CEFR Level
the process of disappearing or wasting; excessive indulgence in pleasure
"The dissipation of his fortune left him in poverty."
lacking moral restraint; indulging excessively in sensual pleasures
"He led a dissolute life filled with parties and gambling."
Harsh and lacking harmony; conflicting.
"The orchestra produced a dissonant sound during rehearsal."
The act of persuading someone not to take a course of action.
"Her dissuasion prevented him from making a bad investment."
Relating to women or the maternal side of a family; also a tool for spinning thread.
"She came from the distaff side of a noble family."
to treat with scorn or contempt (archaic form of disdain)
"He would never distain those who had less fortune than him."
situated away from the center of the body or from the point of attachment
"The doctor examined the distal end of the patient’s arm."
a viral disease affecting animals, especially dogs; also refers to a state of disorder
"The dog was diagnosed with distemper and needed immediate care."
to swell or expand by pressure from within
"Her stomach began to distend after the large meal."
Capable of being stretched or expanded.
"The stomach is a distensible organ that can expand after eating."
The state of being swollen due to internal pressure.
"The patient complained of abdominal pain and distention."
A person or company that makes alcoholic drinks or purified liquids by distillation.
"The distiller introduced a new brand of whiskey last year."
to seize someone's property in order to obtain payment of rent or other money owed
"The landlord distrained the tenant's furniture for unpaid rent."
a person, usually a landlord, who seizes another's property for unpaid debt or rent
"The distrainor took possession of the tenant's car until the debt was cleared."
deeply distracted or absent-minded, often due to worry or grief
"He looked distrait after hearing the sad news."
the state of being separated or not united
"Civil wars often result from national disunion."
a word consisting of two syllables
"The word 'happy' is a disyllable."
to be indecisive or unable to make a decision
"He dithered for hours before choosing a restaurant."
a short, simple song or poem
"She sang a cheerful little ditty while cooking."
A substance that promotes the production of urine.
"Coffee has a mild diuretic effect."
active during the day; occurring daily
"Most birds are diurnal creatures, active in daylight hours."
digression; wandering from a path or subject
"His lecture was full of divagation, making it hard to follow the main point."
capable of being turned aside or redirected
"Funds from the budget are not legally divertible."
the action of selling off or disposing of business interests or assets
"The divestiture of the subsidiary was completed last year."
the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means
"Ancient people often relied on divination to guide important decisions."
the act of revealing or disclosing something secret or private
"The divulgence of company secrets caused a major scandal."
a list or schedule of cases to be tried in a court or items to be done
"The judge reviewed the docket before starting the session."
stubbornly devoted to a theory or doctrine without regard to practical considerations
"His doctrinaire approach to politics alienated many supporters."
To move in a weak and unsteady way, especially due to old age.
"The old man doddered across the street with a cane."
Weak, shaky, or unsteady, especially due to old age.
"The doddering professor struggled to climb the stairs."
to take off an item of clothing, especially a hat, as a sign of respect
"He doffed his hat as the procession passed."
A wild rose species with pink or white flowers and thorny stems, common in hedgerows
"The dog-rose bush grew wild along the countryside path."
Stubborn persistence in achieving something without giving up.
"His doggedness in pursuing his goals was inspiring."
Comic or irregular verse, often poorly constructed and lacking in artistic quality.
"The poet’s work was dismissed as mere doggerel by the critics."
To state opinions or beliefs as if they were absolute truths.
"The professor tended to dogmatize on political issues."
A state of inactivity, stagnation, or low spirits; also a region near the equator with calm winds.
"After the project failed, the team was stuck in the doldrums for months."
Expressing sorrow or sadness; mournful.
"She gave him a doleful look before leaving."
Filled with grief or sadness; mournful.
"The dolesome ballad brought tears to their eyes."
A state of great sorrow or distress.
"The nation was in deep dolor after the tragedy."
Expressing great sorrow or distress.
"He spoke in a dolorous tone after the loss."
A stupid or slow-witted person.
"Only a dolt would believe such a story."
Life at home or devotion to family life.
"She enjoys the domesticity of cooking and gardening."
to assert one's will over another in an arrogant way
"He tends to domineer over his younger colleagues."
A person who gives something, especially money or goods, as a donation.
"The donator wished to remain anonymous after contributing a large sum."
A person who receives a gift or donation.
"The scholarship fund’s donee expressed heartfelt gratitude."
A window that projects vertically from a sloping roof.
"The old house had a dormer overlooking the garden."
Relating to the back or upper side of an animal or body part.
"Sharks have a prominent dorsal fin."
The period of old age, especially when one is weak or senile.
"He spent his dotage reminiscing about his youth."
a close-fitting jacket worn by men in the Renaissance; also, a pair of similar things
"The actor wore a velvet doublet for the Shakespearean play."
brave, valiant, courageous
"The doughty soldier never backed down from a challenge."
