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C1 adjective /ˈdɪn.dʒi/

Dingy

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

dissuade

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

dwindling

Meaning
Gradually reducing in number, size, or strength.
Example
The villagers relied on dwindling water supplies.
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 noun /dɪˈfɛkʃən/

defection

Meaning
The act of abandoning one’s country, cause, or group in favor of another.
Example
The politician’s defection shocked his supporters.
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 /ˌdɜːrməˈtɑːlədʒɪst/

dermatologist

Meaning
A doctor who specializes in the treatment of skin diseases.
Example
She consulted a dermatologist for her skin allergy.
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 adjective /dɪsˈsɪmɪlər/

dissimilar

Meaning
Not alike; different.
Example
Though they are twins, their personalities are dissimilar.
C1 adjective /dɪˈrɒɡətɔːri/

derogatory

Meaning
Showing a critical or disrespectful attitude.
Example
The article contained derogatory comments about the politician.
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, 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.
C1 adjective /dɪˈmɒnstrətɪv/

demonstrative

Meaning
openly showing feelings, especially affection or emotion
Example
She was very demonstrative with her affection towards her friends.
C1 noun /dɪn/

din

Meaning
a loud, unpleasant, and prolonged noise
Example
The din of traffic outside made it hard to concentrate.
C1 noun /ˈdaɪhɑːrd/

diehard

Meaning
A person who strongly resists change and remains loyal to a belief or cause.
Example
He is a diehard fan of classic rock music.
C1 adjective /dɪˈmɪnjətɪv/

diminutive

Meaning
extremely or unusually small
Example
Despite his diminutive size, he was a powerful leader.
C1 noun /doʊ/

doe

Meaning
a female deer, especially an adult one
Example
The doe and her fawn were grazing in the meadow.
C1 verb /dɪˈtɛst/

detest

Meaning
To dislike intensely or hate.
Example
I detest waking up early on weekends.
C1 verb diːˈsɛn.sɪ.taɪz

desensitize

Meaning
To make someone less sensitive or reactive to something through repeated exposure.
Example
Constant exposure to violence can desensitize people.
C1 verb /ˌdɪsɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/

disengage

Meaning
To release or detach oneself from something; to withdraw.
Example
He tried to disengage from the heated argument.
C1 adjective /dɪˈlæpɪˌdeɪtɪd/

dilapidated

Meaning
Fallen into disrepair or ruin due to neglect or age.
Example
The family lived in a dilapidated house at the edge of town.
C1 adjective dɒɡˈmæt.ɪk

dogmatic

Meaning
Being inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true; characterized by arrogant assertion of unproven principles.
Example
His dogmatic approach to politics made discussions difficult.
C1 noun /djuːˈɛt/

duet

Meaning
a musical performance by two singers or instrumentalists
Example
They sang a beautiful duet together on stage.
C1 verb /ˈdrɪbəl/

dribble

Meaning
to let liquid flow slowly in drops or to move a ball skillfully with repeated small kicks or bounces
Example
The baby dribbled milk on his shirt.
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.
C1 adjective /dɪsˈɪntrəstɪd/

disinterested

Meaning
not influenced by personal interest; impartial or neutral
Example
The judge remained disinterested in the case.
C1 adjective /dɪˈfaɪənt/

Defiant

Meaning
boldly resistant or challenging; disobedient
Example
The defiant student refused to follow the rules.
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 delˈteɪɪk ˈlændskeɪp

deltaic landscape

Meaning
A geographical area formed by sediment deposits at the mouth of a river, creating a triangular land formation.
Example
Bangladesh has a unique deltaic landscape.
C1 adjective /dɪˈfɛnsəbəl/

defensible

Meaning
Capable of being protected against attack or criticism; justifiable.
Example
Her decision was legally defensible.
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 /dɪˈspɜːrs/

disperse

Meaning
To scatter or spread widely in different directions.
Example
The police used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
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 /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 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 /daɪˈvɜː.ʃən/

Diversion

Meaning
the action of turning something aside from its course; an activity that diverts the mind
Example
The road closure forced a diversion through the countryside for all travelers.
C1 adjective dɪ ˈskrɛʃ.ən.er.i

discretionary

Meaning
Available for use at the discretion of the user; not required or mandatory.
Example
He set aside some discretionary income for travel.
C1 adjective /dɪˈbeɪst/

debased

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

divulge

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

dubious

Meaning
Hesitating or doubting; not to be relied upon.
Example
She gave him a dubious look after hearing his excuse.
C1 noun /ˌdɪp.ləˈmæt.ɪk ˈmaɪl.stəʊn/

diplomatic milestone

Meaning
A significant achievement or important event in diplomatic relations.
Example
Hosting the summit was a diplomatic milestone.
C1 verb /dɪsˈpærɪdʒ/

disparage

Meaning
to criticize someone or something in a way that shows a lack of respect
Example
It is unfair to disparage people for their opinions.
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 /ˌdɒmɪˈneɪʃən/

domination

Meaning
the exercise of control or influence over someone or something
Example
The empire sought domination over its neighbors.
C1 verb /dɪˈpliːt/

deplete

Meaning
to reduce the quantity or supply of something
Example
The long war has depleted the country's resources.
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 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 verb /ˌdɪsɪnˈtæŋɡl/

disentangle

Meaning
To free something or someone from a tangle or complication.
Example
She tried to disentangle her hair from the branches.
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 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 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 ˌdiːˌrɛɡ.jʊˈleɪ.ʃən

deregulation

Meaning
The removal or reduction of government regulations in an economic sector.
Example
Deregulation has increased competition in the telecommunications sector.
C1 verb /ˌdɪsəˈlaʊ/

disallow

Meaning
to refuse to allow or accept something
Example
The referee disallowed the goal for offside.
C1 noun /ˈdɛspɒt/

despot

Meaning
a ruler with absolute power, often ruling in a cruel or oppressive way
Example
The despot ruled the nation with fear and violence.
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 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 /dɪˈskrep.ən.si/

discrepancy

Meaning
A lack of compatibility or similarity between two or more facts.
Example
The audit revealed a discrepancy between the reported earnings and actual income.
C1 noun /dɪˈmiːnər/

demeanor

Meaning
a person's outward behavior or appearance
Example
Her calm demeanor impressed everyone at the meeting.
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.
C1 verb /dʌb/

dub

Meaning
to give a name or label to something; to add a soundtrack to a film or recording
Example
The movie was dubbed into several languages for international release.
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 verb /diːˈfjuːz/

defuse

Meaning
To make a situation less dangerous, tense, or explosive; to remove a fuse from a bomb.
Example
The negotiator helped defuse the tense situation.
C1 verb /ˌdɪskənˈsɜːrt/

disconcert

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

divisible

Meaning
Capable of being divided by another number without leaving a remainder.
Example
Twelve is divisible by three and four.
C1 verb /daɪˈvɛst/

divest

Meaning
to strip away possessions, rights, or assets; to rid oneself of
Example
The company decided to divest its unprofitable division.
C1 adjective /dɪsˈpæʃənət/

dispassionate

Meaning
not influenced by strong emotion; impartial
Example
The judge remained dispassionate throughout the trial.
C1 noun dɪˈpliː.ʃən

depletion

Meaning
The gradual reduction or exhaustion of a resource or substance.
Example
Overuse of groundwater leads to depletion of water resources.
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 /ˈdrʌdʒəri/

drudgery

Meaning
Hard, menial, or dull work.
Example
She wanted to escape the drudgery of her daily routine.
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 adjective /dɪˈbɪl.ɪ.teɪ.tɪŋ/

debilitating

Meaning
Making someone or something weak and infirm.
Example
The disease had a debilitating effect on his health.
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 noun /ˈdʊr.i.ən/

Durian

Meaning
a large spiky tropical fruit known for its strong smell and creamy custard-like flesh
Example
Durian is known as the king of fruits in Southeast Asia despite its pungent odor.
C1 noun /ˈdɪsɪdənt/

dissident

Meaning
A person who opposes official policy, especially that of an authoritarian state.
Example
The dissident was arrested for speaking against the government.
C1 noun /dɪˈprɛsənt/

depressant

Meaning
A drug that reduces functional or nervous activity in the body.
Example
Alcohol acts as a depressant on the central nervous system.
C1 noun /ˈdɪŋɡi/

dinghy

Meaning
a small boat, often carried or towed by a larger vessel, used for short trips or as a lifeboat
Example
They rowed the dinghy back to the yacht.
C1 adjective /ˈdesələt/

Desolate

Meaning
deserted; lonely; barren
Example
The abandoned village looked desolate and empty.
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 verb /dɪˈsɛləˌreɪt/

decelerate

Meaning
to reduce speed; to slow down
Example
The car began to decelerate as it approached the traffic light.
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 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 verb /dɪsˈsætɪsfaɪ/

dissatisfy

Meaning
to fail to please or meet expectations; to make someone unhappy
Example
The poor service dissatisfies many customers.
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 /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.
C1 noun /draɪ fɪʃ/

Dry fish

Meaning
fish that has been preserved by drying in the sun or by other dehydration methods
Example
Dry fish is a popular preserved food in many coastal regions.
C1 noun /dɪˈkriː/

Decree

Meaning
an official order issued by a legal authority; a judicial decision or edict
Example
The king issued a decree that all citizens must pay additional taxes.
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 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 ˈdɔːn.tɪŋ

daunting

Meaning
Something that seems intimidating or challenging.
Example
The task seemed daunting, but she completed it successfully.
C1 adjective /ˈdaɪ.si/

dicey

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

defunct

Meaning
No longer existing, operating, or functioning.
Example
The company became defunct after the financial crisis.
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 verb /dɪsˈɡrʌntl/

disgruntle

Meaning
to make someone dissatisfied or discontented
Example
The unfair treatment disgruntled the workers.
C1 noun/adjective /dɪˈtɜː.rənt/

deterrent

Meaning
A thing that discourages or is intended to discourage someone from doing something.
Example
A strict law serves as a deterrent to crime.
C1 noun /ˈdɑː.mə.saɪl/

domicile

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

delude

Meaning
To mislead someone into believing something that is not true.
Example
He deluded himself into thinking he could win the race without training.
C1 noun dɪˌlɪb.əˈreɪ.ʃən

deliberation

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

Destitute

Meaning
extremely poor; without money or possessions
Example
Many families became destitute after the economic collapse.
C1 adjective /daɪər/

Dire

Meaning
extremely serious; urgent; terrible
Example
The country is facing a dire economic crisis.
C1 verb /dɔːnt/

daunt

Meaning
to make someone feel intimidated, discouraged, or less confident
Example
The steep climb did not daunt the experienced hikers.
C1 noun /ˈdræm.ə.tɪst/

dramatist

Meaning
a person who writes plays
Example
Shakespeare is one of the greatest dramatists in history.
C1 noun /ˈdeɪ.li.ə/

Dahlia

Meaning
a garden plant with brightly colored flowers that bloom in summer and autumn
Example
She planted colorful dahlias in her garden last summer.
C1 adjective /dɪˈreɪndʒd/

deranged

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

decimate

Meaning
To destroy or kill a large proportion of something.
Example
The wildfire decimated the forest.
C1 noun dɪˈskrep.ən.siz

discrepancies

Meaning
Differences between things that should be the same
Example
Discrepancies in regulations delay progress.
C1 verb /druːp/

droop

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

domesticate

Meaning
to tame an animal for use by humans; to adapt something for domestic use
Example
Humans domesticated dogs thousands of years ago.
C1 adjective /dɪˈvaʊt/

devout

Meaning
Deeply religious or sincere.
Example
He is a devout believer who prays every day.
C1 noun /djʊˈrɛs/

duress

Meaning
threats, violence, or pressure used to force someone to do something
Example
She signed the contract under duress.
C1 adjective /ˈdɑːsəl/ or /ˈdəʊsaɪl/

docile

Meaning
easily managed, taught, or controlled; submissive
Example
The docile puppy quickly learned new tricks.
C1 verb /dɪˈspɛns/

dispense

Meaning
To distribute or provide something, especially in portions.
Example
The machine dispenses clean drinking water.
C1 verb /ˈdɪs.ɪ.peɪt/

dissipate

Meaning
To disappear or cause to disappear gradually.
Example
The tension in the room slowly dissipated.
C1 verb /diːm/

deem

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