Defensive
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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 adjective /dɪˈraɪvd/

derived

Meaning
Developed or obtained from something else; not original.
Example
The word is derived from Latin.
B2 adjective /dɪˈfɪnɪtɪv/

definitive

Meaning
serving as a final or most authoritative form; conclusive and decisive
Example
The committee reached a definitive agreement on the policy.
B2 noun draʊt

drought

Meaning
A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall; a shortage of water.
Example
Drought impacts crop growth significantly.
B2 adjective /ˈdæmɪdʒɪŋ/

damaging

Meaning
causing harm or injury
Example
The storm caused damaging effects to the crops.
B2 adjective /dɪˈziːzd/

Diseased

Meaning
affected by disease; suffering from illness; sick
Example
The diseased tree had to be removed from the garden.
B2 adjective daɪˈvɜːs

diverse

Meaning
Showing a great deal of variety; very different.
Example
Diverse industries enhance economic resilience.
B2 verb dɪˈtɪrɪəˌreɪts

deteriorates

Meaning
To become progressively worse; to decline in quality, condition, or strength.
Example
The quality of air deteriorates due to pollution.
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 verb /dɪˈraɪv/

derive

Meaning
To obtain something from a source.
Example
Many English words derive from Latin.
B2 noun /dɪsˈɔːrdər/

disorder

Meaning
A state of confusion or lack of order; also a medical or mental condition.
Example
The protest ended in disorder when the crowd became violent.
B2 adverb /ˈdɛspərətli/

desperately

Meaning
in a way that shows despair or great need
Example
He called for help desperately after the accident.
B2 noun /dɪˈsen.dənt/

Descendant

Meaning
a person who is descended from a particular ancestor; offspring of a later generation
Example
She discovered that she was a descendant of European royalty through genealogy research.
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.
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 verb /dɪˈnaʊns/

denounce

Meaning
To publicly declare something to be wrong, evil, or condemn strongly.
Example
The leader denounced corruption in his speech.
B2 verb /dɪsˈmɪs/

dismiss

Meaning
to remove someone from a job or position; to decide something is not important
Example
The manager dismissed the employee for being late too often.
B2 noun /ˈdɛnɪmz/

denims

Meaning
pants or clothes made from denim fabric, usually jeans
Example
He wore blue denims with a white shirt.
B2 noun /djuː/

Dew

Meaning
tiny drops of water that form on cool surfaces at night when atmospheric water vapour condenses
Example
The morning dew glistened on the grass.
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 noun /ˌdɒkjʊmɛnˈteɪʃən/

documentation

Meaning
material that provides official information or evidence
Example
The documentation for the project is available for review.
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 /dɪˈpen.dənt/

Dependent

Meaning
a person who relies on another for financial support; someone who depends on others
Example
As a tax dependent, she could not file her own tax return separately.
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 /dɪˈstɪŋk.ʃən/

Distinction

Meaning
a difference or contrast between similar things; excellence that sets someone apart; honor or recognition
Example
She graduated with distinction, earning the highest honors in her class.
B2 verb /dɪˈmɒlɪʃ/

demolish

Meaning
to destroy completely, especially a building or structure
Example
The city decided to demolish the old stadium to build a new one.
B2 verb /dɪˈvoʊt/

devote

Meaning
to give time, effort, or resources to something
Example
She devotes much of her time to helping the poor.
B2 noun /ˈdraɪv.weɪ/

driveway

Meaning
a short private road leading from a street to a house or garage
Example
The car was parked in the driveway next to the garden.
B2 adjective /ˈdɛlɪkət/

delicate

Meaning
Easily broken or damaged; requiring careful handling.
Example
The vase is very delicate, so handle it with care.
B2 adjective /ˈdɪl.ɪ.dʒənt/

Diligent

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

Daring

Meaning
adventurous courage; willingness to take risks
Example
The mountain climber's daring impressed everyone at the base camp.
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 /dæm/

Dam

Meaning
a barrier constructed to hold back water and raise its level; a female parent of an animal
Example
The massive dam provides electricity and controls flooding in the region.
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 noun /dɪsˈɡaɪz/

Disguise

Meaning
a means of altering one's appearance to conceal one's identity; something that hides the truth
Example
The spy wore an elaborate disguise to avoid being recognized by enemies.
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 /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.
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.
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 /daɪm/

dime

Meaning
a small coin, especially a U.S. coin worth ten cents
Example
He gave me a dime for the phone call.
B2 verb /ˈdæzəl/

dazzle

Meaning
to impress deeply or blind with brilliance or skill
Example
The magician's tricks dazzled the audience.
B2 verb /dɪsˈkloʊz/

disclose

Meaning
to reveal or make information known; to expose
Example
The company must disclose all financial information.
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/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 verb /dɪˈspætʃ/

dispatch

Meaning
to send off to a destination or for a purpose
Example
The company dispatched aid to the flood victims.
B2 adjective /dɪˈprɛst/

depressed

Meaning
Feeling very sad and without hope; in a state of unhappiness.
Example
She felt depressed after losing her job.
B2 verb /dɪˈsiːv/

deceive

Meaning
To cause someone to believe something that is not true.
Example
He tried to deceive his friends with a fake story.
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 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 adjective /dɪˈstɪŋkt/

Distinct

Meaning
separate and different; clear and recognizable; unique
Example
Each painting has its own distinct style and character.
B2 noun /dɪsˈɡʌst/

Disgust

Meaning
a feeling of revulsion or strong disapproval aroused by something unpleasant
Example
She expressed her disgust at the politician's corrupt behavior openly.
B2 noun /duːm/

doom

Meaning
A terrible fate, destruction, or unavoidable bad outcome.
Example
The ancient prophecy foretold the city’s doom.
B2 noun /ˈdɪɡ.nə.ti/

Dignity

Meaning
the state of being worthy of honor or respect; composure and self-respect
Example
Despite facing hardships, she maintained her dignity throughout the ordeal.
B2 noun /ˈdʌklɪŋ/

duckling

Meaning
a young duck
Example
The mother duck led her ducklings to the pond.
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 /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 adjective /dɪˈstɜː.bɪŋ/

disturbing

Meaning
causing anxiety, worry, or emotional distress
Example
The news about the accident was deeply disturbing.
B2 noun daɪˈmen.ʃən

dimension

Meaning
An aspect or feature of a situation, problem, or thing; a measurable extent.
Example
Renewable projects add a new dimension to urban planning.
B2 noun /ˈdæf.ə.dɪl/

Daffodil

Meaning
A bright yellow spring flower with a trumpet-shaped center, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings
Example
The daffodils bloomed early this spring in the meadow.
B2 noun /dɛk/

deck

Meaning
A flat surface or platform, often on a ship or building.
Example
We enjoyed the sunset from the upper deck of the ferry.
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 /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃt/

Distinguished

Meaning
notable; honored; famous; having a dignified appearance or manner
Example
He is a distinguished professor at the university.
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 /ˌdiː.haɪˈdreɪʃən/

dehydration

Meaning
A condition in which the body or tissue lacks adequate water content.
Example
Dehydration can lead to fatigue and confusion.
B2 noun /dɪˌskrɪm.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/

Discrimination

Meaning
the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people; recognition of difference
Example
The company was sued for racial discrimination in their hiring practices.
B2 adjective /dɪˈfektɪv/

Defective

Meaning
having faults or defects; imperfect
Example
The defective product was returned to the store.
B2 verb /ˈdɒmɪneɪt/

dominate

Meaning
to have power or control over something or someone
Example
The company dominates the smartphone market.
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.
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 noun /ˈdɔːr.mæt/

Door-mat

Meaning
a mat placed in front of a door for wiping feet
Example
Please wipe your feet on the door-mat before entering the house.
B2 adjective /ˈdred.fəl/

Dreadful

Meaning
extremely bad or unpleasant; causing fear or suffering; terrible
Example
The weather was dreadful during our vacation.
B2 adverb /ˈdɪmli/

dimly

Meaning
in a faint or unclear way; with little light
Example
The room was dimly lit by a single candle.
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 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 noun /ˈdiː.fekt/

Defect

Meaning
a shortcoming, imperfection, or lack; a fault or flaw in something
Example
The manufacturing defect caused the product to fail after only one week.
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 verb /dʌmp/

dump

Meaning
to drop or dispose of something carelessly; to end a relationship suddenly
Example
He dumped all the trash into the bin.
B2 adjective /ˈdræs.tɪk/

Drastic

Meaning
extreme; severe; having a strong or far-reaching effect
Example
The company took drastic measures to reduce costs.
B2 noun /diːp siː/

deep sea

Meaning
The deep parts of the sea or ocean, typically beyond the continental shelf.
Example
Many deep-sea creatures produce bioluminescence for survival.
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 adverb /drəˈmætɪkli/

dramatically

Meaning
in a sudden, striking, or exaggerated way
Example
Sales increased dramatically after the campaign.
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 noun /dwɔːrf/

dwarf

Meaning
a person, animal, or plant much smaller than average
Example
Snow White lived with seven dwarfs.
B2 adjective /dɪˈzaɪərəbl/

desirable

Meaning
worth having or wanting; attractive
Example
The location of the house was highly desirable, with great views.
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 /ˌdɪsəˈbiːdiənt/

Disobedient

Meaning
refusing to obey rules or authority; rebellious
Example
The disobedient child refused to follow the rules.
B2 verb /ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃieɪt/

differentiate

Meaning
To recognize or make a distinction between things.
Example
It is important to differentiate between fact and opinion.
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 noun ˈdɒmɪnəns

dominance

Meaning
Power and influence over others; control or command.
Example
The dominance of Urdu was evident.
B2 verb /drɪp/

drip

Meaning
to fall or let fall in drops
Example
Water was dripping from the broken pipe.
B2 noun /ˌdaɪəˈbiːtiːz/

diabetes

Meaning
a medical condition in which the body cannot properly control the level of sugar in the blood
Example
He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes last year.
B2 adjective /dɪˈsɛptɪv/

deceptive

Meaning
Giving an appearance or impression different from the truth; misleading.
Example
Appearances can be deceptive.
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 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.
B2 adjective /dɪˈstrʌktɪv/

Destructive

Meaning
causing damage; harmful
Example
The hurricane was highly destructive to coastal areas.
B2 noun /dɪˈrɛktəri/

directory

Meaning
a book or online resource listing people, businesses, or services with relevant details
Example
I need to find a plumber in the phone directory.
B2 adjective /dɪˈstrɛst/

distressed

Meaning
feeling or showing extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain
Example
She looked distressed after hearing the bad news.
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 verb /dɪˈplɔɪ/

deploy

Meaning
to position strategically; to use effectively
Example
The military will deploy troops to the border.
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 /ˈded.li/

Deadly

Meaning
causing or able to cause death; extremely dangerous; lethal
Example
The deadly poison killed the plant instantly.
B2 noun /dɪˈfɛndər/

defender

Meaning
a person who protects someone or something from harm or attack
Example
The defender blocked the shot and saved the goal.
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 dɪsˈrʌp.tɪv

disruptive

Meaning
Causing or tending to cause disruption.
Example
Deforestation has a disruptive effect on wildlife.
B2 noun /den/

Den

Meaning
a wild animal's lair or home; a small, comfortable room; a place for illegal activities
Example
The fox disappeared into its den when it sensed danger approaching.
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 /ˈdes.tə.ni/

Destiny

Meaning
the events that will necessarily happen to someone in the future; fate or predetermined course
Example
She believed that meeting him was her destiny and meant to be.
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 verb, noun /dɒn/

don

Meaning
to put on (an article of clothing); also used as a title for a respected person
Example
She donned her coat before leaving.
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 /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 /dɪˈzæs.trəs/

Disastrous

Meaning
extremely bad or unsuccessful; causing great damage
Example
The hurricane had disastrous effects on the city.
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 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 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.
B2 noun, verb /ˈdɪskɔːrs/

discourse

Meaning
Written or spoken communication or debate.
Example
The professor gave a discourse on ancient philosophy.
B2 verb /dɪˈstrækt/

distract

Meaning
to take someone's attention away from what they are doing or focusing on
Example
The loud noise distracted her during the exam.
B2 noun, verb /dɪˈfɔːlt/

default

Meaning
failure to fulfill an obligation, especially to repay a loan
Example
The company defaulted on its loan payments.
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.