demographic transition
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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 /ˈdɪn.dʒi/

Dingy

Meaning
dark and dirty; gloomy; dull in color
Example
The old building had dingy walls that needed painting.
C1 adjective /ˈdaʊ.ər/

dour

Meaning
relentlessly severe, stern, or gloomy in manner or appearance
Example
His dour expression made the meeting uncomfortable.
C1 adjective /dræb/

drab

Meaning
Dull, lacking brightness or interest; monotonous.
Example
The room looked drab with its gray walls and dim lighting.
C1 adjective /ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃəl/

differential

Meaning
Relating to or showing a difference; involving a distinction.
Example
There is a differential treatment between the two groups.
C1 adjective /dɪsˈkɔːrdənt/

discordant

Meaning
disagreeing or clashing; harsh and jarring in sound
Example
The discordant notes of the band hurt our ears.
C1 adjective /dɪˈreɪndʒd/

deranged

Meaning
mentally disturbed or insane; behaving irrationally
Example
The deranged man shouted nonsense in the street.
C1 noun /ˌdɪspɛnˈseɪʃən/

dispensation

Meaning
An exemption from a rule or usual requirement; a system of order, government, or control.
Example
The school granted him a special dispensation to skip the exam due to illness.
C1 noun ˈdɪl.ɪ.dʒəns

diligence

Meaning
Careful and persistent work or effort.
Example
Success requires patience and diligence.
C1 verb /daɪˈluːt/

dilute

Meaning
To make a liquid thinner or weaker by adding water or another solvent.
Example
You should dilute the juice with water before serving it to children.
C1 noun /ˌdɪspəˈzɪʃən/

disposition

Meaning
A person's usual attitude or temperament; arrangement or tendency.
Example
She has a cheerful disposition despite the difficulties.
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 dɪsˈfʌŋkʃənl

dysfunctional

Meaning
Not operating normally or properly.
Example
The dysfunctional system led to numerous delays and errors.
C1 noun /daɪˈvɜː.dʒəns/

divergence

Meaning
The process or state of diverging; a difference or deviation between two or more things.
Example
The divergence in their opinions led to a heated debate.
C1 adjective /dɪˈspɒndənt/

despondent

Meaning
feeling or showing deep hopelessness or discouragement
Example
She felt despondent after losing her job.
C1 verb /dɪsˈoʊn/

disown

Meaning
to refuse to acknowledge or accept responsibility for someone or something
Example
He decided to disown his reckless brother.
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 noun /dɪˌlɪb.əˈreɪ.ʃənz/

deliberations

Meaning
Careful consideration and discussion before making decisions.
Example
Deliberations on sustainability continued for hours.
C1 verb /diːm/

deem

Meaning
to regard or consider in a specified way
Example
The project was deemed a success by the board.
C1 verb /dɛlv/

delve

Meaning
To investigate deeply; to dig into a subject or area.
Example
The researcher delved into ancient manuscripts to find clues.
C1 verb /dɪsˈkʌlər/

discolor

Meaning
to change color, especially in a way that spoils the original appearance
Example
The fabric began to discolor after being left in the sun.
C1 noun /djuːn/

dune

Meaning
A hill or ridge of sand formed by the wind, usually found in deserts or near beaches.
Example
The children played on the sand dune by the beach.
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 verb /dɪˈspɛl/

dispel

Meaning
to make a doubt, feeling, or belief disappear
Example
The teacher's explanation dispelled the students' confusion.
C1 noun ˌdɪdʒɪˈnɛəreɪʃən

degeneration

Meaning
The process of decline or deterioration in structure or function.
Example
The degeneration of brain cells leads to cognitive decline.
C1 verb /ˌdɪskənˈsɜːrt/

disconcert

Meaning
To unsettle, confuse, or disturb the composure of someone.
Example
The sudden change of plans disconcerted the team.
C1 adjective /dɪˈvɔɪd/

devoid

Meaning
Completely lacking or without something.
Example
His speech was devoid of any real emotion.
C1 noun /dʌsk/

Dusk

Meaning
the period of the day when daylight is fading; twilight
Example
They walked along the beach during dusk, watching the sunset.
C1 noun /ˌdiːˈmer.ɪt/

Demerit

Meaning
a fault or disadvantage; a mark given for a fault or offense
Example
The student received a demerit for arriving late to class repeatedly.
C1 verb/adjective /dɪˈdʒɛnəreɪt/

degenerate

Meaning
To decline or deteriorate in quality, character, or condition; or someone with low moral standards.
Example
The once thriving empire began to degenerate into chaos.
C1 noun dɪˌtɪə.ri.əˈreɪ.ʃən

deterioration

Meaning
The process of becoming progressively worse; decline in quality, condition, or strength.
Example
Poor maintenance leads to material deterioration.
C1 adjective /dɪˈsɪd.ju.əs/

deciduous

Meaning
Referring to trees that shed their leaves seasonally, typically in autumn.
Example
Oak and maple trees are deciduous, shedding leaves in autumn.
C1 verb /dɪˈpriːʃieɪt/

depreciate

Meaning
to reduce in value over time
Example
Cars tend to depreciate quickly in their first few years.
C1 noun dɛkˈstɛr.ɪ.ti

dexterity

Meaning
Skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands; mental skill or adroitness.
Example
His dexterity in playing the piano amazed the audience.
C1 noun /ˈdɒktrɪn/

doctrine

Meaning
A set of beliefs or principles held and taught by a religious, political, or other group.
Example
The church follows a strict doctrine on moral values.
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.
C1 noun ˌdɪm.ɪˈnjuː.ʃən

diminution

Meaning
A reduction in the size, extent, or importance of something; decrease.
Example
There has been a diminution in air pollution.
C1 noun /dɪˈfjuːʒən/

diffusion

Meaning
the spreading of something more widely or the movement of particles from high to low concentration
Example
The diffusion of information on social media is rapid.
C1 verb /dɪsˈfɪɡjər/

disfigure

Meaning
to spoil or damage the appearance of something
Example
The fire disfigured the old building.
C1 adjective /dɪˈmɒnstrəbl/

demonstrable

Meaning
clearly able to be shown or proven
Example
There was demonstrable evidence that he was innocent.
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.
C1 noun /ˈdræm.ə.tɪst/

dramatist

Meaning
a person who writes plays
Example
Shakespeare is one of the greatest dramatists in history.
C1 verb /dɪˈsweɪd/

dissuade

Meaning
To persuade someone not to do something.
Example
She tried to dissuade him from quitting his job.
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.
C1 verb /dɪsˈpruːv/

disprove

Meaning
to show that something is false or wrong
Example
The scientist worked hard to disprove the old theory.
C1 verb /dɪˈplɔːr/

deplore

Meaning
to feel or express strong disapproval of something; to regret deeply
Example
Many people deplore the violence shown on television.
C1 noun /ˌdɪsbɪˈliːvər/

disbeliever

Meaning
a person who does not believe in something, especially a religion or idea
Example
He was called a disbeliever for rejecting the traditional faith.
C1 noun /dɪˌnɒmɪˈneɪʃən/

denomination

Meaning
a recognized autonomous branch of the Christian Church; a unit of value or currency
Example
The church belongs to a Protestant denomination.
C1 noun dɪˈdʒɛnəˌreɪtɪv dɪˈzizɪz

degenerative diseases

Meaning
Medical conditions that involve the deterioration or progressive decline of tissues, organs, or functions
Example
Degenerative diseases are common in an aging population.
C1 noun /ˈdɑːsieɪ/

dossier

Meaning
A collection of documents about a particular person, event, or subject.
Example
The lawyer presented a dossier of evidence to the court.
C1 verb /dɪsˈlɒdʒ/

dislodge

Meaning
To remove or force out from a position, especially one that is fixed or hard to move.
Example
The troops dislodged the enemy from the hill.
C1 noun /ˌdɜːrməˈtɑːlədʒɪst/

dermatologist

Meaning
A doctor who specializes in the treatment of skin diseases.
Example
She consulted a dermatologist for her skin allergy.
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.
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.
C1 noun /ˈdaʊn.pɔːr/

Downpour

Meaning
a heavy fall of rain; a sudden heavy rainfall
Example
The sudden downpour caught everyone off guard and soaked the outdoor event.
C1 adjective /ˈdaɪ.si/

dicey

Meaning
Risky or unpredictable; potentially dangerous.
Example
Investing in that company looks pretty dicey right now.
C1 verb /ˌdɪsəˈlaʊ/

disallow

Meaning
to refuse to allow or accept something
Example
The referee disallowed the goal for offside.
C1 adjective /ˈdæʃ.ɪŋ/

Dashing

Meaning
stylish and confident; lively and energetic; attractive and charming
Example
He looked dashing in his new suit.
C1 noun /dɪˌsem.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/

dissemination

Meaning
The action or fact of spreading something, especially information, widely.
Example
The dissemination of false information is a major issue.
C1 adjective /dɪˈsperɪŋ/

Despairing

Meaning
feeling hopeless; in despair
Example
She felt despairing after losing her job.
C1 noun, verb /dɪsˈɑːnər/

dishonor

Meaning
a state of shame or loss of respect; to bring shame upon someone or something
Example
The soldier felt he had brought dishonor to his family.
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 adjective /daɪˈvɜːrsɪfaɪd/

diversified

Meaning
Made or having variety in form, nature, or content.
Example
The company adopted a diversified business strategy to reduce risks.
C1 noun /ˈdiːviəns/

deviance

Meaning
Behavior that differs from accepted social or moral standards.
Example
The book studies deviance in urban youth culture.
C1 adjective /dɪsˈrɛpjətəbl̩/

disreputable

Meaning
having a bad reputation; not considered respectable or trustworthy
Example
The journalist avoided staying in the disreputable part of town.
C1 noun /dɪˈlɪriəm/

delirium

Meaning
An acutely disturbed state of mind characterized by restlessness, illusions, and incoherence.
Example
The patient experienced delirium after the surgery due to the strong medication.
C1 noun ˌdep.əˈzɪʃ.ən

deposition

Meaning
The action of depositing something; the laying down of matter by a natural process.
Example
River deposition leads to the formation of new landmasses.
C1 noun /ˈdɛsɪˌbɛl/

decibel

Meaning
a unit used to measure the intensity of sound
Example
The noise level in the factory exceeded 90 decibels.
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.
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 draʊt rɪˈzɪs.tənt

drought-resistant

Meaning
Able to survive and grow despite limited water availability or drought conditions.
Example
Drought-resistant crops can survive in arid conditions.
C1 adjective /dɪˈfɪʃənt/

Deficient

Meaning
not having enough of a specified quality or ingredient; lacking or inadequate
Example
His diet was deficient in essential vitamins.
C1 adjective /ˈdaʊn.kæst/

downcast

Meaning
feeling sad, dejected, or with lowered eyes
Example
He looked downcast after hearing the bad news.
C1 noun /ˈdrʌdʒəri/

drudgery

Meaning
Hard, menial, or dull work.
Example
She wanted to escape the drudgery of her daily routine.
C1 verb /dɪˈsɛm.ɪ.neɪt/

disseminate

Meaning
To spread or give out something, especially news, information, ideas, etc., to a lot of people.
Example
Social media helps to disseminate information quickly.
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.
C1 noun /ˈdæmpər/

damper

Meaning
something that reduces or lessens the force, effect, or excitement
Example
The cancellation of the trip put a damper on their enthusiasm.
C1 noun /ˈdɪɡnɪˌtɛri/

dignitary

Meaning
a person considered to be important because of high rank or office
Example
Several foreign dignitaries attended the state banquet.
C1 verb /dɪˈsɛnt/

dissent

Meaning
To hold or express opinions that are different from those officially accepted.
Example
Several members dissented from the majority decision.
C1 phrase ˌdɪp.ləˈmæt.ɪk rɛz.əˈluː.ʃən

diplomatic resolution

Meaning
A peaceful solution to conflicts through negotiation and diplomatic channels.
Example
A diplomatic resolution is necessary for peace.
C1 noun /dɪˈluːʒən/

delusion

Meaning
A false belief or impression maintained despite being contradicted by reality.
Example
He lived under the delusion that he was invincible.
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.
C1 noun /ˈdɒɡmə/

dogma

Meaning
A principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true.
Example
The religious leader strictly adhered to traditional dogma.
C1 adjective /ˈdek.stər.əs/

dexterous

Meaning
Showing or having skill, especially with the hands; mentally adroit and skillful.
Example
A dexterous programmer can write complex codes effortlessly.
C1 verb /dɪˈtɛst/

detest

Meaning
To dislike intensely or hate.
Example
I detest waking up early on weekends.
C1 noun /dɪˈstɔːrʃən/

distortion

Meaning
the action of twisting, changing, or misrepresenting the shape, sound, or truth of something
Example
There was a distortion in the radio signal.
C1 noun /ˌdep.rɪˈveɪ.ʃən/

deprivation

Meaning
The damaging lack of material benefits considered to be basic necessities in a society.
Example
Sleep deprivation affects cognitive function.
C1 adjective /ˈdjuːtɪfəl/

Dutiful

Meaning
conscientiously fulfilling one's duty; obedient; respectful
Example
She is a dutiful daughter who always helps her parents.
C1 noun /ˈdɑːrwɪnɪzəm/

darwinism

Meaning
the theory of biological evolution developed by Charles Darwin, emphasizing natural selection
Example
Darwinism revolutionized the way scientists understood the origin of species.
C1 adjective /dɪˈstrɔːt/

distraught

Meaning
extremely upset and anxious, often to the point of being unable to think clearly
Example
She was distraught after losing her pet.
C1 verb /dɪˈkraɪ/

decry

Meaning
to publicly criticize or express strong disapproval of something
Example
Many activists decry the destruction of the rainforest.
C1 adjective /drəˈkoʊniən/

draconian

Meaning
Extremely harsh and severe, especially laws or rules.
Example
The new regulations were criticized as draconian.
C1 adjective /dɪˈpreɪvd/

depraved

Meaning
morally corrupt or wicked
Example
The film depicts the life of a depraved criminal.
C1 verb /dɪˈsɛkt/

dissect

Meaning
to cut apart an animal, plant, or other organism to study its internal parts; to analyze something in detail
Example
In biology class, students had to dissect a frog to learn about its anatomy.
C1 verb /dɪˈmiːn/

demean

Meaning
to cause someone to lose dignity or respect
Example
The manager demeaned his employees with rude remarks.
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.
C1 verb /daʊs/

douse

Meaning
to pour liquid over; to extinguish a fire or light
Example
Firefighters doused the flames with water.
C1 noun /dɪˈmaɪz/

demise

Meaning
Death or end of something, especially the end of an institution or system.
Example
The sudden demise of the company shocked investors.
C1 adjective /dɪˈklærətɪv/

declarative

Meaning
relating to a statement that declares something; in grammar, a sentence that makes a statement
Example
A declarative sentence simply states a fact or opinion.
C1 verb /daɪˈvɜːrdʒ/

diverge

Meaning
to separate and go in different directions; to differ
Example
The two paths diverge at the fork in the road.
C1 noun /dɪˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃən/

denunciation

Meaning
the public condemnation or accusation of someone or something
Example
The journalist's article was a strong denunciation of corruption.
C1 adjective /dɪˈspɪrɪtɪd/

dispirited

Meaning
Having lost enthusiasm, hope, or confidence; dejected.
Example
After losing the match, the team looked dispirited.
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 verb /daɪˈvʌldʒ/

divulge

Meaning
to make known something private, secret, or previously unknown
Example
She refused to divulge the source of her information.
C1 adjective /ˈdrɪəri/

dreary

Meaning
dull, bleak, and lifeless; depressing
Example
The long, dreary winter made everyone feel gloomy.
C1 noun /ˌdɪstɪˈleɪʃən/

distillation

Meaning
The process of purifying a liquid by heating and cooling; the extraction of the essential meaning.
Example
Distillation is commonly used to produce alcoholic beverages.
C1 verb /ˌdiː.kəmˈprɛs/

decompress

Meaning
To relax and recover from stress or pressure.
Example
Taking deep breaths helps to decompress after a stressful day.
C1 verb /doʊt/

dote

Meaning
to show excessive love or fondness for someone or something
Example
She tends to dote on her grandchildren.
C1 noun /ˈdaʊri/

dowry

Meaning
Property or money brought by a bride to her husband at marriage.
Example
The dowry tradition is still followed in some cultures.
C1 noun /ˈdɑː.mə.saɪl/

domicile

Meaning
A person's legal residence or permanent home.
Example
He declared Canada as his legal domicile.
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.
C1 noun /ˌdɛfəˈmeɪʃən/

defamation

Meaning
the act of damaging someone's reputation by making false statements
Example
The newspaper was sued for defamation of character.
C1 noun /ˈdek.ə.dəns/

decadence

Meaning
Moral or cultural decline characterized by excessive indulgence in pleasure or luxury.
Example
The novel describes the decadence of the wealthy elite.
C1 verb /diːˈfɒrɪst/

deforest

Meaning
to clear an area of trees, usually on a large scale
Example
The region has been heavily deforested for agriculture.
C1 verb /dɪˈflɛkt/

deflect

Meaning
to cause something to change direction; to avoid answering directly
Example
The shield deflected the incoming arrow.
C1 adjective /dɪˈspɪkəbl/

despicable

Meaning
Deserving hatred and contempt; vile or shameful.
Example
His despicable actions shocked the entire community.
C1 verb /dɪˈteɪn/

detain

Meaning
to keep someone from proceeding; to hold back, especially by official authority
Example
The police detained the suspect for questioning.
C1 noun dɪˌlɪb.əˈreɪ.ʃən

deliberation

Meaning
Long and careful consideration or discussion.
Example
The agreement was finalized after much deliberation.
C1 noun /ˈdɛljuːdʒ/

deluge

Meaning
A severe flood; an overwhelming quantity of something.
Example
The town was hit by a deluge of rain in just a few hours.
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.
C1 verb /diːˈkoʊd/

decode

Meaning
to convert a coded message into a readable form; to interpret meaning
Example
The software can decode the hidden message within seconds.