B2 verb, noun /dɑːrt/

dart

Meaning

to move suddenly and quickly; a small pointed missile thrown at a target

Example

The cat darted across the street to avoid the car.

B2 verb /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/

distinguish

Meaning

to recognize or show the differences between two or more things; to set apart as different

Example

It can be difficult to distinguish between truth and rumor.

B2 noun /ˈdeɪ.tə briːtʃ/

data breach

Meaning

Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information through security violation

Example

A data breach exposed millions of users' passwords.

B2 noun /ˈden.sə.ti/

Density

Meaning

the degree of compactness of a substance; the quantity of something per unit area

Example

The density of population in the city center is extremely high.

B2 verb /dɪˈspaɪz/

despise

Meaning

to regard with contempt; to hate strongly

Example

She despises dishonesty in all its forms.

B2 verb /daɪˈvɜːrt/

divert

Meaning

to turn aside from a course; to redirect or entertain

Example

The police diverted traffic to a side road.

B2 noun/verb /dræft/

draft

Meaning

A preliminary version of a piece of writing; to prepare a preliminary version of a document.

Example

She finished the first draft of her novel.

B2 adjective /dɪˈstɜː.bɪŋ/

disturbing

Meaning

causing anxiety, worry, or emotional distress

Example

The news about the accident was deeply disturbing.

B2 noun /ˈdʌmi/

dummy

Meaning

a model or replica of a human used for practice, display, or testing; also a term for a foolish person

Example

The tailor used a dummy to display the dress.

B2 noun /ˈdeb.ɪt/

Debit

Meaning

an entry recording an amount owed; money taken from a bank account

Example

The bank showed a debit of fifty dollars from my checking account.

B2 noun ˌdiː.fɒr.ɪˈsteɪ.ʃən

deforestation

Meaning

The action of clearing a wide area of trees; the permanent destruction of forests in order to make the land available for other uses.

Example

Deforestation accelerates the loss of biodiversity.

B2 noun /ˌdɪs.əˈbɪl.ə.ti/

Disability

Meaning

a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities

Example

Despite his physical disability, he became a successful athlete in wheelchair racing.

B2 noun /dɪˈtɛkʃən/

detection

Meaning

the action or process of identifying the presence of something

Example

The detection of fraud in the system was swift.

B2 verb /dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒ/

discharge

Meaning

to release or dismiss from duty; to emit or give off

Example

The hospital will discharge the patient tomorrow.

B2 noun /ˈdɔː.weɪ/

doorway

Meaning

the space where a door opens into a room or building

Example

She stood in the doorway waiting for him to arrive.

B2 noun /ˌdɪsəˈpruːvəl/

disapproval

Meaning

The expression of an unfavorable opinion or judgment

Example

Her parents showed clear disapproval of her decision to drop out of college.

B2 verb /dɪˈspoʊz/

dispose

Meaning

To get rid of something, or to arrange or incline towards something.

Example

He disposed of the old furniture responsibly.

B2 adjective /ˈdespərət/

Desperate

Meaning

reckless; extremely urgent; critical

Example

The situation became desperate as water supplies ran out.

B2 noun /dɪsˈkloʊʒər/

disclosure

Meaning

the action of making something known or public

Example

The disclosure of the company's financial status was delayed.

B2 noun ˈdɒmɪnəns

dominance

Meaning

Power and influence over others; control or command.

Example

The dominance of Urdu was evident.

B2 noun ˌdedɪˈkeɪʃn

dedication

Meaning

The quality of being dedicated or committed to a task or purpose; devotion.

Example

His dedication laid the foundation of Indian science.

B2 adjective /dɪˌveləpˈmentl/

developmental

Meaning

relating to the process of growth or progress

Example

Early childhood is a crucial developmental stage for learning.

B2 noun dɪˈskrɛʃən

discretion

Meaning

The quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information.

Example

She handled the situation with great discretion.

B2 verb /dɪˈstɔːrt/

distort

Meaning

to twist or change the shape, appearance, or meaning of something so it is not true or accurate

Example

The mirror distorted her reflection.

B2 noun/verb /dɪˈspjuːt/

dispute

Meaning

a disagreement or argument about something important

Example

The two countries are in dispute over the border issue.

B2 noun /ˈdreɪ.nɪdʒ/

drainage

Meaning

the system or process by which water or other liquids are drained away

Example

Poor drainage caused flooding in the neighborhood.

B2 noun /dɪsˈmɪsl̩/

dismissal

Meaning

the act of removing someone from their job; the act of treating something as unimportant

Example

His unfair dismissal led to a lawsuit against the company.

B2 verb /ˌdɪsəˈpruːv/

disapprove

Meaning

to have a negative opinion about something; to consider something wrong or bad

Example

Many parents disapprove of smoking.

B2 adjective /ˈdɒm.ɪ.nənt/

Dominant

Meaning

controlling, influencing, or prevailing over others; most important or powerful

Example

The dominant player controlled the entire basketball game.

B2 noun /ˈder.ɪŋ/

Daring

Meaning

adventurous courage; willingness to take risks

Example

The mountain climber's daring impressed everyone at the base camp.

B2 noun /dɪˈsper/

Despair

Meaning

the complete loss or absence of hope; a state of feeling hopeless

Example

After losing his job, he fell into despair and couldn't see any way forward.

B2 noun /dɪˈkeɪ/

Decay

Meaning

the process of rotting or decomposing; gradual decline or deterioration

Example

The old building showed signs of decay after years of neglect.

B2 noun /dɪˈnaɪ.əl/

Denial

Meaning

the action of declaring something to be untrue; refusal to acknowledge something

Example

His denial of involvement in the scandal was met with skepticism.

B2 noun /ˈdʌklɪŋ/

duckling

Meaning

a young duck

Example

The mother duck led her ducklings to the pond.

B2 adjective /ˌdɪp.ləˈmæt.ɪk/

Diplomatic

Meaning

relating to diplomacy; tactful; skilled in managing relationships

Example

She gave a diplomatic answer to avoid offending anyone.

B2 adjective dɪsˈrʌp.tɪv

disruptive

Meaning

Causing or tending to cause disruption.

Example

Deforestation has a disruptive effect on wildlife.

B2 adjective /ˌdɪsəˈɡriːəbl/

disagreeable

Meaning

Unpleasant or offensive; causing discomfort or annoyance.

Example

The weather was cold and disagreeable.

B2 noun /ˈdoʊnər/

donor

Meaning

A person who gives something, especially to a charity or cause.

Example

The donor contributed generously to the hospital’s new wing.

B2 adjective /dɪˈsaɪsɪv/

decisive

Meaning

Having the ability to make decisions quickly and effectively; determining the outcome.

Example

Her decisive action saved the company from collapse.

B2 noun /ˈdɛpjʊti/

deputy

Meaning

A person appointed as a substitute with power to act.

Example

The deputy will lead the meeting in the manager’s absence.

B2 adjective /ˈdɪl.ɪ.dʒənt/

Diligent

Meaning

hardworking and careful; showing persistent effort

Example

She is a diligent student who studies every day.

B2 adjective /dɪˈraɪvd/

derived

Meaning

Developed or obtained from something else; not original.

Example

The word is derived from Latin.

B2 noun /diːd/

Deed

Meaning

an action that is performed intentionally or consciously; a legal document showing ownership

Example

His heroic deed saved the child from drowning in the river.

B2 adjective /ˈdʌsti/

dusty

Meaning

covered with or full of dust; dry and dull from lack of moisture or use

Example

The old bookshelf was dusty after years of neglect.

B2 noun /dɪˈveləpər/

developer

Meaning

a person or company that creates software, buildings, or land projects

Example

She works as a software developer at a tech company.

B2 noun /ˈdel.ɪ.ɡət/

Delegate

Meaning

a person chosen or elected to act for or represent others; representative

Example

Each country sent a delegate to participate in the international conference.

B2 verb /dɪˈfɜːr/

defer

Meaning

To postpone or delay; to yield to someone else's judgment or opinion.

Example

The meeting was deferred until next week.

B2 noun /dɪˈvoʊ.ʃən/

Devotion

Meaning

love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, activity, or cause

Example

Her devotion to helping others made her a beloved figure in the community.

B2 adjective /dɪˈtætʃt/

detached

Meaning

separate or disconnected; showing a lack of emotional involvement

Example

He lived in a detached house away from the city.

B2 noun /ˌdɪsɪnˈfɛktənt/

disinfectant

Meaning

a chemical substance used to kill harmful microorganisms on surfaces

Example

The cleaner sprayed disinfectant on the table.

B2 noun /ˈdiː.sən.si/

Decency

Meaning

behavior that conforms to accepted standards of morality or respectability

Example

She had the decency to apologize for her mistake immediately.

B2 noun /ˈdʌbəl ˈdekər/

Double decker

Meaning

a bus with two levels or floors for passengers

Example

The red double decker bus is a famous symbol of London.

B2 adjective /ˈdjʊərəbəl/

Durable

Meaning

able to withstand wear, pressure, or damage; lasting; strong

Example

This durable fabric will last for many years.

B2 adjective /ˈdaʊt.fəl/

Doubtful

Meaning

uncertain; questionable; feeling uncertain about something

Example

I am doubtful about the success of this project.

B2 noun /dɪˈstrækʃənz/

distractions

Meaning

Things that prevent someone from concentrating on something else.

Example

Eliminate distractions for better productivity.

B2 adjective/noun ˌdem.əˈɡræf.ɪk

demographic

Meaning

Relating to the structure of populations; statistical data relating to the population and particular groups within it.

Example

The company analyzes demographic trends before launching a product.

B2 noun /ˌdel.ɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/

delegation

Meaning

A group of people chosen to represent others in negotiations or discussions.

Example

The delegation presented their country's agenda.

B2 adjective /dɪˈfektɪv/

Defective

Meaning

having faults or defects; imperfect

Example

The defective product was returned to the store.

B2 verb /dɪsˈkloʊz/

disclose

Meaning

to reveal or make information known; to expose

Example

The company must disclose all financial information.

B2 noun /ˈdiː.lɪŋ/

Dealing

Meaning

business transactions; the way of treating people or handling situations

Example

His fair dealing with customers earned him an excellent reputation.

B2 noun /droʊn/

Drone

Meaning

a male bee that does not work and whose only function is to mate with the queen

Example

The drone bees do not collect honey like worker bees.

B2 verb /dɪsˈtɜːb/

disturb

Meaning

to interrupt or cause someone to stop what they are doing

Example

Please don’t disturb me while I’m studying.

B2 adjective /dɪm/

Dim

Meaning

not bright; having little light; faint

Example

The room was dim with only a small candle for light.

B2 noun /ˌdɛm.əˈɡræf.ɪks/

Demographics

Meaning

Statistical data relating to the population and particular groups within it.

Example

Demographics help in targeted advertising.

B2 noun /dɔːn/

Dawn

Meaning

the first appearance of light in the sky before sunrise; the beginning or start of something

Example

The fishermen set out to sea before dawn to catch the morning tide.

B2 noun dɪˈplɔɪmənt

deployment

Meaning

The action of bringing resources into effective action.

Example

The deployment of the new software was completed successfully.

B2 noun /daɪˈmen.ʃənz/

dimensions

Meaning

Aspects or features of a situation, problem, or thing.

Example

New dimensions of space exploration are being uncovered.

B2 adjective /ˈdæmɪdʒɪŋ/

damaging

Meaning

causing harm or injury

Example

The storm caused damaging effects to the crops.

B2 verb /dɪˈmɪnɪʃ/

diminish

Meaning

to make or become less; to reduce in size, importance, or value

Example

Over time, his influence in the company began to diminish.

B2 noun /ˈdrʌm.stɪk/

Drumstick

Meaning

long green pod vegetable from moringa tree; nutritious vegetable used in curries

Example

The drumstick adds a unique flavor to the traditional fish curry.

B2 adjective /ˈdæz.lɪŋ/

Dazzling

Meaning

extremely bright and impressive; brilliant and stunning

Example

The dazzling lights of the city amazed the tourists.

B2 adjective /dɪˈsɛndənt/

descendent

Meaning

Moving downward; going down or descending.

Example

The river followed a descendent course toward the valley.

B2 noun /dɪsˈɡreɪs/

Disgrace

Meaning

loss of reputation or respect as the result of a dishonorable action; a shameful situation

Example

His arrest brought disgrace upon his entire family and reputation.

B2 adjective /dɪˈpɛndəbl/

dependable

Meaning

able to be trusted or relied on; consistently reliable

Example

She is a dependable colleague who always meets deadlines.

B2 noun /ˈdaɪ.vər/

Diver

Meaning

a type of water bird that dives underwater to catch fish

Example

The diver disappeared beneath the surface to catch a fish.

B2 noun /ˈdɛməˌkræt/

democrat

Meaning

a supporter of democracy or a member of the Democratic Party in the US

Example

He is a strong democrat who believes in equal rights.

B2 adjective daɪˈvɜːs

diverse

Meaning

Showing a great deal of variety; very different.

Example

Diverse industries enhance economic resilience.

B2 verb /dɪsˈkʌrɪdʒ/

discourage

Meaning

to make someone less confident or enthusiastic about doing something

Example

Failure should not discourage you from trying again.

B2 adjective /dɛns/

dense

Meaning

Closely compacted in substance; having parts crowded together.

Example

The forest was so dense that little sunlight reached the ground.

B2 verb /dɒdʒ/

dodge

Meaning

to move quickly to one side to avoid something; to avoid dealing with something cleverly or dishonestly

Example

The boxer managed to dodge his opponent's punch.

B2 adjective /ˈdred.fəl/

Dreadful

Meaning

extremely bad or unpleasant; causing fear or suffering; terrible

Example

The weather was dreadful during our vacation.

B2 noun dɪˈveləpɪŋ ˈriːdʒənz

developing regions

Meaning

Areas or countries that are in the process of economic growth and development

Example

Pollution affects developing regions the most.

B2 noun /dɪˌtɜː.mɪˈneɪ.ʃən/

determination

Meaning

Firmness of purpose; the quality of being determined; resolve.

Example

His determination to succeed was unwavering.

B2 adjective /ˌdɪsədˈvæntɪdʒd/

disadvantaged

Meaning

Lacking the basic resources or conditions needed for a good standard of living or equal opportunities.

Example

The program provides support to disadvantaged children.

B2 verb /dwel/

dwell

Meaning

to live in a place; to think about something for a long time

Example

They dwell in a small cottage by the lake.

B2 adjective /ˈdevəsteɪtɪŋ/

devastating

Meaning

causing severe shock, distress, or destruction; extremely damaging or upsetting

Example

The earthquake had a devastating effect on the city.

B2 noun /ˈdjuːəʊ/

duo

Meaning

a pair of people or things, especially in music or entertainment

Example

The musical duo performed their latest hit at the concert.

B2 adjective /dɪˈzɜːrtɪd/

deserted

Meaning

Empty of people; abandoned.

Example

The village looked completely deserted after the storm.

B2 noun /ˈdræɡ.ən.flaɪ/

Dragon-fly

Meaning

a large insect with four transparent wings that lives near water

Example

The dragonfly hovered over the pond.

B2 adverb dɪˈlɪb.ər.ət.li

deliberately

Meaning

Consciously and intentionally; on purpose.

Example

The actions were deliberately planned to cause harm.

B2 noun /depθ/

Depth

Meaning

the distance from the top or surface to the bottom; the quality of being intense or profound

Example

The depth of the ocean in this area reaches over three thousand meters.

B2 verb /ˈdɪkteɪt/

dictate

Meaning

to say words aloud for someone to write down; to give orders

Example

The boss dictates letters to his secretary.

B2 adverb /ˈdʌbli/

doubly

Meaning

in a twofold manner; to twice the degree

Example

She felt doubly fortunate after winning the prize and getting a promotion.

B2 verb /ˈdɒmɪneɪt/

dominate

Meaning

to have power or control over something or someone

Example

The company dominates the smartphone market.

B2 verb /ˌdɪskəˈnɛkt/

disconnect

Meaning

to detach or separate from a connection or source

Example

Please disconnect the charger from the power outlet.

B2 noun /ˈdɪdʒɪt/

digit

Meaning

a numeral from 0 to 9; also a finger or toe

Example

You must enter a four-digit code to unlock the phone.

B2 verb /dɪˈnaʊns/

denounce

Meaning

To publicly declare something to be wrong, evil, or condemn strongly.

Example

The leader denounced corruption in his speech.

B2 noun, verb /ˈdeɪ.bjuː/

debut

Meaning

The first public appearance or performance of someone or something.

Example

The young actor made his debut on the big stage.

B2 adjective /dɪˈskʌr.ɪ.dʒɪŋ/

Discouraging

Meaning

making someone feel less confident or enthusiastic about doing something

Example

The coach's discouraging words affected the team's morale.

B2 adjective /dɪˈsɛptɪv/

deceptive

Meaning

Giving an appearance or impression different from the truth; misleading.

Example

Appearances can be deceptive.

B2 verb/noun /ˌdɪsrɪˈɡɑːrd/

disregard

Meaning

To ignore something; lack of consideration or respect for something.

Example

He disregarded the warning signs and kept driving.

B2 adjective /dɪˈvaɪn/

Divine

Meaning

heavenly; sacred; godlike; relating to God or a deity

Example

The divine beauty of the sunset took their breath away.

B2 verb /ˈdɛzɪɡneɪt/

designate

Meaning

to officially assign, appoint, or indicate something or someone

Example

The committee will designate a new chairperson next week.

B2 adjective /dæmp/

damp

Meaning

slightly wet, often in an unpleasant way

Example

The room felt cold and damp after the rain.

B2 noun /duːm/

doom

Meaning

A terrible fate, destruction, or unavoidable bad outcome.

Example

The ancient prophecy foretold the city’s doom.

B2 noun /ˈdɛnɪmz/

denims

Meaning

pants or clothes made from denim fabric, usually jeans

Example

He wore blue denims with a white shirt.

B2 adverb /ˈden.sli/

densely

Meaning

In a closely compacted or crowded manner.

Example

The area is densely covered with trees.

B2 noun /dɒk/

dock

Meaning

a structure where ships are loaded, unloaded, or repaired

Example

The ship stayed at the dock for two days.

B2 noun /dɪˈsep.ʃən/

Deception

Meaning

the action of deceiving someone; the state of being deceived

Example

The magician's deception amazed the audience with seemingly impossible tricks.

B2 noun /ˌdaɪəɡˈnoʊsɪs/

diagnosis

Meaning

The identification of a disease, condition, or problem through examination of symptoms.

Example

The diagnosis confirmed that she had diabetes.

B2 noun /ˈdɛltə/

delta

Meaning

A landform at the mouth of a river where it splits into several outlets.

Example

The Nile Delta is one of the most fertile regions in Egypt.

B2 verb /dɪˈvaɪz/

devise

Meaning

To plan or invent something carefully.

Example

The engineers devised a new method to reduce costs.

B2 noun /dəˈmeɪn/

domain

Meaning

An area of knowledge, activity, or territory over which control is exercised.

Example

Mathematics is her main domain of expertise.

B2 adjective /dɪˈzæs.trəs/

Disastrous

Meaning

extremely bad or unsuccessful; causing great damage

Example

The hurricane had disastrous effects on the city.

B2 verb /dɪˈfaɪ/

defy

Meaning

to openly resist or refuse to obey someone or something; to challenge or dare someone to do something

Example

The protesters continued to defy the government's ban on public gatherings.

B2 noun /drɪl/

drill

Meaning

a tool or exercise used for making holes or practicing skills

Example

The students took part in a fire drill at school.

B2 noun /ˌdɪstrɪˈbjuːʃən/

distribution

Meaning

the act of sharing or delivering something to multiple people or places

Example

The company manages the distribution of food supplies to rural areas.

B2 noun dɪˈstrækʃən

distraction

Meaning

Something that prevents concentration or takes attention away from something else.

Example

Distraction during study time can hinder learning.

B2 adjective /dɪˈfensɪv/

Defensive

Meaning

used or intended to defend or protect; showing a tendency to react in an angry or hurt way when criticized

Example

He became defensive when criticized about his work.

B2 noun /dɪˈpreʃ.ən/

Depression

Meaning

a mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness; a severe economic downturn

Example

The therapist helped her cope with depression through cognitive behavioral therapy.

B2 adjective /ˌdɪsəˈbiːdiənt/

Disobedient

Meaning

refusing to obey rules or authority; rebellious

Example

The disobedient child refused to follow the rules.