despondent
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C1 adjective /dɪˈspɒndənt/

despondent

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

detest

Meaning
To dislike intensely or hate.
Example
I detest waking up early on weekends.
C2 noun /ˈdɪktəm/

dictum

Meaning
A formal pronouncement, authoritative statement, or maxim.
Example
The judge’s dictum clarified the principle of equality before the law.
B2 noun /dɪsˈkʌmfərt/

discomfort

Meaning
A feeling of slight pain, unease, or awkwardness.
Example
She shifted in her chair due to discomfort in her back.
B2 noun /ˈden.sə.ti/

Density

Meaning
the degree of compactness of a substance; the quantity of something per unit area
Example
The density of population in the city center is extremely high.
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.
C2 noun /dɪˈspɔɪlər/

despoiler

Meaning
A person who robs, plunders, or violently takes things from others.
Example
The despoilers left the city in ruins.
C2 noun /ˈdɪti/

ditty

Meaning
a short, simple song or poem
Example
She sang a cheerful little ditty while cooking.
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.
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.
A1 adjective /ˈdɪf.ər.ənt/

different

Meaning
Not the same as another; distinct or unlike.
Example
Her opinion was completely different from mine.
B2 adjective /dɪˈbeɪtəbl̩/

debatable

Meaning
open to discussion or doubt; not certain
Example
It is debatable whether the policy will work.
B1 adverb /ˈdeɪndʒərəsli/

Dangerously

Meaning
in a way that could cause harm or injury; riskily
Example
He was driving dangerously fast on the highway.
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 /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 adjective /ˌdɪskəmˈbɑːbjuleɪtɪd/

discombobulated

Meaning
confused and disoriented; feeling unsettled
Example
She looked discombobulated after hearing the unexpected news.
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.
C1 noun daɪˈkɒtəmi

dichotomy

Meaning
A division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different.
Example
The dichotomy between tradition and modernity is often debated.
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 noun /ˌdɪsəˈluːʃən/

dissolution

Meaning
the act of formally ending or breaking apart something, such as an organization or marriage
Example
The dissolution of the company was announced yesterday.
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 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.
B2 adjective /dɪˈskʌr.ɪ.dʒɪŋ/

Discouraging

Meaning
making someone feel less confident or enthusiastic about doing something
Example
The coach's discouraging words affected the team's morale.
B2 noun /dɪˈpen.dəns/

Dependence

Meaning
the state of relying on or needing someone or something for support; addiction
Example
His dependence on technology made it difficult for him to work without internet.
C1 noun /ˈdeɪˌbreɪk/

daybreak

Meaning
The time in the morning when daylight first appears; dawn.
Example
They set out on their journey at daybreak.
C2 noun /draɪd roʊz ˈpɛtəlz/

Dried Rose Petals

Meaning
dehydrated petals from roses used for culinary and aromatic purposes
Example
The dessert was garnished with dried rose petals.
B1 adjective /drəˈmæt.ɪk/

Dramatic

Meaning
relating to drama; sudden and striking; exciting and impressive
Example
The dramatic sunset painted the sky in brilliant colors.
B2 noun dɪˈstrækʃən

distraction

Meaning
Something that prevents concentration or takes attention away from something else.
Example
Distraction during study time can hinder learning.
C2 adjective /djuːˈplɪsɪtəs/

duplicitous

Meaning
Deceitful; deliberately deceptive or dishonest.
Example
The politician was criticized for his duplicitous statements.
B2 noun draʊt

drought

Meaning
A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall; a shortage of water.
Example
Drought impacts crop growth significantly.
C2 noun /dɪˈstɪlər/

distiller

Meaning
A person or company that makes alcoholic drinks or purified liquids by distillation.
Example
The distiller introduced a new brand of whiskey last year.
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.
C1 verb /ˌdɪsˈmaʊnt/

dismount

Meaning
to get off or down from something, especially a horse, bicycle, or motorcycle
Example
The rider dismounted from the horse after a long journey.
C1 verb /dɪˈraɪd/

deride

Meaning
to mock or ridicule someone or something
Example
The critics derided the new movie for its poor script.
A2 noun /ˈdaʊnˌtaʊn/

downtown

Meaning
the central part of a city
Example
They spent the afternoon shopping downtown.
C2 adjective /dɪˈtɜːrmɪnət/

determinate

Meaning
having exact and definite limits or form
Example
The contract is for a determinate period of two years.
C1 adjective /dɪsˈpæʃənət/

dispassionate

Meaning
not influenced by strong emotion; impartial
Example
The judge remained dispassionate throughout the trial.
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.
C2 adjective /dɪˈspjuːtəbl/

Disputable

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

discourse

Meaning
Written or spoken communication or debate.
Example
The professor gave a discourse on ancient philosophy.
C1 verb /dɪˈstɪl/

distill

Meaning
To purify a liquid by heating and cooling; to extract the essential meaning or most important aspects.
Example
The factory distills water to make it safe for drinking.
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.
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 /dɪsˈɡʌstɪd/

disgusted

Meaning
feeling a strong sense of dislike or revulsion
Example
She was disgusted by the way he treated the animals.
B1 noun /dɪˈbeɪts/

debates

Meaning
Formal discussions where different viewpoints are presented and argued.
Example
Debates on governance lasted throughout the session.
C2 adjective /ˈdɛsəlˌtɔːri/

desultory

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

dissembler

Meaning
a person who conceals their real feelings or intentions; a hypocrite or pretender
Example
The politician was accused of being a dissembler who never revealed his true plans.
C1 noun /dɪˈpɑːzətɔːri/

depository

Meaning
a place where things are stored or deposited, especially financial assets
Example
The national depository safeguards all government bonds.
C1 adjective /ˈdɒɡɪd/

dogged

Meaning
showing stubborn determination and persistence
Example
She succeeded through dogged determination.
C1 noun /ˌdev.əˈtiː/

Devotee

Meaning
a person who is very interested in and enthusiastic about someone or something
Example
As a devotee of classical music, she attended every concert in the city.
B1 adjective /dɪˈlaɪtɪd/

delighted

Meaning
feeling or showing great pleasure and happiness
Example
She was delighted with the surprise gift.
C1 adjective /dɪsˈkɔːrdənt/

discordant

Meaning
disagreeing or clashing; harsh and jarring in sound
Example
The discordant notes of the band hurt our ears.
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.
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.
C2 adjective /dɪˈrɪzəbl/

derisible

Meaning
deserving ridicule or mockery
Example
His excuse was so weak that it was plainly derisible.
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.
C2 noun /ˈdəʊ.lər/

dolor

Meaning
A state of great sorrow or distress.
Example
The nation was in deep dolor after the tragedy.
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 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.
C1 adjective /dɪˈpreɪvd/

depraved

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

diminutive

Meaning
extremely or unusually small
Example
Despite his diminutive size, he was a powerful leader.
B2 noun ˈdevəsteɪtɪŋ ˈkɒnsɪkwənsɪz

devastating consequences

Meaning
Extremely harmful or destructive results or effects
Example
Air pollution has devastating consequences for health.
B2 noun /ˈdræɡ.ən.flaɪ/

Dragon-fly

Meaning
a large insect with four transparent wings that lives near water
Example
The dragonfly hovered over the pond.
B2 noun /daɪˈnæmɪks/

dynamics

Meaning
the forces or properties that stimulate growth, development, or change within a system or process
Example
The dynamics of the team changed after the new manager joined.
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.
B2 noun /ˌdɪsəˈɡriːmənt/

disagreement

Meaning
a failure to agree or a difference in opinion
Example
Their disagreement on the issue caused a delay in the project.
A2 noun /dɒl/

doll

Meaning
a small toy resembling a human figure, especially for children
Example
The little girl hugged her favorite doll tightly.
B2 verb /ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃieɪt/

differentiate

Meaning
To recognize or make a distinction between things.
Example
It is important to differentiate between fact and opinion.
C2 noun /ˈdɛkəˌɡræm/

decagram

Meaning
A metric unit of mass equal to ten grams.
Example
The package weighed exactly one decagram.
B1 noun/verb /ˈdɒkjʊmənt/

document

Meaning
Noun: A written, printed, or electronic record that provides information or evidence. Verb: To record information in written or electronic form.
Example
She carefully documented all the expenses of the trip.
A1 noun /ˈdɪnər/

Dinner

Meaning
the main meal of the day, typically eaten in the evening
Example
The family gathered for dinner at 7 PM.
C2 verb /ˈdɪðər/

dither

Meaning
to be indecisive or unable to make a decision
Example
He dithered for hours before choosing a restaurant.
B1 noun ˈdɪdʒ.ɪ.təl tuːlz

digital tools

Meaning
Electronic software and applications used for learning and educational purposes.
Example
Schools are integrating digital tools to enhance learning.
B2 adjective /ˈdevəsteɪtɪŋ/

devastating

Meaning
causing severe shock, distress, or destruction; extremely damaging or upsetting
Example
The earthquake had a devastating effect on the city.
A2 adjective /dʌtʃ/

dutch

Meaning
relating to the Netherlands, its people, or their language
Example
She enjoys Dutch paintings from the 17th century.
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.
B2 noun /ˈdɪdʒɪt/

digit

Meaning
a numeral from 0 to 9; also a finger or toe
Example
You must enter a four-digit code to unlock the phone.
C2 verb /ˌdɪskəˈmoʊd/

discommode

Meaning
To cause inconvenience or trouble to someone.
Example
I hope my request does not discommode you.
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 noun /ˌdiːpɔːrˈteɪʃən/

deportation

Meaning
The act of expelling a foreigner from a country.
Example
The deportation of hundreds of workers sparked international criticism.
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.
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.
C1 verb /dɪˈpriːʃieɪt/

depreciate

Meaning
to reduce in value over time
Example
Cars tend to depreciate quickly in their first few years.
C1 adjective /ˈdaɪ.si/

dicey

Meaning
Risky or unpredictable; potentially dangerous.
Example
Investing in that company looks pretty dicey right now.
C1 noun, adjective /dɪˈrɪvətɪv/

derivative

Meaning
Something that is based on another source; in math, a measure of how a function changes.
Example
The film was criticized for being too derivative of earlier works.
B2 verb dɪˈtɪəriəreɪt

deteriorate

Meaning
To become progressively worse in quality, condition, or performance; to decline.
Example
Unplanned growth can deteriorate living conditions.
A2 noun /dɪˈskʌʃən/

discussion

Meaning
The action or process of talking about something in order to reach a decision or share ideas.
Example
The project needs more discussion before moving forward.
A1 preposition /ˈdjʊərɪŋ/

during

Meaning
throughout the course of a period of time
Example
I fell asleep during the movie.
C1 adjective /ˌdɪktəˈtɔːriəl/

dictatorial

Meaning
Having or showing a tendency to tell people what to do in an autocratic way.
Example
His dictatorial style made him unpopular among colleagues.
B1 noun ˌdɪsədˈvæntɪdʒ

disadvantage

Meaning
An unfavorable circumstance or condition that reduces the chances of success or effectiveness.
Example
Urdu's dominance placed Bengalis at a disadvantage.
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 adjective /dɪsˈɡreɪsfəl/

Disgraceful

Meaning
shameful; bringing dishonor; worthy of condemnation
Example
His disgraceful behavior shocked everyone at the party.
B1 noun /dɪˈvɪʒən/

division

Meaning
the action of separating something into parts; or a large administrative unit
Example
The company has a separate division for research and development.
C1 noun /ˈdiːvə/

diva

Meaning
a famous female singer; a woman who is admired or behaves like a star
Example
The pop diva performed her latest hit to a cheering crowd.
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.
A2 verb dɪˈvɛləp

develop

Meaning
To grow or bring to a more advanced or effective state; to start to exist, experience, or possess gradually.
Example
Develop a brand based on your passion and skills.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈdɛdˌpæn/

deadpan

Meaning
Deliberately impassive or expressionless in manner.
Example
She delivered the joke in a completely deadpan voice.
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.
B1 verb /dræɡ/

drag

Meaning
to pull something heavy or difficult to move along the ground; to go somewhere unwillingly; to last too long
Example
She had to drag the heavy suitcase up the stairs.
A2 noun /ˈdraɪ.vər/

Driver

Meaning
a person who operates a motor vehicle
Example
The taxi driver knew all the shortcuts through the busy city.
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.
C2 noun /dɪˈtrækʃən/

detraction

Meaning
The act of belittling or taking away from the value of something.
Example
Her constant detraction of others made her unpopular.
B2 adjective /dɪˈzɜːrtɪd/

deserted

Meaning
Empty of people; abandoned.
Example
The village looked completely deserted after the storm.
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 verb dɪˈsɜːn

discern

Meaning
To perceive or recognize something; to distinguish with difficulty by sight or with the other senses.
Example
He could barely discern the distant figure in the fog.
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.
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.
C1 adjective ˈdɪs.pər.ət

disparate

Meaning
containing elements very different from one another.
Example
Their opinions were disparate, leading to debates.
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.
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 noun ˈdɪl.ɪ.dʒəns

diligence

Meaning
Careful and persistent work or effort.
Example
Success requires patience and diligence.
C2 adjective /ˈdɪlətɔːri/

dilatory

Meaning
Tending to cause delay; slow to act.
Example
The committee was criticized for its dilatory response to the crisis.
A1 noun /deɪts/

Dates

Meaning
sweet brown oval fruits that grow on date palm trees
Example
Dates are commonly eaten during Ramadan to break the fast.
C2 noun /djuːˈɛnə/

duenna

Meaning
an older woman acting as a governess or chaperone, especially in Spanish families
Example
The young lady was accompanied by a duenna during the festival.
B1 verb /dɪˈpɑːrt/

depart

Meaning
to leave, especially to start a journey
Example
The train will depart at 9 a.m.
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.
C2 noun /ˈdaɪətraɪb/

diatribe

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

denizen

Meaning
an inhabitant or resident of a particular place
Example
The forest is home to many nocturnal denizens.
C1 noun dɪˈtætʃ.mənt

detachment

Meaning
The state of being objective or aloof; not being emotionally involved.
Example
Buddhist philosophy encourages detachment from material desires.