Requiem æternam... (= Rest eternal...)] < [prefix] re- (= back, again) + quies (= quiet).
require < middle english require < old french requerre (= seek, ask, demand) < vulgar latin *requaro [inf. requaerere] < latin requiro [inf. requirere] (= seek to know, ask) < re- (= back, again) + quaero [inf. quaerere] (= ask, seek).
rescue < middle english rescue < old french rescorre (= protect, free) < [prefix] re- (< latin re- (= back, again)) + escourre (= discharge) < latin excuto [inf. excutere] (= shake off, drive away) < ex (= out) + quato [inf. quatere] (= to shake).
resemble < middle english resemble < old french resembler (= be like) < [prefix] re- (< latin re- (= back, again)) + sembler (= to seem, be like) (< latin simulo [inf. simulare] (= make like, imitate) < similis (= similar)).
resent < french ressentir (= feel pain) < old french resentir (= feel again) < re- (< latin re- (= back, again)) + sentir (= feel) (< latin sentio [inf. sentire] (= feel)).
reserve < middle english reserve < old french reserver (= set aside) < latin reservo [inf. reservare] (= keep back, save up) < re- (= back, again) + servo [inf. servare] (= keep, save, protect).
reservoir < french réservoir (= storehouse) < old french reserver (= set aside) < latin reservo [inf. reservare] (= keep back, save up) < re- (= back, again) + servo [inf. servare] (= keep, save, protect).
reside < middle english reside < middle french resider < latin resideo [inf. residere] (= sit down, settle) < re- (= back, again) + sedeo [inf. sedere] (= to sit).
resign < middle english resign < old french resigner (= renounce) < latin resigno [inf. resignare] (= check off, cancel) < re- (= back, against) + signo [inf. signare] (= to mark) (< latin signum (= sign)).
resin < middle english resin < old french resine (= gum, resin) < latin resina (= resin) < ancient greek ρητίνη | rhētinē (= resin of pine).
resist < middle english resist < old french resister (= hold out against) < latin resisto [inf. resistere] (= stand back, oppose) < re- (= back, against) + sisto [inf. sistere] (= take a stand).
resolve < middle english resolve < old french resolver < latin resolvo [inf. resolvere] (= loosen, undo, explain) < re- (= back, again) + solvo [inf. solvere] (= loosen, untie).
resonance < middle english resonance < middle french resonance < latin resonantia (= echo) < resono [inf. resonare] (= to sound again) < re- (= back, again) + sono [inf. sonare] (= to sound).
resort < middle english resort < old french resort (= resource, aid, remedy) < resortir (= to resort) < re- (< latin re- (= back, again)) + sortir (= go out) (< vulgar latin *surctio [inf. surctire] < latin surrectus, past participle of surgo [inf. surgere] (= rise up)).
resource < french resourse (= source, spring) < resourse, female past participle of old french resourdre (= raise again) < latin resurgo [inf. resurgere] (= rise again) < re- (= back, again) + surgo [inf. surgere] (= rise up)).
respect < middle french respecter (= look back, respect) < latin respecto [inf. respectere] (= regard) < respicio [inf. respicere] (= look back, regard) < re- (= back, again) + specio [inf. specere] (= look at).
respond < middle english respounden < old french respondere (= respond, correspond) < latin respondeo [inf. respondere] (= respond, answer) < re- (= back, again) + spondeo [inf. spondere] (= to pledge).
rest < middle english rest < old french rester (= to remain) < latin resto [inf. restare] (= stand back) < re- (= back, again) + sto [inf. stare] (= to stand).
restaurant < french restaurant < restaurant, present participle of restaurer (= to restore, refresh) < old french restorer < latin restauro [inf. restaurare] (= repair, renew) < re- (= back, again) + -stauro [inf. -staurare] (= set up, restore).
restitution < middle english restitution < old french restitucion / latin restitutio (= a restoring) < restituo [inf. restituere] (= set up again, restore, rebuild) < re- (= back, again) + statuo [inf. statuere] (= set up).
restore < middle english restore < old french restorer < latin restauro [inf. restaurare] (= repair, renew) < re- (= back, again) + -stauro [inf. -staurare] (= set up).
restriction < middle english restriction < middle french restriction < late latin restrictio (= limitation) < latin restringo [inf. restringere] (= restrict, restrain) < re- (= back, again) + stringo [inf. stringere] (= draw tight).
result < middle english result < medieval latin resulto [inf. resultare] (= to result) < latin resulto [inf. resultare] (= to rebound) < resilio [inf. resilire] (= to rebound) < re- (= back, again) + salio [inf. salere] (= to bound, jump).
resume < middle english resume < middle french resumer < latin resumo [inf. resumere] (= take again, assume again) < re- (= back, again) + sumo [inf. sumere] (= take, obtain, buy) (< sub (= under) + emo [inf. emere] (= take, buy)).
resurrection < middle english resurrection < anglo-french resurrectiun / old french resurrection < latin resurrectio (= a rising again from the dead) < resurgo [inf. resurgere] (= rise again) < re- (= back, again) + surgo [inf. surgere] (= rise up)).
retail < middle english retail < old french retaillier (= cut back, cut off, clip) < re- (< latin re- (= back, again)) + taillier (= to cut, trim) (< late latin talio [inf. taliare] (= to split) < latin talea (= rod, staff)).
retain < middle english retain < old french retenir (= hold back, keep, retain) < latin retineo [inf. retinere] (= hold back, restrain) < re- (= back, again) + teneo [inf. tenere] (= hold).
retardation < middle english retardation < latin retardatio (= a delaying) < retardo [inf. retardare] (= make slow, delay) < re- (= back, again) + tardo [inf. tardare] (= to slow).
reticulate < latin reticulatus (= having a net-like pattern) < reticulum (= little net), a diminutive of rete (= net).
retina < middle english retina < medieval latin retina < (?) vulgar latin [tunica] *retina (= net-like [tunic]), [because retina of the eye looks like a network of blood vessels] < latin rete (= net).
retire < middle french retirer (= to withdraw) < re- (< latin re- (= back, again)) + old french tirer (= draw out, endure).
retort < old french retort < latin retortus, past participle of retorquo [inf. retorquere] (= turn back, twist back) < re- (= back, again) + torquo [inf. torquere] (= to twist).
retraction < middle english retraction < latin retractio (= a drawing back, refusal) < retracto [inf. retractare] (= revoke, cancel) < re- (= back, again) + tracto [inf. tractere] (= draw violently) (< traho [inf. trahere] (= to draw)).
retreat < middle english retreat < old french retret < retrere (= draw back) < latin retraho [inf. retrahere] (= draw back, withdraw) < re- (= back, again) + traho [inf. trahere] (= to draw).
retrieve < middle english retreve < middle french retreuver (= find again, recover) < re- (< latin re- (= back, again)) + trouver (= to find) (< (?) vulgar latin *tropo [inf. tropare] (= to compose) < ancient greek τρόπος | tropos (= a turn, way, manner) < τρέπω | trepō (= to turn)).
retro < french rétro [1973] a shortening of retrograde (q.v.).
retrograde < middle english retrograde < latin retrogradus (= going back) < retrogradior [inf. retrogradi] (= move backward) < retro- (= backward) + gradior [inf. gradi] (= go, step) (< gradus (= a step)).
return < middle english return < old french retorner (= turn back, return) < re- (< latin re- (= back, again)) + torner (= to turn) (< latin torno [inf. tornare] (= round off, turn on a lathe) < tornus (= lathe) < ancient greek τόρνος | tornos (= lathe)).
Reuters < german [Paul Julius von] Reuter [founder of a telegraph office and pigeon post bureau in Aachen (1849)].
revanchist < french revanchiste < revanche (= revenge, requital) < middle french revenche < revenchier (= take revenge) < re- (< latin re- (= back, again)) + vengier (= take revenge) (< latin vindico [inf. vindicare] (= avenge, punish)).
reveal < middle english reveal < old french reveler (= reveal) < latin revelo [inf. revelare] (= reveal) < re- (= back, against) + velo [inf. velare] (= to cover) (< velum (= a veil)).
reveille < french réveillez-[vous] (= awaken [you]!), imperative plural of réveiller (= awaken, wake up) < middle french re- (< latin re- (= back, again)) + eveiller (= wake up) (< vulgar latin *exviligo [inf. exvigilare] (= be awake) < latin ex- (= out) + vigilo [inf. vigilare] (= be awake, keep watch) < vigil (= sleepless)).
revel < middle english revel < old french reveler / rebeller (= make merry, rebel) < latin rebello [inf. rebellare] (= to rebel, revolt) < re- (= back, against) + bello [inf. bellare] (= wage war) (< bellum (= war)).
revenge < middle english revenge < old french revengier < revenchier (= take revenge) < [prefix] re- (< latin re- (= back, again)) + vengier (= take revenge) (< latin vindico [inf. vindicare] (= avenge, punish)).
revenue < middle english revenue < middle french revenue < revenir (= come back) < latin revenio [inf. revenire] (= come back, return) < re- (= back, again) + venio [inf. venire] (= come).
reverb < a shortening of middle english reverberation < old french reverberacion (= great flash of light) < medieval latin reverberatio < reverbero [inf. reverberare] (= beat back, cause to rebound) < re- (= back, again) + verbero [inf. verberare] (= to strike, to beat) (< verber (= whip, lash)).
revere < french révérer < latin revereor [inf. revereri] (= revere, fear) < [prefix] re- (= back, again) + vereor [inf. vereri] (= fear, respect).
reverend < middle english reverend < middle french reverend < latin reverendus (= that to be respected), gerundive of revereor [inf. revereri] (= revere, fear) < [prefix] re- (= back, again) + vereor [inf. vereri] (= fear, respect).
reverse < middle english reverse < old french reverser (= turn around, reverse) < late latin reverso [inf. reversare] (= turn back) < latin reverto [inf. revertere] (= turn back, return) < re- (= back, again) + verto [inf. vertere] (= to turn).
revert < middle english revert < old french revertir (= change back, return) < vulgar latin *revertio [inf. revertire] (= revert) < latin reverto [inf. revertere] (= turn back, return) < re- (= back, again) + verto [inf. vertere] (= to turn).
revise < middle french reviser < latin reviso [inf. revisere] (= look at again) < revideo [inf. revidere] (= look at) < re- (= back, again) + video [inf. videre] (= see).
revive < middle english revive < middle french revivre < latin revivo [inf. revivere] (= live again) < re- (= back, again) + vivo [inf. vivere] (= to live).
revoke < middle english revoke < old french revoquer < latin revoco [inf. revocare] (= call back) < re- (= back, again) + voco [inf. vocare] (= to call).
revolt < middle french revolter < italian rivoltare (= overturn) < vulgar latin *revolvito [inf. revolvitare] (= overthrow) < latin revolvo [inf. revolvere] (= roll back, return, repeat) < re- (= back, again) + volvo [inf. volvere] (= to roll).
revolution < middle english revolution < old french revolucion / late latin revolutio (= a revolving) < latin revolvo [inf. revolvere] (= roll back, return, repeat) < re- (= back, again) + volvo [inf. volvere] (= to roll).
revolve < middle english revolve (= to change direction, bend around, turn (the eyes) back) < old french revolver < latin revolvo [inf. revolvere] (= roll back, return, repeat) < re- (= back, again) + volvo [inf. volvere] (= to roll).
revue < french revue < middle french revue (= survey) < revoir (= see again) < latin revideo [inf. revidere] (= look again) < re- (= back, again) + video [inf. videre] (= see).
revulsion < middle french revulsion / latin revulsio (= a tearing off) < revello [inf. revellere] (= pull away) < re- (= back, against) + vello [inf. vellere] (= to tear, pull).
reward < middle english reward < old french rewarder (= to regard, reward) < [prefix] re- (< latin re- (= back, again)) + warder (= look, watch) ( < proto-germanic *wardon (= to guard)).
Reykjavik < old norse Reykjavik (= bay of smoke) [so called from the many hot springs being there] < reykja (= to smoke) + vik (= bay).
Reynard < middle english Reynald < old french Renart / Reynard [name of a fox] < old high german Reginhart (= counsel-brave).
Reynold < old french Reinald < old high german Reginald (= counsel-strong).
rhapsody < middle french rhapsodie < latin rhapsodia < ancient greek ‘ραψωδία | hrapsōdhia (= recitation of epic poetry) < ‘ραψωδός | hrapsōdhos (= reciter of epic poems) < ‘ράπτω | hraptō (= to sew, weave) + ωιδή | ōidhē (= song, ode).
rhesus < modern latin rhesus < latin Rhesus < ancient greek ‘Ρήσος | hRēsos, a king of Thrace.
rhetoric < middle english rhetoric < old french rethorique < latin rhetorice < ancient greek ‘ρητορική [τέχνη] | hrētorikē [tekhnē] (= rhetoric [art]) < ‘ρητορική, female of ‘ρητορικός (= rhetoric) < ‘ρήτωρ | hrētōr (= orator).
rheumatic < middle english rheumatic < old french reumatique < latin rheumaticus < ancient greek ‘ρευματικός | hrevmatikos (= of a current) < ‘ρεύμα | hrevma (= a current, discharge from the body) < ρέω | hreō (= to flow).
Rhine < german Rhein < middle high german Rin < gaulish Renos (= that which flows) < I.E. *rei- (= to run, flow).
rhinoceros < middle english rhinoceros < latin rhinoceros < ancient greek ‘ρινόκερως | hrinokerōs < ‘ρις | hris [gen. ‘ρινός | hrinos] (= nose) + κέρας | keras (= horn).
Rhodes < ancient greek ‘Ρόδος | hRodhos < (?) 'ρόδον | hrodhon (= rose).
rhomb(us) < late latin rhombus < ancient greek ‘ρόμβος | hrombhos (= rhomb, lozenge) < I.E. *werbh- (= to turn, twist).
rhonchus < ancient greek ‘ρέγχος | hreghkhos (= a snoring, snorting) < ‘ρέγχω | hreghkhō (= to snore, snort) < imitative origin.
rhubarb < middle english rhubarb < old french rubarbe < medieval latin rheubarbarum < ancient greek ‘ρα βάρβαρον | hra bharbharon (= foreign rhubarb) < ‘ρα | hra (= rhubarb) + βάρβαρον | bharbharon, neuter of βάρβαρος | bharbharos (= foreign).
rhyme < middle english ryme / ryme < old french rime < *ritme < latin rithmus < ancient greek ‘ρυθμός | hrythmos (= rhythm, arrangement) < I.E. *sreu- (= to flow).
rhythm < latin rhythmus < ancient greek ‘ρυθμός | hrythmos (= rhythm, arrangement) < I.E. *sreu- (= to flow).
rib < old english ribb (= rib) < proto-germanic *rebjan < I.E. *rebh- (= to roof, cover).
ribald < middle english ribald < ribaud < old french ribalt / ribaut (= rogue, scoundrel, lewd lover) < (?) riber (= be wanton, sleep around) < germanic source.
ribbon < middle english ribane < old french riban (= ribbon) < ruban < (?) germanic source.
rice < middle english rice < italian riso < latin oriza < ancient greek όρυζα | oryza (= rice) < indo-iranian source [cf. pashto vrize] < sanskrit vrihi-s (= rice).
rich < old english rice (= strong, great, wealthy) < proto-germanic *rikijaz {> old norse rikr, swedish rik, danish rig, dutch rijk, gothic reiks, german reich} < celtic source < I.E. *reg- (= move in a straight line, lead, rule).
Richard < middle english Rycharde < old french Richard < old high german Ricohard < proto-germanic *rik- (= ruler) + *harthu (= hard).
Richter scale < [Charles Francis] Richter, American seismologist.
rick < old english hreac (= stack of hay or straw) < proto-germanic *khraukaz.
rickshaw < a shortening of japanese jinrikisha < jin (= a man) + riki (= power) + sha (= carriage).
ricochet < french ricochet (= the skipping of a shot, the skipping of a stone on water).
rid < middle english rid (= clear, set free, save) < scandinavian source < proto-germanic *reudijan.
riddle (= a word game) < middle english riddle < old english rædels (= riddle, counsel, imagination, discussion) < germanic origin.
riddle (= coarse sieve) < middle english riddle < old english hriddel < hridder < proto-germanic *hrida-.
ride < old english ridan (= be carried on, move forward, float, sail) < proto-germanic *ridan < I.E. *reidh- (= to ride).
ridge < old english hrycg (= back of a man) < (?) old norse hryggr (= back, ridge) < proto-germanic *hruggin.
ridiculous < ridyculouse < latin ridiculus (= laughable, funny) < rideo [inf. ridere] (= to laugh).
rife < old english rife (= common, abundant, prevalent) < proto-germanic *rif-.
riff < (?) a shortening of riffle (= make choppy water) < (?) ruffle (= make rough).
rifle < rifled [pistol] < rifle (q.v.).
rifle < middle english rifle < old french rifler (= scratch, strip, plunder) < (?) germanic source.
rift < middle english rift (= a split, act of splitting) < scandinavian source.
rig < middle english rig (= to fit with sails) < (?) scandinavian source.
rigatoni < italian rigatoni, plural of rigato, past participle of rigare (= draw a line) < riga (= line) < proto-germanic *rigon-.
right < old english riht (= just, good, fair, proper) < proto-germanic *rehtan {> old norse rettr, dutch recht, gothic raihts, german recht} < I.E. *reg- (= move in a straight line, rule, lead).
rigor < middle english rigor < old french rigor (= strength, hardness) < latin rigor (= numbness, stiffness, hardness) < rigeo [inf. rigere] (= be stiff).
rim < old english rima (= edge, border, coast).
rime < old english hrim < proto-germanic *khrima-.
rind < old english rinde (= bark, crust) < proto-germanic *rind-.
ring (= circular band) < old english hring (= small circlet) < proto-germanic *hringaz (= curved, circle).
ring (= sound a bell) < old english hringan (= sound, announce by bells) < proto-germanic *khrengan < (?) imitative origin.
rink < middle english rink < old french renc / reng (= row, line) < proto-germanic *hringaz (= curved, circle).
rinse < middle english rinse < old french reincier (= to wash, cleanse) < (?) recincier < vulgar latin *recentio [inf. recentiare] (= make fresh, wash) < late latin recento [inf. recentare] (= make fresh) < latin recens [gen. recentis] (= new, fresh).
Rio de Janeiro < italian Rio de Janeiro (= River of January) [named by Amerigo Vespucci, Italian explorer, because he discovered it on 1 January 1502] < latin rivus (= brook, stream) + de (= of, from) + Januarius [mensis] (= [month] of Janus) < Janus, a Roman god, having two faces (cf. January).
riot < middle english riot < old french riote (= dispute, quarrel, argument) < (?) latin rugio [inf. rugire] (= to roar).
rip < middle english rip (= tear apart) < (?) proto-germanic *rupjan-.
ripe < old english ripe (= fit for eating, mature) < west germanic *ripijaz.
rise < old english risan (= to rise, rise from sleep, stand up) < proto-germanic *us-risanan (= go up).
risible < middle french risible < late latin risibilis (= laughable) < latin risus, past participle of rideo [inf. ridere] (= to laugh).
risk < risque < french risque < italian risc(i)o < riscare (= run into danger).
risotto < italian risotto < riso (= rice) < latin oriza < ancient greek όρυζα | oryza (= rice) < indo-iranian source [cf. pashto vrize] < sanskrit vrihi-s (= rice).
rite < middle english rite < latin ritus (= religious ceremony, custom).
ritual < middle french ritual / latin ritualis (= relating to rites) < ritus (= religious ceremony, custom).
rival < latin rivalis (= rival, adversary in love, neighbor) < rivus (= brook).
river < middle english river < anglo-french rivere / old french riviere (= river, riverside, river bank) < vulgar latin *riparia (= riverbank, seashore, river) {> italian riviera, spanish ribera} < latin riparia, female of riparius (= of a riverbank) < ripa (= riverbank).
rivet < middle english rivet < old french rivet (= nail, rivet) < old french river (= to clench, fasten) < (?) middle dutch wriven (= turn, grind).
rivulet < italian rivoletto, a diminutive of rivolo, a diminutive of rivo (= brook) < latin rivus (= stream, brook).
RNA < [1948] an abbreviation of ribonucleic acid < ribose + nucleic acid.
road < old english rad (= journey, riding expedition) < proto-germanic *raido < I.E. *reidh- (= to ride).
roam < middle english romen < (?) old english *ramian (= act of wandering about).
roan < middle french roan (= reddish brown) < (?) spanish roano < old spanish raudano < I.E. *reudh- (= red, ruddy).
roar < old english rarian (= roar, lament, cry) < (?) imitative origin.
roast < middle english roast < old french rostir (= to roast, burn) < frankish *hraustjan.
rob < middle english rob < old french rober (= rob, steal) < west germanic *rauba (= booty).
robe < middle english robe < old french robe < west germanic *raubo (= booty).
Robert < old french Robert < old high german Hrodberht < hrod- (= fame, glory) + *berht (= bright).
Robin < old french Robin, a diminutive of Robert (q.v.).
robot < czech robotnik (= forced worker) [used by Czech writer Karel Capek in his novel R.U.R. (= Rossum’s Universal Robots) [1920], but coined by his brother, Joseph] < robota (= forced labor) < robotiti (= to work).
robust < middle french robuste < latin robustus (= strong and hardy) < robur / robus (= hard timber, strength, a kind of oak) < ruber (= red).
rock (= stone) < middle english rock < old english rocc < old french roque < vulgar latin *rocca (= stone).
rock (= to sway) < old english roccian (= move a child gently).
rock (= rock music) < [1957] a shortening of rock and roll / rock 'n' roll, a kind of music with strong beat [from an african-american euphemism for sexual intercourse].
rocket (plant) < middle french roquette < italian rochetta, a diminutive of ruca, a kind of cabbage < latin eruca (= cabbage, colewort).
rocket (= projectile) < italian rocchetto (= rocket), a diminutive of rocca (= distaff) [so called for its cylindrical shape like the root of this plant] < proto-germanic *rukkon-.
rococo < french rococo < rocaille (= shellwork, pebble-work) [(?) so called for the excess use of shell designs in this style] < middle french roche (= rock) < vulgar latin *rocca (= stone).
rod < old english rodd (= rod, pole) < (?) proto-germanic *rudd- (= stick, club).
rodent < modern latin rodentia, the name of this animal order < latin rodens [rodentis], present participle of rodo [inf. rodere] (= to gnaw).
rodeo < spanish rodeo (= pen for cattle at a fair) < rodear (= go round, surround), related to rodare (= revolve, roll) < latin roto [inf. rotare] (= go around) < rota (= wheel).
Roderick < old high german Hroderich < hruod- (= fame, glory) + proto-germanic *rikja (= rule).
roe (= fish eggs) < middle english roe < (?) old english *hrogn < proto-germanic *khrugna.
roe (= small deer) < old english ra < raha < proto-germanic *raikhaz.
roentgen < german [Wilhem Conrad] Röntgen, physicist [who discovered X-rays (1895)].
rogation < middle english rogation < latin rogatio (= an asking, prayer) < rogo [inf. rogare] (= to ask, inquire, question).
Roger < old french Rogier < old high german Hrotger < hruod- (= fame, glory) + ger (= spear).
rogue < (?) a shortening of roger [slang] < (?) latin rogo [inf. rogare] (= to ask, question).
Roland < french Roland < old high german Hrodland < hruod- (= fame, glory) + land.
role < french rôle (= roll of paper on which an actor’s part is written) < old french rolle (= document, parchment scroll) < medieval latin rotulus (= a roll of paper) < latin rotula (= small wheel), a diminutive of rota (= wheel).
Rolf < old norse Hrolfr, related to old high german Hrodulf < hruod- (= fame, glory) + wolf.
roll < middle english roll (= rolled-up piece of paper) < old french rolle (= document, parchment scroll) < medieval latin rotulus (= a roll of paper) < latin rotula (= small wheel), a diminutive of rota (= wheel).
Rom (= male gypsy) < romany rom (= man, husband, Gypsy) [plural roma] < sanskrit domba-s (= male member of a low caste of musicians).
Roman < old english Roman < latin Romanus (= of Rome, Roman) < Roma (= Rome).
romance < middle english romance < old french romanz (= verse narrative) < vulgar latin *romanice [scribere] (= [to write] in a Romance language) [as opposed to classical latin writing] < latin Romanicus (= of Roman style) < Romanus (= of Rome, Roman) < Roma (= Rome).
Romania < latin Romani (= people from Rome) [used to describe the Roman colonists in this country] < Romani, plural of Romanus (= of Rome, Roman) < Roma (= Rome).
romantic < french romantique < middle french romant (= a romance) < old french romanz (= verse narrative) < vulgar latin *romanice [scribere] (= [to write] in a Romance language) [as opposed to classical latin writing] < latin Romanicus (= of Roman style) < Romanus (= of Rome, Roman) < Roma (= Rome).
Romany (= Gypsy) < romani, female of romano (= Gypsy) < romany rom (= man, husband, Gypsy) [plural roma] < sanskrit domba-s (= male member of a low caste of musicians).
Rome < old english Rome < old french Rome < latin Roma < (?) etruscan origin.
Ronald < old norse Rögnvaldr < rögn (= gods), plural of regin (= decree) + valdr (= ruler).
rood < old english rod (= pole) < proto-germanic *rod-.
roof < old english hrof (= roof, ceiling, top sky) < proto-germanic *khrofam.
rook (= crow) < old english hroc < proto-germanic *khrokaz < (?) imitative origin.
rook (chess piece) < middle english rook < old french roc < arabic rukhkh < persian rukh < (?) related to hindi rath (= chariot).
rookie < (?) recruit [by influence of rook (= easy to cheat)] < recrew / recrue < french recrute < recreue (= a supply, a levy of troops) < recrue (= a levy, a recruit) < old french recreu, past participle of recreistre (= grow again) < re- (< latin re- (= back, again)) + creistre (= to grow) (< latin cresco [inf. crescere] (= to grow)).
room < old english rum (= space) < proto-germanic *ruman < *ruma- (= roomy, spacious) < I.E. *reue-(1) (= to open, space).
roost < old english hrost (= wooden framework of roof, perch) < proto-germanic *hro(d)-st-.
rooster < roost [cock] < old english hrost (= perch) < proto-germanic *hro(d)-st-.
root < old english rot < proto-germanic *wrot < I.E. *wrād- (= branch, root).
rope < old english rap (= rope, cord, cable) < proto-germanic *raipaz.
Rosa < latin Rosa < rosa (= rose).
rosary < middle english rosary < medieval latin rosarium (= string of beads, series of prayers) < latin rosarium (= rose garden) < rosarium, neuter of rosarius (= of roses) < rosa (= rose).
rose < old english rose < latin rosa {> spanish rosa, italian rosa, french rose, irish ros, welsh rhosyn, swedish ros, dutch roos, german Rose, serbo-croatian ruža, hungarian rozsa, polish róża, lithuanian rožė, russian roza} < ancient greek ‘ρόδον | hrodhon (= rose).
rosemary < middle english rosemary [by influence of rose and Mary] < rosmarine < latin rosmarinus < ros (= dew) + marinus (= of the sea) (< mare (= sea)).
rostrum < latin rostrum (= beak, muzzle, the platform stand for public speakers [in Rome, decorated with beaks of ships]) < rodo [inf. rodere] (= to gnaw).
rot < old english rotian (= to decay, putrefy) < proto-germanic *rutjan.
rotary < medieval latin rotarius (= pertaining to wheels) < latin rota (= wheel).
rotisserie < french rôtisserie < rôtir (= to roast) < old french rostir (= to roast, burn) < frankish *hraustjan.
rotor < a shortening of rotator < latin roto [inf. rotare] (= turn round, roll).
rotund < latin rotundus (= rolling, circular, spherical) < rota (= wheel).
rotunda < italian rotonda < rotunda, female of rotundus (= rolling, circular, spherical) < rota (= wheel).
rouge < french rouge (= red coloring matter) < latin rubeus (= red).
rough < old english ruh (= rough, coarse, shaggy) < west germanic *rukhwaz (= shaggy, hairy, rough) < proto-germanic *rukhaz.
roulette < french roulette < old french roelete (= little wheel) < late latin rotella (= small wheel) < a diminutive of latin rota (= wheel).
round < middle english round < anglo-french rounde / old french roont < vulgar latin *retundus < latin rotundus (= rolling, circular, spherical) < rota (= wheel).
rout < middle french route (= disorderly flight of troops) < vulgar latin *rupta (= a dispersed group) < latin rupta, female past participle of rumpo [inf. rumpere] (= to break).
route < middle english route < old french rute (= road, way, path) < latin rupta [via] (= [road] opened by force) < rupta, female past participle of rumpo [inf. rumpere] (= to break).
router < rout (= poke about, rummage) < root (= dig with a snout) < old english wrotan (= root up) < proto-germanic *wrot < I.E. *wrād- (= branch, root).
routine < french routine (= usual course of action, beaten path) < rute (= road, way, path) < latin rupta [via] (= [road] opened by force) < rupta, female past participle of rumpo [inf. rumpere] (= to break).
rover < middle english rover < middle dutch rover (= robber, plunderer, pirate) < roven (= to rob) < middle dutch roof (= spoil, plunder).
row < old english ræw (= line, hedge-row, succession) < (?) proto-germanic *rai(h)waz.
Roxanne < french Roxanne [by influence of Anne] < latin Roxane < ancient greek ‘Ρωξάνη | hRōxanē [the wife of Alexander the great] < persian origin.
royal < middle english royal < old french roial (= royal, regal) < latin regalis (= of a king, kingly) < rex [gen. regis] (= king).
rub < middle english rub, (?) related to frisian rubben (= to scratch, rub), low german rubbeling (= rough).
rubbish < middle english robous < anglo-french rubouses.
ruble < french rouble < russian rubl’ < (?) old russian rubiti (= to chop, cut) < proto-slavic *rub- < I.E. *reub- / *reup- (= to snatch).
rubric < middle english rubric < old french rubrique / rubriche (= rubric, title) < latin rubrica (= red ochre) < ruber (= red) < I.E. *reudh- (= red).
ruby < middle english ruby < old french rubi < medieval latin rubinus [lapis] (= red [stone]) < latin rubeus (= red) < I.E. *reudh- (= red).
rudder < middle english rother < old english roðor (= paddle, oar) < proto-germanic *rothru-.
rude < middle english rude < old french ruide / latin rudis (= rough, crude).
rudiment < middle french rudiment / latin rudimentum (= early training, first experience, beginning) < rudis (= unlearned, untrained).
Rudolph < german Rudolf < old high german Hrodulf < hruod- (= fame, glory) + wolf.
ruffian < middle french rufian (= pimp) < italian ruffiano (= pander, pimp).
ruffle < middle english ruffle < (?) 1. old norse hrufla (= to scratch) or 2. low german ruffelen (= to wrinkle).
rufous < latin rufus (= red, reddish, red-haired) < I.E. *reudh- (= red).
Rufus < latin rufus (= red, reddish, red-haired) < I.E. *reudh- (= red).
rugby < Rugby, a city in Warwickshire of England < Rocheberie < (?) *Hroca, name of a man + old english burh (= village).
rugged < middle english rugged (= rough, shaggy) < old norse rogg (= shaggy tuft).
ruin < middle english ruin < old french ruine (= collapse) < latin ruina (= collapse, a rushing down).
rule < middle english rule < old french riuler (= impose rule) < latin regulo [inf. regulare] (= to rule, direct) < latin regula (= rule, straight piece of wood) < I.E. *reg- (= move in a straight line, to lead, rule).
ruminant < latin ruminans [gen. ruminantis], present participle of rumino [inf. ruminare] (= to chew the cud) < rumen [gen. ruminis] (= gullet, throat).
ruminate < latin ruminatus, past participle of rumino [inf. ruminare] (= to chew the cud, turn over in the mind) < rumen [gen. ruminis] (= gullet, throat).
rummage < 1. a shortening of middle french arrumage (= arrangement of cargo) < arrumer (= to stow goods in the hold of a ship) or 2. room + [suffix] -age.
rumor < middle english rumor < old french rumor (= commotion) < latin rumor (= noise, common talk).
rumple < (?) middle english rimple (= to wrinkle) < old english hrympel (= wrinkle).
run < a merger of 1. rinnan / irnan (= to run, flow) + 2. ærnan / earnan (= ride, run to, reach) < proto-germanic *rannjanan, causative of *ren- (= to run).
rune < old english run(e) (= secret, mystery, runic letter) < proto-germanic *runo.
rung < old english hrung (= rod, bar) < proto-germanic *khrungo.
runnel < middle english ryneil (= rivulet) < old english rinelle, rynel, a diminutive of ryne (= a stream).
rupee < hindi / urdu rupiyah < sanskrit rupyah (= wrought silver) < rupah (= shape, image).
Rupert < (?) a blend of 1. german Ruprecht + 2. english Robert.
rupture < middle english rupture < latin ruptura (= a breaking, fracture) < rumpo [inf. rumpere] (= to break).
rural < middle english rural < old french rural < latin ruralis (= of the country, rural) < rus [gen. ruris] (= open land, country).
ruse < middle english ruse < 1. old french r(e)use (= diversion, trick, jest) < reuser (= to dodge, retreat, cheat) < latin recuso [inf. recusare] (= deny, reject, oppose) < [prefix] re- (= back, again) + causor [inf. causari] (= plead as a reason) < causa (= reason, cause) or 2. latin rursus (= backwards).
rush (= bulrush) < old english resc < risc < proto-germanic *rusk-.
rush (= hurry) < middle english rush < anglo-french russher < old french reuser (= to dodge, retreat, cheat) < latin recuso [inf. recusare] (= deny, reject, oppose) < [prefix] re- (= back, again) + causor [inf. causari] (= plead as a reason) < causa (= reason, cause).
rusk < spanish / portuguese rosca (= coil, roll, twist of bread) < (?) iberian word.
Russell < old french rousel, a diminutive of rous (= red) < latin russus (= red) < I.E. *reudh- (= red).
russet < middle english russet < old french rousset < rosset (= reddish), a diminutive of ro(u)s (= red) < latin russus (= red) < I.E. *reudh- (= red).
Russia < medieval latin Russi (= the people of Russia) < Rus, the native name < (?) finnish Ruotsi < old norse Roþrslandi (= the land of rowing) < old norse roðr (= steering oar) < proto-germanic *rothra- (= rudder).
rust < old english rust (= rust, moral canker) < proto-germanic *rusta- < I.E. *reudh- (= red).
rustic < middle english rustic < latin rusticus (= of the country, rural) < rus [gen. ruris] (= open land, country).
rut (= narrow track) < (?) middle english route < old french rute (= road, way, path) < latin rupta [via] (= [road] opened by force) < rupta, female past participle of rumpo [inf. rumpere] (= to break).
rut (= animal mating season) < middle english rut < old french ru(i)t < late latin rugitus (= a bellowing, a roaring) < latin rugio [inf. rugire] (= to bellow).
ruth < middle english ruthe < old norse hryggð (= ruth, sorrow) < hryggr (= sorrowful).
Ruth < hebrew Ruth < (?) reuth (= companion, friend, fellow woman).
rye < old english ryge < proto-germanic *ruig < a I.E. *wrughyo- (= rye).