deride
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C1 verb /dɪˈraɪd/

deride

Meaning
to mock or ridicule someone or something
Example
The critics derided the new movie for its poor script.
B1 noun /ˈdɪstrɪkt/

district

Meaning
a specific area of a country, city, or town, often with official boundaries
Example
She lives in the northern district of the city.
C1 adjective /dɪˈfʌŋkt/

defunct

Meaning
No longer existing, operating, or functioning.
Example
The company became defunct after the financial crisis.
B2 noun /dwɔːrf/

dwarf

Meaning
a person, animal, or plant much smaller than average
Example
Snow White lived with seven dwarfs.
A2 adverb /dəˈrɛktli/ or /daɪˈrɛktli/

directly

Meaning
in a straight line or manner; without anything in between
Example
She spoke directly to the manager about her concerns.
C1 verb /daɪˈleɪt/

dilate

Meaning
To make wider, larger, or more open.
Example
The doctor used drops to dilate the patient's pupils.
C2 adjective /dɪˈklæməˌtɔri/

declamatory

Meaning
speaking in a loud, rhetorical, or dramatic way
Example
The politician’s declamatory style impressed some but irritated others.
C1 adjective /dɪˈraɪsɪv/

derisive

Meaning
Expressing contempt or ridicule.
Example
She gave a derisive laugh at his attempt to sing.
C1 noun /ˌdɜːrməˈtɑːlədʒi/

dermatology

Meaning
The branch of medicine concerned with the skin and its diseases.
Example
He studied dermatology at medical school.
C1 noun /ˌdɪs.ɪˈluː.ʒən.mənt/

disillusionment

Meaning
A feeling of disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed it to be.
Example
Many people experience disillusionment after unrealistic expectations.
C1 verb /dɪsˈbænd/

disband

Meaning
to break up and stop functioning as a group or organization
Example
The club decided to disband after twenty years of activity.
A2 verb /dɪˈpend/

depend

Meaning
to rely on someone or something for support
Example
Children depend on their parents for care.
B1 adjective /ˈdiːsənt/

decent

Meaning
conforming to standards of propriety, good taste, or morality
Example
He found a decent job after months of searching.
B2 adjective /ˈdæmɪdʒɪŋ/

damaging

Meaning
causing harm or injury
Example
The storm caused damaging effects to the crops.
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 /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.
C2 adjective /ˈdjuːtiəbl/

dutiable

Meaning
subject to customs duty or tax
Example
Imported electronics are often dutiable at the border.
B1 adjective ˌdem.əˈkræt.ɪk

democratic

Meaning
Relating to or supporting democracy or its principles.
Example
Democratic governance ensures equal rights.
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.
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.
A1 adjective ˈdɪfɪkəlt

difficult

Meaning
Needing much effort or skill to accomplish, deal with, or understand; hard.
Example
Managing urban challenges has become increasingly difficult.
B1 adverb /ˈdiːp.li/

Deeply

Meaning
to a great depth; intensely; profoundly
Example
She breathed deeply before making her decision.
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 /dɪˈspætʃ/

dispatch

Meaning
to send off to a destination or for a purpose
Example
The company dispatched aid to the flood victims.
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.
C1 verb /ˈdɛprɪˌkeɪt/

deprecate

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

demean

Meaning
to cause someone to lose dignity or respect
Example
The manager demeaned his employees with rude remarks.
C2 noun /ˈdɪfɪdəns/

diffidence

Meaning
Lack of self-confidence; shyness or modesty.
Example
Her diffidence made it hard for her to speak in public.
C2 noun /ˈdɛnɪzən/

denizen

Meaning
an inhabitant or resident of a particular place
Example
The forest is home to many nocturnal denizens.
C2 noun /ˈdɛkəˌlɔːɡ/

decalogue

Meaning
The Ten Commandments in the Bible; a set of fundamental rules or principles.
Example
The priest gave a sermon on the importance of the Decalogue.
C2 adjective /ˈdəʊl.səm/

dolesome

Meaning
Filled with grief or sadness; mournful.
Example
The dolesome ballad brought tears to their eyes.
C2 adjective /ˌdaɪəˈtɒmɪk/

diatomic

Meaning
Consisting of two atoms.
Example
Oxygen is a diatomic molecule.
C1 noun /ˌdez.ɪɡˈneɪ.ʃən/

Designation

Meaning
the action of choosing someone for a position; a name, title, or official status
Example
His designation as team leader came with additional responsibilities and authority.
C1 adjective /dɪˈmɛntɪd/

demented

Meaning
behaving irrationally due to mental illness or extreme excitement
Example
He looked demented after hearing the shocking news.
C2 noun /dɪsˈjuːnjən/

disunion

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

dissipate

Meaning
To disappear or cause to disappear gradually.
Example
The tension in the room slowly dissipated.
C2 adjective /ˈdɛdˌpæn/

deadpan

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

ditty

Meaning
a short, simple song or poem
Example
She sang a cheerful little ditty while cooking.
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.
C2 noun /ˈdʌblɪt/

doublet

Meaning
a close-fitting jacket worn by men in the Renaissance; also, a pair of similar things
Example
The actor wore a velvet doublet for the Shakespearean play.
C1 verb ˈdwɪn.dl

dwindle

Meaning
To diminish gradually in size, amount, or strength; to become progressively smaller.
Example
His savings dwindled due to unexpected expenses.
B2 verb /dɪˈvaɪz/

devise

Meaning
To plan or invent something carefully.
Example
The engineers devised a new method to reduce costs.
C2 noun /dɪˈmʌrɪdʒ/

demurrage

Meaning
a charge payable to the owner of a ship or vehicle for not loading or unloading on time
Example
The company had to pay demurrage for delaying the unloading of goods.
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.
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 /ˈdɪm.pəl/

Dimple

Meaning
a small depression in the flesh, either one that exists permanently or one that forms when smiling
Example
Her charming dimples appeared whenever she smiled at the children.
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.
B1 verb /daɪn/

dine

Meaning
to eat a meal, especially the main meal of the day
Example
We usually dine at seven o'clock in the evening.
C2 noun /ˈdɒɡərəl/

doggerel

Meaning
Comic or irregular verse, often poorly constructed and lacking in artistic quality.
Example
The poet’s work was dismissed as mere doggerel by the critics.
B2 verb /ˈdæzəl/

dazzle

Meaning
to impress deeply or blind with brilliance or skill
Example
The magician's tricks dazzled the audience.
C1 noun /ˈdɪs.ə.nəns/

dissonance

Meaning
Disagreement, lack of harmony, conflict between ideas or beliefs.
Example
The cultural dissonance created misunderstandings.
C1 adjective /dɪˈsɜːrnɪŋ/

discerning

Meaning
having good judgment or insight; able to distinguish well
Example
He is a discerning reader who notices subtle details.
B2 adjective /dɪˈstɪŋkt/

Distinct

Meaning
separate and different; clear and recognizable; unique
Example
Each painting has its own distinct style and character.
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.
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.
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.
A2 verb /dɪˈskraɪb/

describe

Meaning
to give an account of something in words, including details
Example
She described the scene vividly.
C2 adjective /daɪˈɜːrnəl/

diurnal

Meaning
active during the day; occurring daily
Example
Most birds are diurnal creatures, active in daylight hours.
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 /depθ/

Depth

Meaning
the distance from the top or surface to the bottom; the quality of being intense or profound
Example
The depth of the ocean in this area reaches over three thousand meters.
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.
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 /dɪsˈroʊb/

disrobe

Meaning
to remove one's clothes
Example
The monk disrobed before entering the river.
C1 verb dɪˈlɪnieɪt

delineate

Meaning
To describe or portray something precisely
Example
The artist delineated the scene in intricate detail.
B2 adjective /ˈdɛntəl/

dental

Meaning
relating to teeth or dentistry
Example
She goes for a dental checkup every six months.
C1 noun ˈdɛf.ər.əns

deference

Meaning
Humble submission and respect.
Example
He showed deference to his elderly mentor.
B2 verb /dɪˈtekt/

detect

Meaning
to discover or identify the presence or existence of something; to notice something that is not immediately obvious
Example
The security system can detect movement in the building.
B1 noun /dɪˈmænd/

Demand

Meaning
an urgent request; the desire of consumers for goods or services
Example
The demand for organic food has increased significantly in recent years.
C1 noun /ˈduːmz.deɪ/

Doomsday

Meaning
the last day of the world's existence; a time of catastrophic destruction
Example
The preacher spoke about doomsday and the importance of preparing spiritually.
B1 noun, verb /dɪˈzaɪər/

desire

Meaning
a strong feeling of wanting something or wishing for something to happen
Example
He has a strong desire to travel the world.
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.
A2 noun /dɪˈɡriː/

degree

Meaning
an amount or level of something; an academic qualification
Example
She earned a degree in engineering.
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.
C1 adjective /drəˈkoʊniən/

draconian

Meaning
Extremely harsh and severe, especially laws or rules.
Example
The new regulations were criticized as draconian.
A2 noun /dʌk/

Duck

Meaning
a waterbird with webbed feet and a broad flat bill
Example
The duck swam gracefully across the lake.
C1 verb /druːp/

droop

Meaning
to bend or hang downward; to become weak or tired
Example
The flowers began to droop in the heat.
B2 noun, verb /ˈdɪskɔːrs/

discourse

Meaning
Written or spoken communication or debate.
Example
The professor gave a discourse on ancient philosophy.
A2 noun dɪˈskʌʃ.ənz

discussions

Meaning
The action or process of talking about something in order to reach a decision or to exchange ideas.
Example
Discussions promote collaboration.
C1 adjective /ˈdraʊ.zi/

Drowsy

Meaning
feeling sleepy and lethargic; half asleep; tired
Example
I felt drowsy after the heavy meal.
C2 verb /dɪˈkæpɪteɪt/

decapitate

Meaning
To cut off the head of a person or animal.
Example
The ancient executioner decapitated the criminal.
A1 noun /ˈdɒktər/

doctor

Meaning
A qualified medical professional who treats illnesses and injuries.
Example
The doctor prescribed medicine for the patient.
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.
B1 noun /ˈdaɪ.mənd/

Diamond

Meaning
a precious stone that is extremely hard and brilliant when cut
Example
She wore a diamond ring on her finger.
C2 adjective /dɪsˈkʌmfɪtɪŋ/

discomfiting

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

despond

Meaning
to lose confidence or hope; to become dejected
Example
After repeated failures, he began to despond.
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.
C1 noun /diːˈkrɪp.ʃən/

decryption

Meaning
The process of converting encrypted data back into its original form so it can be understood.
Example
Hackers attempted decryption of classified data.
C1 noun /ˌdɪsəˈbiːdiəns/

disobedience

Meaning
failure or refusal to obey rules, laws, or authority
Example
The child's disobedience worried his parents.
C1 verb, noun /dɪsˈkrɛdɪt/

discredit

Meaning
To harm the reputation of someone or something; loss of respect or credibility.
Example
The scandal discredited the politician in the eyes of the public.
C1 noun ˌdɪs.ɪnˈfek.ʃən

disinfection

Meaning
The process of destroying harmful microorganisms to prevent infection.
Example
Kitchen appliances require frequent disinfection.
C1 noun ˌdiː.sen.trə.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

decentralization

Meaning
The transfer of authority from central to local government.
Example
Decentralization promotes regional autonomy.
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 /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.
B2 noun /ˈdeb.riː/

debris

Meaning
Scattered pieces of waste or remains.
Example
Debris in the eyes causes irritation.
C2 adjective /dɪˈstreɪ/

distrait

Meaning
deeply distracted or absent-minded, often due to worry or grief
Example
He looked distrait after hearing the sad news.
B2 noun, verb /dɪˈfɔːlt/

default

Meaning
failure to fulfill an obligation, especially to repay a loan
Example
The company defaulted on its loan payments.
C2 adjective /djuːˈplɪsɪtəs/

duplicitous

Meaning
Deceitful; deliberately deceptive or dishonest.
Example
The politician was criticized for his duplicitous statements.
A1 noun /dres/

Dress

Meaning
a piece of clothing for women or girls that covers the body and extends down over the legs
Example
She wore a beautiful blue dress to the party.
B2 adjective /dɪˈzɜːrtɪd/

deserted

Meaning
Empty of people; abandoned.
Example
The village looked completely deserted after the storm.
C2 adjective /dɪˈsɛnʃəs/

dissentious

Meaning
Causing or likely to cause disagreement and conflict.
Example
His dissentious remarks divided the group further.
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 /ˈdɔːd(ə)l/

dawdle

Meaning
to waste time by being slow or idle
Example
Stop dawdling and finish your homework.
B2 adjective /daɪˈnæm.ɪk/

dynamic

Meaning
Characterized by constant change, activity, or progress.
Example
Life flows in a dynamic stream.
C2 verb /dɪˈsɛvər/

dissever

Meaning
To separate or cut apart.
Example
The treaty sought to dissever the two hostile regions.
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.
B2 verb /ˈdɒmɪneɪt/

dominate

Meaning
to have power or control over something or someone
Example
The company dominates the smartphone market.
A2 noun /ˈdaɪət/

diet

Meaning
the kinds of food that a person usually eats
Example
He follows a strict vegetarian diet.
C2 adjective /ˈdɪsəluːt/

dissolute

Meaning
lacking moral restraint; indulging excessively in sensual pleasures
Example
He led a dissolute life filled with parties and gambling.
C2 verb /ˌdɪskəmˈbɑːbjuleɪt/

discombobulate

Meaning
to confuse or disconcert; to upset the normal order
Example
The sudden question seemed to discombobulate him.
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.
B1 adjective /draɪd/

dried

Meaning
without moisture; preserved by removing water
Example
She added some dried flowers to the vase for decoration.
C2 adjective /dæŋk/

dank

Meaning
unpleasantly damp and cold
Example
The basement was dark and dank, filled with a musty smell.
A2 noun /dɪər/

Deer

Meaning
a graceful wild animal with antlers, especially the male
Example
We saw a beautiful deer grazing in the meadow.
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.
C1 adjective /dɪˈspɒndənt/

despondent

Meaning
feeling or showing deep hopelessness or discouragement
Example
She felt despondent after losing her job.
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.
C2 verb /dɪˈsɛmbəl/

dissemble

Meaning
to conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs; to pretend
Example
He tried to dissemble his anger with a forced smile.
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.
B2 adjective /dɪˈskriːt/

discreet

Meaning
careful and prudent in one's speech or actions, especially to keep something confidential or avoid embarrassment
Example
She was discreet about the details of their conversation.
C2 noun /ˈdɛvɪltrɪ/

deviltry

Meaning
Cruel or malicious behavior; mischief with an evil aspect.
Example
The villain’s deviltry terrified the townsfolk.
B1 noun /dɪsk/

disc

Meaning
a flat, thin, round object or surface
Example
He inserted the music disc into the player.