CEFR Level
to keep someone from proceeding; to hold back, especially by official authority
"The police detained the suspect for questioning."
the easing of strained relations, especially between countries
"The treaty helped bring about a détente between the two nations."
the action of keeping someone in custody or confinement
"The student faced detention for his misbehavior."
the process of becoming progressively worse
"There has been a deterioration in the quality of service."
a factor that decisively affects the nature or outcome of something
"Education is a key determinant of economic growth."
Something that discourages or prevents someone from doing something.
"The new law is expected to be a deterrent against crime."
To dislike intensely or hate.
"I detest waking up early on weekends."
The act of exploding or causing something to explode.
"The sudden detonation shook the entire building."
The process of removing toxic substances or effects from the body.
"Detoxification is often the first step in treating drug addiction."
To reduce or take away the worth or value of something.
"His rude behavior will detract from his good reputation."
The state of being harmed or damaged.
"He continued smoking to the detriment of his health."
Causing harm or damage.
"Lack of sleep can be detrimental to your performance."
Behavior that differs from accepted social or moral standards.
"The book studies deviance in urban youth culture."
To depart from an established course or norm.
"He decided to deviate from the original plan."
The action of departing from an accepted standard or norm.
"Any deviation from the rules will not be tolerated."
Skillful at using underhanded tactics to achieve goals; not straightforward.
"He used a devious plan to gain control of the company."
Completely lacking or without something.
"His speech was devoid of any real emotion."
To pass power, responsibility, or duties to another person or group.
"The responsibility will devolve on the new manager."
A person who is very enthusiastic about or strongly dedicated to something or someone.
"He is a great devotee of classical music."
Deeply religious or sincere.
"He is a devout believer who prays every day."
Skill in using the hands or body; mental quickness.
"She showed great dexterity in playing the piano."
Skillful and quick, especially with the hands.
"The craftsman was dexterous in carving wood."
Wicked, cruel, or outrageously bad; resembling the devil.
"The dictator’s diabolical rule brought misery to the nation."
A particular form of a language spoken in a specific region or by a specific group.
"He speaks a dialect of Bengali that is common in rural areas."
Risky or unpredictable; potentially dangerous.
"Investing in that company looks pretty dicey right now."
A division or contrast between two things that are completely different.
"There is a clear dichotomy between good and evil."
Having or showing a tendency to tell people what to do in an autocratic way.
"His dictatorial style made him unpopular among colleagues."
The style of pronunciation and word choice in speaking or writing.
"A strong diction enhances communication skills."
A person who strongly resists change and remains loyal to a belief or cause.
"He is a diehard fan of classic rock music."
Relating to or showing a difference; involving a distinction.
"There is a differential treatment between the two groups."
The action or process of differentiating or distinguishing between two or more things or people.
"Strong differentiation sets brands apart from competitors."
to spread over a wide area or among a large number of people
"The smell of fresh bread diffused through the entire house."
the spreading of something more widely or the movement of particles from high to low concentration
"The diffusion of information on social media is rapid."
a person considered to be important because of high rank or office
"Several foreign dignitaries attended the state banquet."
To leave the main subject temporarily in speech or writing.
"The professor began to digress from the main topic of the lecture."
Fallen into disrepair or ruin due to neglect or age.
"The family lived in a dilapidated house at the edge of town."
To make wider, larger, or more open.
"The doctor used drops to dilate the patient's pupils."
Careful and persistent work or effort.
"Through diligence and determination, she completed her research on time."
To make a liquid thinner or weaker by adding water or another solvent.
"You should dilute the juice with water before serving it to children."
a reduction in the size, extent, or importance of something
"The report showed a steady diminution of resources over the last decade."
extremely or unusually small
"Despite his diminutive size, he was a powerful leader."
a small depression in the flesh, either one that exists permanently or one that forms when smiling
"Her charming dimples appeared whenever she smiled at the children."
a loud, unpleasant, and prolonged noise
"The din of traffic outside made it hard to concentrate."
a small boat, often carried or towed by a larger vessel, used for short trips or as a lifeboat
"They rowed the dinghy back to the yacht."
gloomy and drab; dirty or discolored
"The old hotel room looked dark and dingy."
a three-dimensional model representing a scene, often with miniature figures
"The museum displayed a diorama of an ancient village."
A significant achievement or important event in diplomatic relations.
"Hosting the summit was a diplomatic milestone."
A peaceful solution to conflicts through negotiation and diplomatic channels.
"A diplomatic resolution is necessary for peace."
Extremely serious or urgent.
"The refugees were in dire need of food and shelter."
to refuse to allow or accept something
"The referee disallowed the goal for offside."
