debatable
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B2 adjective /dɪˈbeɪtəbl̩/

debatable

Meaning
open to discussion or doubt; not certain
Example
It is debatable whether the policy will work.
C2 verb /diːˈlɪmɪt/

delimit

Meaning
to fix the boundaries or limits of something
Example
The treaty was signed to delimit the borders of the two countries.
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.
C1 noun /dɪˈvaɪzər/

divisor

Meaning
A number by which another number is divided.
Example
In the equation 12 ÷ 3, the number 3 is the divisor.
C2 verb /dɪsˈtɛnd/

distend

Meaning
to swell or expand by pressure from within
Example
Her stomach began to distend after the large meal.
C2 noun /ˌdɪsɪˈpeɪʃən/

dissipation

Meaning
the process of disappearing or wasting; excessive indulgence in pleasure
Example
The dissipation of his fortune left him in poverty.
C2 verb /deɪn/

deign

Meaning
to do something considered beneath one's dignity
Example
The king did not deign to reply to the commoner.
B2 noun /ˈdeɪtəbeɪs/

database

Meaning
a structured collection of data stored and accessed electronically
Example
The company's customer details are stored in a secure database.
C2 noun /dɪˈkrɛpɪˌtjuːd/

decrepitude

Meaning
the state of being old, weak, and worn out
Example
The once-great empire fell into decrepitude.
C1 noun /ˈdeɪˌbreɪk/

daybreak

Meaning
The time in the morning when daylight first appears; dawn.
Example
They set out on their journey at daybreak.
C1 noun /dɪˈten.ʃən/

Detention

Meaning
the action of detaining someone or being detained in official custody
Example
The student received detention for repeatedly disrupting the class.
B2 verb /dɪˈtɜːr/

deter

Meaning
to discourage someone from doing something by instilling doubt or fear
Example
High fines are meant to deter people from breaking the law.
B2 noun /dɪsˈpoʊzl/

disposal

Meaning
the action or process of getting rid of something
Example
The disposal of waste is crucial for maintaining a clean environment.
A2 adjective/adverb /ˈdeɪli/

daily

Meaning
happening every day
Example
She reads the newspaper daily.
B2 noun ˈdɒmɪnəns

dominance

Meaning
Power and influence over others; control or command.
Example
The dominance of Urdu was evident.
C1 noun /deɪˈtɑːnt/

detente

Meaning
the easing of hostility or strained relations, especially between countries
Example
The two nations worked toward detente after decades of conflict.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈdɛndrɔɪd/

dendroid

Meaning
tree-shaped or branching like a tree
Example
The coral has a dendroid structure.
C1 noun /ˈdeɪtəm/ or /ˈdætəm/

datum

Meaning
a single piece of information; a fact used as a basis for reasoning or calculation
Example
Each datum in the survey was carefully analyzed.
C1 adjective /ˈdɑːsəl/ or /ˈdəʊsaɪl/

docile

Meaning
easily managed, taught, or controlled; submissive
Example
The docile puppy quickly learned new tricks.
C1 adjective /drəˈkoʊniən/

draconian

Meaning
Extremely harsh and severe, especially laws or rules.
Example
The new regulations were criticized as draconian.
B2 noun /dɪˈtɜːrdʒənt/

detergent

Meaning
a substance used for cleaning, especially for washing clothes and dishes
Example
She bought a new brand of detergent for laundry.
C2 verb /dɪˈsɛvər/

dissever

Meaning
To separate or cut apart.
Example
The treaty sought to dissever the two hostile regions.
C2 adjective /ˌdɛməˈnaɪəkəl/

demoniacal

Meaning
characteristic of or resembling a demon; wildly evil
Example
He gave a demoniacal laugh that terrified everyone.
B1 verb /dɪˈklɛər/

declare

Meaning
To announce something formally or officially.
Example
The government declared a state of emergency.
B1 adjective /def/

Deaf

Meaning
unable to hear; having a hearing impairment
Example
The deaf child learned to communicate using sign language.
B2 noun /ˈdeb.riː/

debris

Meaning
Scattered pieces of waste or remains.
Example
Debris in the eyes causes irritation.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈdiːviəs/

devious

Meaning
Skillful at using underhanded tactics to achieve goals; not straightforward.
Example
He used a devious plan to gain control of the company.
C1 verb /dɪsˈɡrʌntl/

disgruntle

Meaning
to make someone dissatisfied or discontented
Example
The unfair treatment disgruntled the workers.
A2 noun /ˈdraɪ.vər/

Driver

Meaning
a person who operates a motor vehicle
Example
The taxi driver knew all the shortcuts through the busy city.
C1 adjective /ˌdɪsɪnˈdʒɛnjʊəs/

disingenuous

Meaning
not candid or sincere; giving a false appearance of honesty or openness
Example
She gave a disingenuous excuse for missing the meeting.
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.
C1 noun dɪˈtɜː.mɪ.nənt

determinant

Meaning
A factor that decisively affects the nature or outcome of something.
Example
Education is a key determinant of success.
A1 adverb /daʊn/

down

Meaning
from a higher to a lower position
Example
He walked down the stairs slowly.
B1 verb /dɪˈfɛnd/

defend

Meaning
To protect someone or something from harm or attack.
Example
The lawyer worked hard to defend her client.
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 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.
C2 verb /dɪˈfreɪ/

defray

Meaning
to provide money to pay the costs of something
Example
The grant will help defray the cost of education.
C2 verb /diːˈfrɑːk/

defrock

Meaning
to officially remove a priest or minister from their position and authority
Example
The church decided to defrock the priest after the scandal.
C1 noun ˈdaɪ.nə.sti

dynasty

Meaning
A line of hereditary rulers of a country; a succession of people from the same family who play a prominent role in business, politics, or another field.
Example
The Ming dynasty ruled China for centuries.
B1 noun /dɪˈbeɪts/

debates

Meaning
Formal discussions where different viewpoints are presented and argued.
Example
Debates on governance lasted throughout the session.
B2 adjective /ˈdespərət/

Desperate

Meaning
reckless; extremely urgent; critical
Example
The situation became desperate as water supplies ran out.
A2 verb /ˌdɪsəˈpɪər/

disappear

Meaning
to cease to be visible; to vanish
Example
The magician made the rabbit disappear.
B2 noun /dɪsˈkʌmfərt/

discomfort

Meaning
A feeling of slight pain, unease, or awkwardness.
Example
She shifted in her chair due to discomfort in her back.
C1 noun /daɪˈsɛkʃən/

dissection

Meaning
the act of cutting apart or analyzing something in detail, especially a body or structure
Example
The dissection of the specimen revealed important details about its structure.
A2 verb /dɪˈskʌs/

discuss

Meaning
To talk about something with another person or group in detail.
Example
We need to discuss the project before finalizing it.
C2 adjective /ˈdɛdˌpæn/

deadpan

Meaning
Deliberately impassive or expressionless in manner.
Example
She delivered the joke in a completely deadpan voice.
C2 verb /dɪsˈɡɔːrdʒ/

disgorge

Meaning
to discharge or pour out; to vomit; to give up reluctantly
Example
The broken pipe disgorged water all over the floor.
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.
C2 verb /ˌdɛlɪˈkwɛs/

deliquesce

Meaning
to become liquid by absorbing moisture from the air
Example
The salt began to deliquesce after being left in the humid room.
C2 adjective /ˌdɛbəˈnɛr/

debonair

Meaning
confident, stylish, and charming, typically referring to a man
Example
He looked debonair in his tuxedo at the gala.
B2 verb /drɪp/

drip

Meaning
to fall or let fall in drops
Example
Water was dripping from the broken pipe.
C2 adjective /ˈdʌktaɪl/

ductile

Meaning
capable of being stretched into a thin wire without breaking; easily influenced
Example
Gold is a very ductile metal.
C1 verb /dɪˈfrɔːd/

defraud

Meaning
to illegally take money or valuables from someone by deception
Example
The company was accused of trying to defraud investors.
C1 verb /dʌb/

dub

Meaning
to give a name or label to something; to add a soundtrack to a film or recording
Example
The movie was dubbed into several languages for international release.
C2 noun /ˈdɔɪən/

doyen

Meaning
The most respected or prominent person in a particular field.
Example
He is regarded as the doyen of modern literature in the country.
C2 noun /dɪˈpləʊmətɪst/

diplomatist

Meaning
A person skilled in diplomacy; another word for diplomat.
Example
The diplomatist handled the negotiations with great tact.
B2 verb /dɪˈprɛs/

depress

Meaning
To make someone feel sad or without hope; to reduce the level or strength of something.
Example
The gloomy weather tends to depress people.
C2 adjective /dɪˈsɛnʃənt/

dissentient

Meaning
Expressing or holding opinions that are opposed to the majority or official view.
Example
Only a few dissentient voices were heard during the debate.
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 /doʊ/

dough

Meaning
a mixture of flour, water, and other ingredients used to make bread or pastries
Example
She kneaded the dough for ten minutes before baking.
C1 noun ˌdjʊə.rəˈbɪl.ə.ti

durability

Meaning
The ability to withstand wear, pressure, or damage; hard-wearing.
Example
The durability of materials affects performance.
C2 noun /ˈdɛvɪlri/

devilry

Meaning
Wicked or cruel behavior; mischievous actions.
Example
The children were full of devilry on Halloween night.
C1 noun /ˌdaɪəˈrɑːmə/

diorama

Meaning
a three-dimensional model representing a scene, often with miniature figures
Example
The museum displayed a diorama of an ancient village.
A2 verb, noun /dɪsˈlaɪk/

dislike

Meaning
to feel distaste or aversion for someone or something; a feeling of aversion
Example
I really dislike eating spicy food.
C1 verb /dɪsˈkleɪm/

disclaim

Meaning
to deny responsibility or connection with something
Example
The company disclaimed responsibility for the accident.
C2 noun /dɪˈpoʊnənt/

deponent

Meaning
A person who gives testimony under oath, especially in a written deposition.
Example
The deponent confirmed the accuracy of the statement during the trial.
C1 noun /dɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si/

Deficiency

Meaning
a lack or shortage of something; inadequacy or insufficiency
Example
The doctor diagnosed a vitamin D deficiency in the patient's blood test.
C2 adjective /ˈdʌlsɪt/

dulcet

Meaning
sweet and soothing (often used ironically)
Example
She was enchanted by his dulcet voice.
C2 noun /dɪˌsɪdəˈreɪtəm/

desideratum

Meaning
something that is desired or considered necessary
Example
For many students, financial aid is a desideratum.
C2 noun /ˌdɛkləˈmeɪʃən/

declamation

Meaning
a formal speech delivered with rhetorical or dramatic effect
Example
Her declamation captivated the audience at the competition.
C1 noun dɪˈpliː.ʃən

depletion

Meaning
The gradual reduction or exhaustion of a resource or substance.
Example
Overuse of groundwater leads to depletion of water resources.
C1 noun/verb /dɪsˈkwaɪət/

disquiet

Meaning
A feeling of worry or unease; to make someone feel anxious or uneasy.
Example
The strange silence filled the room with disquiet.
C1 noun /ˈderˌdevəl/

daredevil

Meaning
A person who enjoys doing dangerous or risky things.
Example
The stunt was performed by a famous daredevil.
B2 verb /ˌdɪsəˈpruːv/

disapprove

Meaning
to have a negative opinion about something; to consider something wrong or bad
Example
Many parents disapprove of smoking.
C1 noun /ˈdaɪəˌlɛkt/

dialect

Meaning
A particular form of a language spoken in a specific region or by a specific group.
Example
He speaks a dialect of Bengali that is common in rural areas.
C1 noun /ˈdɪŋɡi/

dinghy

Meaning
a small boat, often carried or towed by a larger vessel, used for short trips or as a lifeboat
Example
They rowed the dinghy back to the yacht.
B1 verb /dɪˈleɪ/

delay

Meaning
to make something happen later than planned
Example
The flight was delayed due to bad weather.
B2 verb dɪˈtɪəriəreɪt

deteriorate

Meaning
To become progressively worse in quality, condition, or performance; to decline.
Example
Unplanned growth can deteriorate living conditions.
B1 verb /dɪˈpɛndɪŋ/

depending

Meaning
Being contingent on or influenced by something.
Example
The success of the plan is depending on the team's effort.
C2 noun /ˌdɛkəˈsɪləbəl/

decasyllable

Meaning
A line of verse with ten syllables.
Example
The poet often wrote in decasyllable form.
C1 noun /ˌdɒmɪˈneɪʃən/

domination

Meaning
the exercise of control or influence over someone or something
Example
The empire sought domination over its neighbors.
A2 verb /dɪsˈkʌvər/

discover

Meaning
to find something for the first time
Example
Scientists discovered a new planet last year.
B2 noun /dɪsˈmeɪ/

Dismay

Meaning
concern and distress caused by something unexpected; consternation or alarm
Example
To our dismay, the concert was cancelled due to severe weather conditions.
C2 verb /dɪsˈteɪn/

distain

Meaning
to treat with scorn or contempt (archaic form of disdain)
Example
He would never distain those who had less fortune than him.
B2 verb /dɪˈspaɪz/

despise

Meaning
to regard with contempt; to hate strongly
Example
She despises dishonesty in all its forms.
C1 noun /ˈdrɪz.əl/

Drizzle

Meaning
light rain falling in very fine drops; a very light rainfall
Example
The gentle drizzle continued throughout the morning, making everything misty.
B2 adjective /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃt/

Distinguished

Meaning
notable; honored; famous; having a dignified appearance or manner
Example
He is a distinguished professor at the university.
B2 adjective daɪˈvɜːs

diverse

Meaning
Showing a great deal of variety; very different.
Example
Diverse industries enhance economic resilience.
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.
C1 verb /dɪˈspɛl/

dispel

Meaning
to make a doubt, feeling, or belief disappear
Example
The teacher's explanation dispelled the students' confusion.
A2 noun /dʌk/

Duck

Meaning
a waterbird with webbed feet and a broad flat bill
Example
The duck swam gracefully across the lake.
C2 noun /ˈdoʊneɪtər/

donator

Meaning
A person who gives something, especially money or goods, as a donation.
Example
The donator wished to remain anonymous after contributing a large sum.
B2 adjective /dɪm/

Dim

Meaning
not bright; having little light; faint
Example
The room was dim with only a small candle for light.
C1 noun /ˌdiːpɔːrˈteɪʃən/

deportation

Meaning
The act of expelling a foreigner from a country.
Example
The deportation of hundreds of workers sparked international criticism.
B2 verb /ˌdɪsɪnˈfɛkt/

disinfect

Meaning
to clean something thoroughly to destroy bacteria or viruses
Example
The nurse disinfected the wound before applying a bandage.
C2 verb /dɪˈkænt/

decant

Meaning
To pour liquid gently from one container into another, especially without disturbing the sediment.
Example
She carefully decanted the wine into a clean glass.
B1 noun /ˈdaɪəɡræm/

diagram

Meaning
a simplified drawing that shows the structure, relationship, or process of something
Example
The teacher explained the system using a clear diagram.
B2 noun /dɪˈstɜː.bəns/

Disturbance

Meaning
the interruption of a settled and peaceful condition; anxiety or mental uneasiness
Example
The loud music created a disturbance that bothered all the neighbors.
C2 noun /ˈdɒkɪt/

docket

Meaning
a list or schedule of cases to be tried in a court or items to be done
Example
The judge reviewed the docket before starting the session.
A1 noun /ˈdrɪŋkɪŋ/

drinking

Meaning
the act of consuming liquids, especially alcohol
Example
Drinking too much water at once can make you feel bloated.
C2 noun /ˌdaɪəˈlɛktɪk/

dialectic

Meaning
A method of argument or reasoning by dialogue, especially as a means of investigating truth.
Example
The philosopher used dialectic to challenge his students' assumptions.
C2 noun /ˈdæl.i.əns/

Dalliance

Meaning
a casual romantic or sexual relationship; a brief involvement or experiment
Example
His dalliance with photography lasted only a few months before he lost interest.
C1 adjective /ˈdɔːr.mənt/

Dormant

Meaning
inactive; sleeping; temporarily suspended; not currently active
Example
The volcano has been dormant for over a century.
B1 noun /dɜːrt/

Dirt

Meaning
a substance that makes something unclean; earth or soil; unclean matter
Example
After playing in the garden, the children were covered in dirt from head to toe.
B2 verb /dɪˈskrɪmɪˌneɪt/

discriminate

Meaning
To treat someone unfairly based on race, gender, or other differences; or to recognize a distinction.
Example
The law prohibits employers from discriminating against women.
C2 verb /ˈdɔːd(ə)l/

dawdle

Meaning
to waste time by being slow or idle
Example
Stop dawdling and finish your homework.
C1 noun /ˌdɛməˈlɪʃən/

demolition

Meaning
the act or process of destroying a building or structure
Example
The demolition of the old factory took several weeks.
B2 verb /dɪˈsɛnd/

descend

Meaning
To move or fall downward; to come or go down from a higher place.
Example
The hikers descended the steep mountain path.
C1 verb, noun /ˌdɪsɪˈluːʒən/

disillusion

Meaning
to cause someone to realize that something is not as good as they believed
Example
The scandal disillusioned many voters.
C1 noun /dɪˈfaɪəns/

defiance

Meaning
Open resistance or bold disobedience.
Example
The protest was an act of defiance against injustice.
C1 noun /ˈdæn.drʌf/

Dandruff

Meaning
small white or grey flakes of dead skin that form on the scalp and fall from the hair
Example
He used a special shampoo to treat his persistent dandruff problem.
C2 noun /dəˈɡerəˌtaɪp/

daguerreotype

Meaning
An early type of photograph produced on a silver or silver-covered copper plate.
Example
The museum displayed a rare daguerreotype of Abraham Lincoln.
B1 adjective /dɪsˈɡʌstɪŋ/

disgusting

Meaning
extremely unpleasant or offensive; causing strong dislike or revulsion
Example
The smell coming from the trash can was absolutely disgusting.
B1 verb /ˈdoʊneɪt/

donate

Meaning
to give money, goods, or time to help others; to contribute
Example
She donates blood every three months.
C1 noun /dɪˈspɜːrʒən/

dispersion

Meaning
The action or process of distributing things or people over a wide area.
Example
The dispersion of seeds by the wind helps plants reproduce.
A2 noun /ˈdɑrk.nəs/

Darkness

Meaning
the partial or total absence of light; wickedness or evil; ignorance or lack of knowledge
Example
The power outage plunged the entire city into darkness.
A2 noun /ˈdaɪət/

diet

Meaning
the kinds of food that a person usually eats
Example
He follows a strict vegetarian diet.
C1 verb /ˌdɪsɪnˈtæŋɡl/

disentangle

Meaning
To free something or someone from a tangle or complication.
Example
She tried to disentangle her hair from the branches.
C1 adjective deft

deft

Meaning
Neatly skillful and quick in one's movements; dexterous and adroit.
Example
The artist's deft hands created a masterpiece.