deter
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B2 verb /dɪˈtɜːr/

deter

Meaning
to discourage someone from doing something by instilling doubt or fear
Example
High fines are meant to deter people from breaking the law.
C1 noun /dɪsˈlɛksiə/

dyslexia

Meaning
A learning disorder characterized by difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and decoding words.
Example
The teacher used special methods to help the student with dyslexia.
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.
B2 adjective /dɪsˈɡʌstɪd/

disgusted

Meaning
feeling a strong sense of dislike or revulsion
Example
She was disgusted by the way he treated the animals.
C1 noun ˌdɛɡrəˈdeɪʃən

degradation

Meaning
The condition or process of degrading or being degraded.
Example
Soil degradation due to overuse is a growing issue.
B2 noun draʊt

drought

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

dealer

Meaning
a person or business that buys and sells goods; someone who distributes
Example
The car dealer offered a discount to attract customers.
B2 adjective /dɪˈstɜː.bɪŋ/

disturbing

Meaning
causing anxiety, worry, or emotional distress
Example
The news about the accident was deeply disturbing.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈdɔːnt.ləs/

dauntless

Meaning
Showing fearlessness and determination; brave and resolute.
Example
The dauntless soldier fought against all odds.
B2 verb /ˈdɛvəˌsteɪt/

devastate

Meaning
to cause severe and overwhelming destruction or damage
Example
The hurricane devastated the coastal town.
B2 adjective /ˈdred.fəl/

Dreadful

Meaning
extremely bad or unpleasant; causing fear or suffering; terrible
Example
The weather was dreadful during our vacation.
B1 noun /dɜːrt/

Dirt

Meaning
a substance that makes something unclean; earth or soil; unclean matter
Example
After playing in the garden, the children were covered in dirt from head to toe.
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.
B2 verb /dɪˈspætʃ/

dispatch

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

degrade

Meaning
To lower in dignity, quality, or value; to treat with disrespect or to deteriorate.
Example
Harsh words can degrade a person's confidence.
C2 verb /drəˈɡuːn/

dragoon

Meaning
to force someone to do something through coercion or intimidation
Example
The manager tried to dragoon the team into working overtime.
B1 noun /ˈdɛkeɪd/

decade

Meaning
A period of ten years.
Example
The country has changed a lot in the past decade.
C1 verb /daɪˈvʌldʒ/

divulge

Meaning
to make known something private, secret, or previously unknown
Example
She refused to divulge the source of her information.
A2 noun /dɪˈsɪʒ.ən/

Decision

Meaning
a conclusion or resolution reached after consideration; the action of deciding
Example
Making the right decision required careful analysis of all available options.
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.
B2 noun, verb /ˈdɪskɔːrs/

discourse

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

depilate

Meaning
to remove hair from the skin, especially by mechanical or chemical means
Example
She decided to depilate her legs before the event.
C2 noun /dreɪk/

Drake

Meaning
a male duck; a type of waterfowl
Example
The drake led his family of ducks across the pond.
C1 verb /dɪˈmɔrəˌlaɪz/

demoralize

Meaning
to cause someone to lose confidence or hope
Example
The constant criticism demoralized the young athlete.
B1 noun /doʊˈneɪ.ʃən/

Donation

Meaning
something that is given to a charity, especially a sum of money; the act of giving
Example
The generous donation helped the hospital purchase new medical equipment.
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.
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 noun /ˈdɛməɡɒɡ/

demagogue

Meaning
A political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument.
Example
The crowd was swayed by the fiery speeches of the demagogue.
C2 adjective /daɪˈɒsɪsən/

diocesan

Meaning
relating to a diocese or the district under the supervision of a bishop in the Christian Church
Example
The diocesan council met to discuss church affairs.
C1 noun ˈdɛtrɪ.mənt

detriment

Meaning
Harm, damage, impairment.
Example
Smoking is a detriment to health.
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.
B2 noun /ˈdɪpləmæt/

diplomat

Meaning
An official representing a country abroad; a person skilled in dealing with people tactfully.
Example
The diplomat negotiated a peace agreement.
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 dɪˈspætʃt

dispatched

Meaning
To send off to a destination or for a purpose.
Example
A team was dispatched quickly.
B2 verb /dɪˈfaɪ/

defy

Meaning
to openly resist or refuse to obey someone or something; to challenge or dare someone to do something
Example
The protesters continued to defy the government's ban on public gatherings.
C2 verb /dɪˈnɒmɪˌneɪt/

denominate

Meaning
to give a name or designation to something
Example
The currency was denominated in dollars.
C2 noun /doʊˈniː/

donee

Meaning
A person who receives a gift or donation.
Example
The scholarship fund’s donee expressed heartfelt gratitude.
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 /dʌv/

Dove

Meaning
a small, gentle bird with soft cooing sounds, often white and symbolizing peace
Example
The white dove flew peacefully across the blue sky.
C2 noun /ˌdɪskwɪˈzɪʃən/

disquisition

Meaning
A long or elaborate discussion or written essay on a particular subject.
Example
The professor gave a lengthy disquisition on ancient philosophy.
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.
A2 noun /deθ/

Death

Meaning
the end of life; the permanent cessation of vital functions
Example
The death of the great leader was mourned by the entire nation.
B1 verb /dɪˈfiːt/

Defeat

Meaning
to win a victory over; to overcome in battle or competition
Example
The army managed to defeat the enemy forces.
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.
C2 noun /dɜːrdʒ/

dirge

Meaning
A mournful song, piece of music, or poem expressing grief, often for the dead.
Example
The choir sang a solemn dirge at the funeral.
C2 verb /dɪˈkæpɪteɪt/

decapitate

Meaning
To cut off the head of a person or animal.
Example
The ancient executioner decapitated the criminal.
B1 verb /dɪˈklaɪn/

decline

Meaning
To become smaller, fewer, or less; to decrease gradually.
Example
The unemployment rate continues to decline.
C1 adjective /ˈdjuːbiəs/

dubious

Meaning
Hesitating or doubting; not to be relied upon.
Example
She gave him a dubious look after hearing his excuse.
C2 noun /ˈdrʌmɪt/

Drumet

Meaning
a small drum used in military or marching bands
Example
The drummer played a steady beat on the drumet during the parade.
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.
C1 noun /ˌdɪsərˈteɪʃən/

dissertation

Meaning
A long piece of writing on a particular subject, usually written for a university degree.
Example
She spent two years writing her doctoral dissertation.
C1 noun /ˈdiːviəns/

deviance

Meaning
Behavior that differs from accepted social or moral standards.
Example
The book studies deviance in urban youth culture.
B2 adjective /dɪsˈɡreɪsfəl/

Disgraceful

Meaning
shameful; bringing dishonor; worthy of condemnation
Example
His disgraceful behavior shocked everyone at the party.
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.
B2 verb /dɪˈtætʃ/

detach

Meaning
to separate or remove something from something else
Example
She detached the page from the notebook.
C2 adjective /ˌdaɪəˈbɒlɪk/

diabolic

Meaning
Extremely evil or cruel; characteristic of the devil.
Example
The villain devised a diabolic scheme.
C2 verb /dɪsˈkʌmfɪt/

discomfit

Meaning
to make someone feel uneasy, embarrassed, or confused
Example
The interviewer’s tough questions discomfited the candidate.
A2 verb, noun /drɒp/

drop

Meaning
to let something fall; a small quantity of liquid
Example
Be careful not to drop your phone.
B2 adjective /dɪˈfektɪv/

Defective

Meaning
having faults or defects; imperfect
Example
The defective product was returned to the store.
C2 verb /ˈdɛsɪkreɪt/

desecrate

Meaning
to treat a sacred place or object with disrespect or violation
Example
The vandals desecrated the ancient temple walls with graffiti.
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.
C2 verb /dɪsˈbɑːr/

disbar

Meaning
to officially remove a lawyer from the legal profession
Example
The corrupt lawyer was disbarred for unethical conduct.
C1 noun /ˌdiː.viˈeɪ.ʃən/

Deviation

Meaning
the action of departing from an established course; a departure from usual standards
Example
Any deviation from the established procedure must be reported immediately.
C1 adjective daɪˈvɜː.dʒənt

divergent

Meaning
Tending to be different or develop in different directions
Example
Divergent policies create challenges in collaboration.
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.
C2 noun /dɪˈkæmɪtər/

decameter

Meaning
A metric unit of length equal to ten meters.
Example
The field was measured in decameters for accuracy.
A2 verb /ˌdɪsəˈɡriː/

disagree

Meaning
to have a different opinion; to not agree
Example
I disagree with your assessment of the situation.
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.
A2 verb /ˈdraɪvɪŋ/

driving

Meaning
the act of controlling and operating a vehicle; guiding or motivating something forward
Example
She loves driving along the coast on weekends.
C1 adjective /dɪˈbeɪst/

debased

Meaning
having lost quality, value, or moral character
Example
The debased currency lost the trust of the people.
B2 adjective /ˌdɪsəˈɡriːəbl/

disagreeable

Meaning
Unpleasant or offensive; causing discomfort or annoyance.
Example
The weather was cold and disagreeable.
B2 noun /ˈdeɪ.tə briːtʃ/

data breach

Meaning
Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information through security violation
Example
A data breach exposed millions of users' passwords.
C1 noun /ˈdrʌdʒəri/

drudgery

Meaning
Hard, menial, or dull work.
Example
She wanted to escape the drudgery of her daily routine.
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.
C1 adjective /dɪˈɡreɪdɪd/

degraded

Meaning
Reduced in quality, dignity, or condition.
Example
The villagers were forced to live in degraded conditions.
A2 noun /ˈdeɪ.tə/

Data

Meaning
facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis; information in digital form
Example
Scientists analyzed the data from thousands of experiments to reach their conclusion.
C1 noun ˈdɪk.ʃən

diction

Meaning
The style of pronunciation and word choice in speaking or writing.
Example
A strong diction enhances communication skills.
B1 noun ˌdemənˈstreɪʃənz

demonstrations

Meaning
The action or process of showing the existence or truth of something by giving proof or evidence.
Example
Demonstrations occurred on March 11.
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.
C1 noun /ˌdɒmɪˈneɪʃən/

domination

Meaning
the exercise of control or influence over someone or something
Example
The empire sought domination over its neighbors.
B1 noun /ˌdek.əˈreɪ.ʃən/

Decoration

Meaning
the process or art of decorating something; ornamental items used to beautify
Example
The Christmas decoration transformed the ordinary room into a festive wonderland.
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 /ˈdɛsɪkeɪt/

desiccate

Meaning
to dry up completely or remove the moisture from something
Example
The hot sun can quickly desiccate plants in the desert.
C1 noun /dɪˈfen.dənt/

Defendant

Meaning
an individual, company, or institution sued or accused in a court of law
Example
The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against him.
A1 noun /dɛsk/

desk

Meaning
a piece of furniture with a flat surface used for writing or working
Example
The books are on the desk.
C2 noun /dɪsˈtɛmpər/

distemper

Meaning
a viral disease affecting animals, especially dogs; also refers to a state of disorder
Example
The dog was diagnosed with distemper and needed immediate care.
A2 adverb /ˈdɪfərəntli/

differently

Meaning
in a way that is not the same as another or as expected
Example
She approached the problem differently than her colleagues.
B2 verb /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/

distinguish

Meaning
to recognize or show the differences between two or more things; to set apart as different
Example
It can be difficult to distinguish between truth and rumor.
B2 verb /dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒ/

discharge

Meaning
to release or dismiss from duty; to emit or give off
Example
The hospital will discharge the patient tomorrow.
C1 noun /dɪˈrɪʒən/

derision

Meaning
Contemptuous ridicule or mockery.
Example
His ideas were greeted with derision by the audience.
C2 verb /ˌdɪsəˈreɪndʒ/

disarrange

Meaning
to disturb the order or arrangement of something
Example
The wind disarranged her hair.
C2 noun /dɪˈkrɛpɪˌtjuːd/

decrepitude

Meaning
the state of being old, weak, and worn out
Example
The once-great empire fell into decrepitude.
B1 verb /dɪˈfɛnd/

defend

Meaning
To protect someone or something from harm or attack.
Example
The lawyer worked hard to defend her client.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈdɪsənənt/

dissonant

Meaning
Harsh and lacking harmony; conflicting.
Example
The orchestra produced a dissonant sound during rehearsal.
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.
C2 adjective /dɪˈrɪzəbl/

derisible

Meaning
deserving ridicule or mockery
Example
His excuse was so weak that it was plainly derisible.
C2 verb /diːˈmæɡnɪtaɪz/

demagnetize

Meaning
To remove or reduce the magnetic properties of something.
Example
The technician demagnetized the old cassette tape.
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.
A2 adjective /diːp/

deep

Meaning
extending far down from the top or surface; profound or intense
Example
The lake is very deep in the middle.
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 /ˈdɛnɪmz/

denims

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

doubly

Meaning
in a twofold manner; to twice the degree
Example
She felt doubly fortunate after winning the prize and getting a promotion.
C2 noun /ˈdiːɪst/

deist

Meaning
a person who believes in the existence of a supreme being but rejects organized religion
Example
The philosopher identified himself as a deist.
B2 adverb /ˈdɛspərətli/

desperately

Meaning
in a way that shows despair or great need
Example
He called for help desperately after the accident.
C1 adjective /dɪˈreɪndʒd/

deranged

Meaning
mentally disturbed or insane; behaving irrationally
Example
The deranged man shouted nonsense in the street.
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 verb dɪˈsaɪ.fɚ

decipher

Meaning
To convert something written in code into normal language; to succeed in understanding the meaning of something.
Example
It took hours to decipher the ancient script.
C2 adjective /ˈdəʊ.lə.rəs/

dolorous

Meaning
Expressing great sorrow or distress.
Example
He spoke in a dolorous tone after the loss.
A1 noun /ˈdɒktər/

doctor

Meaning
A qualified medical professional who treats illnesses and injuries.
Example
The doctor prescribed medicine for the patient.
C1 noun /deɪˈbɑː.kəl/

debacle

Meaning
A sudden and ignominious failure; a fiasco.
Example
The company's poor management led to a financial debacle.
B1 verb /dɪˈzɜːrv/

deserve

Meaning
To be worthy of something, usually a reward or punishment.
Example
She worked hard and deserves recognition.
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.
B1 adjective /drʌŋk/

drunk

Meaning
affected by alcohol to the point of losing control of one's faculties or behavior
Example
He was too drunk to walk straight.
C2 verb /dɪˈtruːd/

detrude

Meaning
To thrust or force something downward or outward.
Example
The violent waves detruded rocks from the cliff.
B1 noun /dɪsk/

disk

Meaning
a flat, circular object, often used to store data electronically
Example
All the data is saved on a hard disk.
C2 noun /ˈdræɡˌnɛt/

dragnet

Meaning
A systematic search or investigation, often by police to catch criminals.
Example
The police launched a dragnet to capture the fugitives.
B1 noun /dəˈrɛktər/ or /daɪˈrɛktər/

director

Meaning
a person who manages or oversees a company, department, or film
Example
The director gave final approval for the new movie script.