declivity
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C2 noun /dɪˈklɪvɪti/

declivity

Meaning
a downward slope of ground
Example
They carefully climbed down the declivity of the hill.
C2 verb /ˈdæli/

dally

Meaning
To act or move slowly; to waste time; also to engage in a casual romantic relationship.
Example
He dallied in the garden instead of starting his work.
C2 verb /dɪˈfoʊlieɪt/

defoliate

Meaning
to strip leaves from a tree, plant, or area, often using chemicals
Example
The farmers defoliated the fields before harvest.
C2 adjective /dɪˈrɒɡətɪv/

derogative

Meaning
Expressing a low opinion or showing lack of respect.
Example
He made a derogative remark about her work.
C2 verb /diːˈmæɡnɪtaɪz/

demagnetize

Meaning
To remove or reduce the magnetic properties of something.
Example
The technician demagnetized the old cassette tape.
C2 verb /dɪˈkæpɪteɪt/

decapitate

Meaning
To cut off the head of a person or animal.
Example
The ancient executioner decapitated the criminal.
C2 noun /daɪˈɡrɛʃən/

digression

Meaning
A temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing.
Example
Her story was full of interesting digressions.
C2 noun /dæmˈneɪ.ʃən/

Damnation

Meaning
condemnation to eternal punishment in hell; something that causes ruin or failure
Example
The preacher spoke about salvation and damnation in his sermon.
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.
C2 verb /dɪˈlæpɪdeɪt/

dilapidate

Meaning
To cause something, especially a building, to fall into ruin or disrepair.
Example
The abandoned house began to dilapidate over the years.
C2 adjective /dɪˈfjuːzəbl/

diffusible

Meaning
able to spread or be spread through a medium
Example
Oxygen is diffusible through cell membranes.
C2 verb /dʌn/

dun

Meaning
to demand payment of a debt persistently
Example
The landlord dunned the tenant for unpaid rent.
C2 verb /ˌdɪsɪnˈhɛrɪt/

disinherit

Meaning
to deprive someone, especially a child, of inheritance or right to property
Example
The father threatened to disinherit his son for his reckless actions.
C2 adjective /ˌdɒktrɪˈnɛər/

doctrinaire

Meaning
stubbornly devoted to a theory or doctrine without regard to practical considerations
Example
His doctrinaire approach to politics alienated many supporters.
C2 adjective /dɪˈmjʊər/

demure

Meaning
reserved, modest, and shy
Example
She gave him a demure smile.
C2 adjective /dɪˈdjuːsəbl/

deducible

Meaning
able to be deduced; possible to be inferred
Example
The solution is deducible from the data provided.
C2 noun /ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃə/

differentia

Meaning
A distinguishing characteristic that sets one thing apart from another.
Example
The differentia of humans is their ability to reason abstractly.
C2 noun /dɪˈdʒɛkʃən/

dejection

Meaning
a state of sadness, depression, or low spirits
Example
She sat in a state of dejection after hearing the bad news.
C2 noun /ˌdɪspjuːˈteɪʃən/

disputation

Meaning
a formal debate or argument
Example
The disputation between the two scholars lasted for hours.
C2 noun /ˈdændi/

dandy

Meaning
a man who gives too much attention to his appearance and clothes
Example
The young dandy spent hours grooming himself before the party.
C2 noun /ˈdaɪətraɪb/

diatribe

Meaning
A forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something.
Example
The politician launched a diatribe against his opponents.
C2 noun /ˈdɔːrmər/

dormer

Meaning
A window that projects vertically from a sloping roof.
Example
The old house had a dormer overlooking the garden.
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 /dɪsˈɡɔːrdʒ/

disgorge

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

Drake

Meaning
a male duck; a type of waterfowl
Example
The drake led his family of ducks across the pond.
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.
C2 noun /ˈdɛrɪk/

derrick

Meaning
A framework or tower used for supporting a crane, especially for oil drilling or lifting heavy loads.
Example
The workers assembled a derrick at the oil drilling site.
C2 noun /dɛnˈdrɒlədʒi/

dendrology

Meaning
the scientific study of trees and woody plants
Example
He is studying dendrology at the university.
C2 verb /ˈdɒɡmətaɪz/

dogmatize

Meaning
To state opinions or beliefs as if they were absolute truths.
Example
The professor tended to dogmatize on political issues.
C2 verb /dɪsˈkaʊntənəns/

discountenance

Meaning
To disapprove of or discourage something.
Example
The teacher strongly discountenanced cheating in exams.
C2 noun /dɪˈsɪstəns/

desistance

Meaning
The act of stopping or ceasing from some action or behavior.
Example
The court urged his desistance from further unlawful activities.
C2 adjective /ˌdaɪəˈlɛktɪkəl/

dialectical

Meaning
Relating to the logical discussion of ideas and opinions.
Example
She took a dialectical approach to solve the complex issue.
C2 noun /ˌdiːlɛkˈteɪʃən/

delectation

Meaning
great pleasure or delight
Example
She read the story aloud for the delectation of her friends.
C2 noun /dɪˈpɔːrtmənt/

deportment

Meaning
A person's behavior or manners, especially in a formal situation.
Example
Her deportment during the ceremony impressed everyone.
C2 verb /djuːp/

dupe

Meaning
To deceive or trick someone into believing or doing something.
Example
He was duped into buying a fake watch.
C2 adjective /dɪsˈdʒʌŋktɪv/

disjunctive

Meaning
Serving to separate or divide; expressing a choice between alternatives.
Example
In grammar, 'or' is a disjunctive conjunction.
C2 verb /dɒf/

doff

Meaning
to take off an item of clothing, especially a hat, as a sign of respect
Example
He doffed his hat as the procession passed.
C2 noun /ˌdɛprɪˈdeɪʃən/

depredation

Meaning
An act of attacking or plundering; damage caused by such acts.
Example
The villagers feared the depredation of wild animals at night.
C2 noun /ˈdʌlərd/

dullard

Meaning
a slow or stupid person
Example
He was considered a dullard by his classmates.
C2 noun /ˈdəʊ.lər/

dolor

Meaning
A state of great sorrow or distress.
Example
The nation was in deep dolor after the tragedy.
C2 adjective /ˈdæpəld/

dappled

Meaning
Marked with spots or patches of light and shade or different colors.
Example
The forest floor was dappled with sunlight.
C2 noun /ˈdɛvɪlri/

devilry

Meaning
Wicked or cruel behavior; mischievous actions.
Example
The children were full of devilry on Halloween night.
C2 adjective /dɪˈmɒtɪk/

demotic

Meaning
relating to ordinary people or everyday language
Example
The poet used demotic language to connect with common readers.
C2 adjective /dɪsˈkɒnsələt/

disconsolate

Meaning
very unhappy and unable to be comforted
Example
She was disconsolate after hearing the bad news.
C2 adjective /ˌdɛbəˈnɛr/

debonair

Meaning
confident, stylish, and charming, typically referring to a man
Example
He looked debonair in his tuxedo at the gala.
C2 verb /dɪˈstreɪn/

distrain

Meaning
to seize someone's property in order to obtain payment of rent or other money owed
Example
The landlord distrained the tenant's furniture for unpaid rent.
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.
C2 adjective /dɪˈstɛnsəbl̩/

distensible

Meaning
Capable of being stretched or expanded.
Example
The stomach is a distensible organ that can expand after eating.
C2 verb /dɪˈsɪmjʊˌleɪt/

dissimulate

Meaning
To disguise or conceal one's true feelings or intentions.
Example
He tried to dissimulate his fear with a smile.
C2 verb /dɪsˈkʌmfɪt/

discomfit

Meaning
to make someone feel uneasy, embarrassed, or confused
Example
The interviewer’s tough questions discomfited the candidate.
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 noun /doʊlt/

dolt

Meaning
A stupid or slow-witted person.
Example
Only a dolt would believe such a story.
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.
C2 verb /dɪsˈmɛmbər/

dismember

Meaning
to cut or tear the limbs from a body; to divide into separate parts
Example
The king ordered his enemies to be dismembered.
C2 noun /ˌdiːnəʊˈteɪʃən/

denotation

Meaning
The literal or primary meaning of a word, in contrast to the feelings or ideas that the word suggests.
Example
The denotation of the word 'rose' is a type of flower.
C2 noun /ˈdɛsɪkənt/

desiccant

Meaning
a substance that absorbs moisture and keeps things dry
Example
Silica gel packets are commonly used as a desiccant in packaging.
C2 noun /ˈdɛvɪltrɪ/

deviltry

Meaning
Cruel or malicious behavior; mischief with an evil aspect.
Example
The villain’s deviltry terrified the townsfolk.
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.
C2 noun /ˌdeɪnuːˈmɒ̃/

denouement

Meaning
The final resolution or conclusion of a story, drama, or complicated situation.
Example
The novel's denouement was both surprising and satisfying.
C2 noun /ˈdæstərd/

dastard

Meaning
a cowardly or dishonorable person
Example
Only a dastard would betray his closest friend.
C2 noun /dɪˈpləʊmətɪst/

diplomatist

Meaning
A person skilled in diplomacy; another word for diplomat.
Example
The diplomatist handled the negotiations with great tact.
C2 noun /dɪˈsɛnʃən/

dissension

Meaning
Strong disagreement or difference of opinion, especially leading to discord within a group.
Example
The meeting ended in dissension among the committee members.
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 adjective /ˈdɪlətɔːri/

dilatory

Meaning
Tending to cause delay; slow to act.
Example
The committee was criticized for its dilatory response to the crisis.
C2 noun /ˈdaɪɡræf/

digraph

Meaning
A pair of letters representing a single sound, such as 'sh' in 'ship'.
Example
In the word 'phone', the letters 'ph' form a digraph.
C2 adjective /ˈdɛsəlˌtɔːri/

desultory

Meaning
lacking a clear plan, purpose, or enthusiasm
Example
His desultory conversation bored the audience.
C2 noun/adjective /ˈdɪstæf/

distaff

Meaning
Relating to women or the maternal side of a family; also a tool for spinning thread.
Example
She came from the distaff side of a noble family.
C2 adjective /dæŋk/

dank

Meaning
unpleasantly damp and cold
Example
The basement was dark and dank, filled with a musty smell.
C2 noun /ˌdɛd ˈhiːt/

dead-heat

Meaning
a race or contest in which two or more competitors finish exactly equal
Example
The race ended in a dead-heat between the two runners.
C2 noun /ˈdɒɡ roʊz/

Dog-rose

Meaning
A wild rose species with pink or white flowers and thorny stems, common in hedgerows
Example
The dog-rose bush grew wild along the countryside path.
C2 noun /dɪˈfoʊliənt/

defoliant

Meaning
a chemical that causes leaves to drop from plants, often used in warfare or agriculture
Example
The army sprayed defoliant to clear the forest cover.
C2 verb /dɪsˈbɑːr/

disbar

Meaning
to officially remove a lawyer from the legal profession
Example
The corrupt lawyer was disbarred for unethical conduct.
C2 noun /ˈdɛkəˌɡɒn/

decagon

Meaning
A polygon with ten sides and ten angles.
Example
The geometry teacher drew a perfect decagon on the board.
C2 adjective /ˈdɪstəl/

distal

Meaning
situated away from the center of the body or from the point of attachment
Example
The doctor examined the distal end of the patient’s arm.
C2 noun /draɪ ɡuːs ˈbɛri/

Dry goose berry

Meaning
dehydrated amla fruit, rich in vitamin C and used for medicinal and culinary purposes
Example
Dry goose berry powder is excellent for hair growth.
C2 noun /ˈdɛkəˌliːtər/

decaliter

Meaning
A metric unit of capacity equal to ten liters.
Example
The container could hold up to one decaliter of water.
C2 verb /daʊz/

dowse

Meaning
To search for underground water or minerals using a divining rod; also to drench or extinguish with liquid.
Example
The farmer tried to dowse for water in the dry field.
C2 noun /dɪˈprævɪti/

depravity

Meaning
moral corruption; wickedness
Example
The film portrays the moral depravity of a corrupt society.
C2 adjective /dɪˈsɛnʃəs/

dissentious

Meaning
Causing or likely to cause disagreement and conflict.
Example
His dissentious remarks divided the group further.
C2 adjective /dɪsˈkʌmfɪtɪŋ/

discomfiting

Meaning
Causing unease, embarrassment, or discomfort.
Example
His discomfiting questions made everyone shift uncomfortably in their seats.
C2 noun /ˈdrɪvəl/

drivel

Meaning
silly or nonsensical talk
Example
The politician’s speech was full of meaningless drivel.
C2 adjective /dɪˈspjuːtəbl/

Disputable

Meaning
open to debate or argument; questionable
Example
The facts in the case are disputable and need further investigation.
C2 noun /ˈdaɪˌsɪləbəl/

disyllable

Meaning
a word consisting of two syllables
Example
The word 'happy' is a disyllable.
C2 noun /ˈdrækmə/

drachma

Meaning
The basic monetary unit of Greece before the adoption of the euro.
Example
The old coin collection included a silver drachma.
C2 verb /dɪˈbɑːrk/

debark

Meaning
to disembark or get off a ship, aircraft, or vehicle
Example
The passengers debarked as soon as the ship docked.
C2 noun /draɪ ˈmæŋgoʊ ˈpaʊdər/

Dry Mango Powder

Meaning
a tangy powder made from dried raw mangoes, used as a spice in Indian cuisine
Example
The chef sprinkled dry mango powder over the chaat for extra tanginess.
C2 adjective /ˈdaʊti/

doughty

Meaning
brave, valiant, courageous
Example
The doughty soldier never backed down from a challenge.
C2 adjective /ˈdɪfɪdənt/

diffident

Meaning
Shy or lacking confidence in one's own abilities.
Example
He was too diffident to ask a question in class.
C2 adjective /ˈdʌlsɪt/

dulcet

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

diabolic

Meaning
Extremely evil or cruel; characteristic of the devil.
Example
The villain devised a diabolic scheme.
C2 adjective /ˈdəʊ.lə.rəs/

dolorous

Meaning
Expressing great sorrow or distress.
Example
He spoke in a dolorous tone after the loss.
C2 adjective /dɪˈtɜːrmɪnət/

determinate

Meaning
having exact and definite limits or form
Example
The contract is for a determinate period of two years.
C2 adjective /dɪˈrɪzəbl/

derisible

Meaning
deserving ridicule or mockery
Example
His excuse was so weak that it was plainly derisible.
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 noun /daɪn/

dyne

Meaning
A unit of force in the centimeter-gram-second (cgs) system equal to 10⁻⁵ newtons.
Example
The physicist measured the force in dynes.
C2 verb /ˌdɪskəmˈpoʊz/

discompose

Meaning
To disturb the order or calmness of something or someone.
Example
The unexpected question seemed to discompose her.
C2 noun /ˌdaɪələˈtɪʃən/

dialectician

Meaning
A person skilled in dialectic or logical argument.
Example
Socrates is often considered the greatest dialectician in history.
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.
C2 verb /diːˈnæʃənəlaɪz/

denationalize

Meaning
to transfer ownership from the government to private individuals or companies
Example
The government decided to denationalize the bank to encourage private investment.
C2 noun /ˌdɪvɪˈneɪʃən/

divination

Meaning
the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means
Example
Ancient people often relied on divination to guide important decisions.
C2 verb /ˈdiːɪfaɪ/

deify

Meaning
to treat or worship someone or something as a god
Example
Some fans deify their favorite celebrities.
C2 adjective /dɪsˈpɛptɪk/

dyspeptic

Meaning
Relating to indigestion or having a gloomy or irritable disposition.
Example
After the heavy meal, he felt dyspeptic and uncomfortable.
C2 adjective /dɪˈskrɛpənt/

discrepant

Meaning
showing a difference or inconsistency
Example
The witnesses gave discrepant accounts of the incident.
C2 adjective /ˈdaʊ.di/

dowdy

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

diaphanous

Meaning
Light, delicate, and translucent.
Example
She wore a diaphanous dress that shimmered in the sunlight.
C2 adjective /ˈdekərəs/

decorous

Meaning
showing proper and polite behavior; marked by good taste
Example
The audience gave a decorous applause after the performance.
C2 verb /ˈdɔːd(ə)l/

dawdle

Meaning
to waste time by being slow or idle
Example
Stop dawdling and finish your homework.
C2 adjective /ˈdjuːtiəbl/

dutiable

Meaning
subject to customs duty or tax
Example
Imported electronics are often dutiable at the border.
C2 noun /ˌdɛkləˈmeɪʃən/

declamation

Meaning
a formal speech delivered with rhetorical or dramatic effect
Example
Her declamation captivated the audience at the competition.
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 adjective /ˈdɛprɪkətɔːri/

deprecatory

Meaning
expressing disapproval or belittling
Example
He gave a deprecatory remark about their performance.
C2 verb /ˌdɪsɪnˈfræntʃaɪz/

disenfranchise

Meaning
To deprive someone of the right to vote or other rights.
Example
The new law could disenfranchise thousands of voters.
C2 adjective /ˌdɛfəˈrɛnʃəl/

deferential

Meaning
Showing or expressing respect and high regard.
Example
He was always deferential toward his teachers.
C2 adjective /ˌdɛməˈnaɪəkəl/

demoniacal

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

descant

Meaning
An additional melody or counterpoint sung or played above the main melody.
Example
The choir added a beautiful descant to the hymn.
C2 adjective /daɪˈɡrɛsɪv/

digressive

Meaning
Tending to depart from the main subject in speech or writing.
Example
The speaker's digressive style made the lecture difficult to follow.
C2 adjective /djuːˈplɪsɪtəs/

duplicitous

Meaning
Deceitful; deliberately deceptive or dishonest.
Example
The politician was criticized for his duplicitous statements.
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.
C2 adjective /ˌdɪspjuːˈteɪʃəs/

disputatious

Meaning
fond of or given to argument and debate
Example
His disputatious nature often led to heated conversations.
C2 verb /ˈdɛpjʊˌtaɪz/

deputize

Meaning
To appoint someone as a deputy; to act as a substitute or representative.
Example
The sheriff decided to deputize several locals to help maintain order.
C2 adjective /ˈdəʊl.səm/

dolesome

Meaning
Filled with grief or sadness; mournful.
Example
The dolesome ballad brought tears to their eyes.