decibel
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C1 noun /ˈdɛsɪˌbɛl/

decibel

Meaning
a unit used to measure the intensity of sound
Example
The noise level in the factory exceeded 90 decibels.
C2 noun /ˌdɪspjuːˈteɪʃən/

disputation

Meaning
a formal debate or argument
Example
The disputation between the two scholars lasted for hours.
C1 noun /ˈderˌdevəl/

daredevil

Meaning
A person who enjoys doing dangerous or risky things.
Example
The stunt was performed by a famous daredevil.
A2 adjective /draɪ/

Dry

Meaning
free from moisture or liquid; not wet; lacking interest or excitement
Example
The desert has very dry climate.
C2 verb /ˈdiːfælˌkeɪt/

defalcate

Meaning
to misuse or embezzle money that one is responsible for
Example
The accountant was accused of defalcating company funds.
A2 verb /dɪsˈkʌvər/

discover

Meaning
to find something for the first time
Example
Scientists discovered a new planet last year.
C1 adjective /ˈdæʃ.ɪŋ/

Dashing

Meaning
stylish and confident; lively and energetic; attractive and charming
Example
He looked dashing in his new suit.
C1 adjective /dɪˈlɪriəs/

delirious

Meaning
in an extremely disturbed or excited state of mind, often due to illness or emotion
Example
He was delirious with fever and kept muttering nonsense.
C1 noun dəˌmɛstɪˈkeɪʃən

domestication

Meaning
The process of taming an animal and keeping it as a pet or for farm produce.
Example
Domestication of animals has been crucial for human survival.
A1 adverb /daʊn/

down

Meaning
from a higher to a lower position
Example
He walked down the stairs slowly.
A1 noun/verb /deɪt/

date

Meaning
A particular day of the month or year; also, a social or romantic appointment.
Example
They decided to meet on the date of her birthday.
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.
C2 adjective /ˌdaɪəˈtɒmɪk/

diatomic

Meaning
Consisting of two atoms.
Example
Oxygen is a diatomic molecule.
C2 adjective /daɪˈɒsɪsən/

diocesan

Meaning
relating to a diocese or the district under the supervision of a bishop in the Christian Church
Example
The diocesan council met to discuss church affairs.
C1 adjective /dɪˈvɔɪd/

devoid

Meaning
Completely lacking or without something.
Example
His speech was devoid of any real emotion.
A2 noun dɪˈvaɪs

device

Meaning
A thing made or adapted for a particular purpose, especially a piece of mechanical or electronic equipment.
Example
This device improves efficiency in data processing.
C1 verb /ˈdæb.əl/

dabble

Meaning
To take part in an activity in a casual or superficial way.
Example
He dabbled in painting during his college days.
C2 verb /djuːp/

dupe

Meaning
To deceive or trick someone into believing or doing something.
Example
He was duped into buying a fake watch.
C1 noun /dɪˈmiːnər/

demeanour

Meaning
a person's outward behavior or appearance
Example
Her calm demeanour impressed everyone during the meeting.
C1 verb /ˌdiːˈbʌŋk/

debunk

Meaning
Expose the falseness or hollowness of (a myth, idea, or belief).
Example
Scientists debunked the myth that vaccines cause autism.
C1 verb /doʊt/

dote

Meaning
to show excessive love or fondness for someone or something
Example
She tends to dote on her grandchildren.
C2 noun /ˌdaɪ.jʊˈret.ɪk/

diuretic

Meaning
A substance that promotes the production of urine.
Example
Coffee has a mild diuretic effect.
C2 adjective /dɛˈspɒtɪk/

despotic

Meaning
exercising power in a cruel, oppressive, or authoritarian way
Example
The king’s despotic rule left the people in misery.
C2 verb /ˈdiːɪfaɪ/

deify

Meaning
to treat or worship someone or something as a god
Example
Some fans deify their favorite celebrities.
C1 noun /dɪsˈɒn.ər/

Dishonour

Meaning
a state of shame or disgrace; lack of honor or integrity; failure to fulfill obligations
Example
Breaking his promise brought dishonour to his name and family legacy.
B2 noun /ˌdek.ləˈreɪ.ʃən/

Declaration

Meaning
a formal or explicit statement or announcement; an official proclamation
Example
The president's declaration of independence marked a historic moment for the nation.
C1 noun /dɪˈfɔː.mə.ti/

Deformity

Meaning
a distorted or unnatural shape or form; physical malformation
Example
The accident caused a permanent deformity in his left hand.
C1 verb /diːm/

deem

Meaning
to regard or consider in a specified way
Example
The project was deemed a success by the board.
A2 noun /ˈdaɪnɪŋ/

dining

Meaning
the act of eating a meal, especially in a formal setting
Example
We enjoyed fine dining at the new restaurant.
C1 verb /druːp/

droop

Meaning
to bend or hang downward; to become weak or tired
Example
The flowers began to droop in the heat.
C2 noun /ˈdaɪˌsɪləbəl/

disyllable

Meaning
a word consisting of two syllables
Example
The word 'happy' is a disyllable.
C1 noun /dɪˈprɛsənt/

depressant

Meaning
A drug that reduces functional or nervous activity in the body.
Example
Alcohol acts as a depressant on the central nervous system.
A1 adjective /dɑːk/

Dark

Meaning
having little or no light; of a deep shade approaching black
Example
She prefers dark colors for her winter clothes.
C1 verb /dɪˈtrækt/

detract

Meaning
To reduce or take away the worth or value of something.
Example
His rude behavior will detract from his good reputation.
A2 adjective /diːp/

deep

Meaning
extending far down from the top or surface; profound or intense
Example
The lake is very deep in the middle.
B2 verb /drɪft/

drift

Meaning
to move slowly, especially by air or water currents
Example
The boat began to drift away from the shore.
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.
A1 noun /ˈdɒktər/

doctor

Meaning
A qualified medical professional who treats illnesses and injuries.
Example
The doctor prescribed medicine for the patient.
B1 verb/noun /ˈdiːkriːs/ (noun), /dɪˈkriːs/ (verb)

decrease

Meaning
To become or make something smaller or fewer in number, amount, or degree.
Example
The population of the town has decreased over the years.
C1 noun /ˈdɛdlɒk/

deadlock

Meaning
a situation in which progress is impossible because of disagreement
Example
Negotiations reached a deadlock after neither side agreed to compromise.
C1 noun dɪˌzɝː.t̬ə.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən

desertification

Meaning
The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.
Example
Deforestation accelerates desertification.
C2 adjective /ˌdɛməˈnaɪəkəl/

demoniacal

Meaning
characteristic of or resembling a demon; wildly evil
Example
He gave a demoniacal laugh that terrified everyone.
C2 verb /dɪsˈkaʊntənəns/

discountenance

Meaning
To disapprove of or discourage something.
Example
The teacher strongly discountenanced cheating in exams.
B1 verb /daɪv/

dive

Meaning
to plunge headfirst into water or another substance
Example
He decided to dive into the pool on a hot day.
C1 noun /dɪˌpriː.ʃiˈeɪ.ʃən/

depreciation

Meaning
A reduction in the value of an asset with the passage of time, due to wear and tear.
Example
The car's depreciation rate is high after five years.
C2 noun /dɪˈpɑːzɪtər/

depositor

Meaning
a person who places money in a bank or financial institution
Example
The bank provides insurance to protect depositors’ funds.
B1 noun /dɪˈtɛktɪv/

detective

Meaning
a person whose job is to investigate and solve crimes
Example
The detective solved the mystery in just two days.
C1 adjective /dɪˈspɜːrst/

dispersed

Meaning
Scattered or spread across a wide area.
Example
The dispersed population made it difficult to provide public services.
A2 noun /ˈdaɪəri/

diary

Meaning
a book in which one keeps a daily record of events and experiences
Example
She wrote about her day in her diary before going to bed.
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.
C1 noun /ˈdɪsənˌtɛri/

dysentery

Meaning
An infection of the intestines resulting in severe diarrhea with blood and mucus.
Example
Many soldiers suffered from dysentery during the war.
C2 noun /dɪˈkrɛpɪˌtjuːd/

decrepitude

Meaning
the state of being old, weak, and worn out
Example
The once-great empire fell into decrepitude.
B2 noun/verb /dɪˈvɔːrs/

divorce

Meaning
the legal ending of a marriage; to officially end a marriage
Example
After years of conflict, they decided to get a divorce.
C2 verb /dɪˈpreɪv/

deprave

Meaning
to corrupt morally; to make someone immoral or wicked
Example
The novel was criticized for attempting to deprave the minds of young readers.
B1 noun /dɪˈlaɪt/

Delight

Meaning
a feeling of happiness or pleasure; something that gives great pleasure
Example
The children's laughter filled her heart with pure delight.
C2 noun /daɪˈvɛstɪtʃər/

divestiture

Meaning
the action of selling off or disposing of business interests or assets
Example
The divestiture of the subsidiary was completed last year.
B2 verb /daɪ/

dye

Meaning
to change the color of something using a chemical substance
Example
She will dye her hair blonde tomorrow.
B1 noun /dɪˈbeɪts/

debates

Meaning
Formal discussions where different viewpoints are presented and argued.
Example
Debates on governance lasted throughout the session.
B1 noun /ˌdiː.enˈeɪ/

dna

Meaning
Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic information in living organisms.
Example
Scientists extracted DNA from the ancient bones.
C1 verb /dɪˈfaɪl/

defile

Meaning
to pollute, corrupt, or make dirty
Example
The river was defiled by industrial waste.
C2 adjective /ˈdaʊ.di/

dowdy

Meaning
unfashionable, dull, or shabby in appearance
Example
She wore a dowdy dress to the party.
C2 noun /dɪˈbɛntʃər/

debenture

Meaning
a type of debt instrument not secured by physical assets or collateral
Example
The company raised capital by issuing debentures to investors.
C1 noun /dɪˈvɪnɪti/

divinity

Meaning
The quality or state of being divine; a deity.
Example
The priest spoke about the divinity of the soul.
C1 verb /dɪˈnəʊt/

denote

Meaning
To be a sign of; to indicate or mean something.
Example
A red flag denotes danger.
C2 noun ˈdɒɡ.ɪd.nəs

doggedness

Meaning
Stubborn persistence in achieving something without giving up.
Example
His doggedness in pursuing his goals was inspiring.
C2 adjective /dɪˈspjuːtəbl/

Disputable

Meaning
open to debate or argument; questionable
Example
The facts in the case are disputable and need further investigation.
B2 verb /ˈdɛdɪkeɪt/

dedicate

Meaning
to devote time, effort, or oneself to a particular purpose or person
Example
She dedicated her life to helping the poor.
C1 noun ˌdɛməˈɡræfɪk trænˈzɪʃən

demographic transition

Meaning
A shift in population patterns from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates as a country develops economically
Example
The demographic transition indicates a shift towards an aging society.
C1 adjective /ˈdrɪəri/

dreary

Meaning
dull, bleak, and lifeless; depressing
Example
The long, dreary winter made everyone feel gloomy.
C2 noun /dɪˈtraɪtəs/

detritus

Meaning
Waste or debris of any kind; fragments left from destruction or decay.
Example
The riverbank was covered with detritus after the flood.
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.
C2 noun /ˈdɛvɪltrɪ/

deviltry

Meaning
Cruel or malicious behavior; mischief with an evil aspect.
Example
The villain’s deviltry terrified the townsfolk.
C1 noun /dɪˈfen.dənt/

Defendant

Meaning
an individual, company, or institution sued or accused in a court of law
Example
The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against him.
B2 verb /dɪˈpɪkt/

depict

Meaning
to represent or show something in a picture, story, or other art form
Example
The painting depicts a beautiful sunset over the sea.
C2 noun /dɪˌlæpɪˈdeɪʃən/

dilapidation

Meaning
The state of disrepair or ruin as a result of neglect.
Example
The old temple was in a state of dilapidation.
C2 noun /doʊˈniː/

donee

Meaning
A person who receives a gift or donation.
Example
The scholarship fund’s donee expressed heartfelt gratitude.
C1 noun /dɪˈsaɪ.pəl/

Disciple

Meaning
a follower and student of a teacher, leader, or philosopher; devoted follower
Example
The famous philosopher had many disciples who spread his teachings worldwide.
C1 adjective /diːˈsɛntrəlaɪzd/

decentralized

Meaning
Controlled by several local offices or authorities rather than one single one.
Example
The decentralized system allowed for more control at local levels.
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 adjective /ˈdɪl.ɪ.dʒənt/

Diligent

Meaning
hardworking and careful; showing persistent effort
Example
She is a diligent student who studies every day.
C2 adjective /daɪˈæfənəs/

diaphanous

Meaning
Light, delicate, and translucent.
Example
She wore a diaphanous dress that shimmered in the sunlight.
C1 noun/verb /dɛnt/

dent

Meaning
a small hollow mark on the surface of something; to make a small hollow mark
Example
The accident left a dent in the car door.
A1 noun /dɔːr/

Door

Meaning
a movable barrier used to close an entrance to a building or room
Example
Please close the door when you leave the room.
A2 noun /dɪˈzɜːrt/

dessert

Meaning
the sweet course eaten at the end of a meal
Example
We had ice cream for dessert after dinner.
C1 verb /ˈdaʊn.pleɪ/

downplay

Meaning
to make something seem less important than it really is
Example
The company tried to downplay the risks of the new product.
B2 noun ˈdɒmɪnəns

dominance

Meaning
Power and influence over others; control or command.
Example
The dominance of Urdu was evident.
C2 noun /ˈdeɪ.mæn/

day-man

Meaning
a worker employed by the day; a day laborer
Example
The farmer hired a day-man to help with the harvest.
A2 noun /ˈden.tɪst/

Dentist

Meaning
a medical professional who treats teeth and oral health
Example
I need to visit the dentist for a regular checkup.
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.
B1 verb /ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪnt/

disappoint

Meaning
to fail to fulfill the hopes or expectations of someone; to make someone feel sad or displeased
Example
I hope I won't disappoint you with my performance.
B2 verb /ˌdɪsɪnˈfɛkt/

disinfect

Meaning
to clean something thoroughly to destroy bacteria or viruses
Example
The nurse disinfected the wound before applying a bandage.
A2 noun /ˈdɪfərəns/

difference

Meaning
A point or way in which things are not the same.
Example
There is a big difference between theory and practice.
B2 noun /diːp ˈkʌlər/

Deep colour

Meaning
a rich, intense, or dark shade of any color
Example
The artist used deep colours to create a dramatic effect.
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.
C2 noun /djuːˈplɪsɪti/

duplicity

Meaning
Deceitfulness or double-dealing; dishonesty.
Example
Her duplicity was revealed during the investigation.
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.
C2 verb /ˈdʌv.teɪl/

dovetail

Meaning
to fit or combine perfectly together
Example
Her plans dovetail perfectly with our goals.
C2 noun /dɪsˈjuːnjən/

disunion

Meaning
the state of being separated or not united
Example
Civil wars often result from national disunion.
C1 verb /ˈdɛprɪˌkeɪt/

deprecate

Meaning
to express disapproval of something
Example
The teacher deprecated the use of slang in academic essays.
C1 verb /dɪˈflɛkt/

deflect

Meaning
to cause something to change direction; to avoid answering directly
Example
The shield deflected the incoming arrow.
C1 noun ˌdɪs.æmˌbɪɡ.juˈeɪ.ʃən

disambiguation

Meaning
The removal of ambiguity by making something clear and unambiguous.
Example
The AI system applies disambiguation to refine text understanding.
C1 verb /dɪˈraɪd/

deride

Meaning
to mock or ridicule someone or something
Example
The critics derided the new movie for its poor script.
B2 noun /diˈoʊ.dər.ənt/

Deodorant

Meaning
a substance that removes or conceals unpleasant smells, especially bodily odors
Example
She applied deodorant before going to the gym to stay fresh during workout.
C1 verb /dɪˈpoʊz/

depose

Meaning
to remove someone from office or power, especially suddenly and forcefully
Example
The rebels managed to depose the dictator after years of unrest.
C1 adjective /ˈdestatəʊt/

Destitute

Meaning
extremely poor; without money or possessions
Example
Many families became destitute after the economic collapse.
C2 noun /ˌdaɪvəˈɡeɪʃən/

divagation

Meaning
digression; wandering from a path or subject
Example
His lecture was full of divagation, making it hard to follow the main point.
C1 noun /dɪˈfaɪəns/

defiance

Meaning
Open resistance or bold disobedience.
Example
The protest was an act of defiance against injustice.
C1 verb ˈdiː.vi.eɪt

deviate

Meaning
To depart from an established course or normal pattern.
Example
He tends to deviate from the original plan.
C2 verb /ˈdɒdə/

dodder

Meaning
To move in a weak and unsteady way, especially due to old age.
Example
The old man doddered across the street with a cane.
C1 verb /dɪsˈkleɪm/

disclaim

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

debutante

Meaning
A young woman making her first formal appearance in society.
Example
The debutante wore a white gown at the ball.
B1 noun dɪˈskʌvəriz

discoveries

Meaning
The action or process of finding or learning something for the first time; facts or things discovered.
Example
His discoveries revolutionized multiple fields.
C1 adjective /dɪˈfʌŋkt/

defunct

Meaning
No longer existing, operating, or functioning.
Example
The company became defunct after the financial crisis.
A2 noun /dʌk/

Duck

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

decourous

Meaning
characterized by propriety, good taste, and proper manners
Example
She maintained a decourous silence during the ceremony.
C2 adjective /daɪˈɜːrnəl/

diurnal

Meaning
active during the day; occurring daily
Example
Most birds are diurnal creatures, active in daylight hours.
C1 noun /ˈdɑː.mə.saɪl/

domicile

Meaning
A person's legal residence or permanent home.
Example
He declared Canada as his legal domicile.
C2 adjective /ˈdʌlsɪt/

dulcet

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