disabuse
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C2 verb /ˌdɪsəˈbjuːz/

disabuse

Meaning
To free someone from a false belief or misconception.
Example
The teacher tried to disabuse the students of their misunderstanding.
C2 verb /dɒf/

doff

Meaning
to take off an item of clothing, especially a hat, as a sign of respect
Example
He doffed his hat as the procession passed.
C2 noun /ˈdoʊtɪdʒ/

dotage

Meaning
The period of old age, especially when one is weak or senile.
Example
He spent his dotage reminiscing about his youth.
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.
C1 noun /djuːˈɛt/

duet

Meaning
a musical performance by two singers or instrumentalists
Example
They sang a beautiful duet together on stage.
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 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.
B2 adjective /ˈdjʊərəbəl/

Durable

Meaning
able to withstand wear, pressure, or damage; lasting; strong
Example
This durable fabric will last for many years.
C2 adjective /ˈdɪsəluːt/

dissolute

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

dross

Meaning
worthless or unwanted material; rubbish or impurities
Example
Most of his early writings were considered dross.
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.
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.
B2 noun /ˌdɪsɪnˈfɛktənt/

disinfectant

Meaning
a chemical substance used to kill harmful microorganisms on surfaces
Example
The cleaner sprayed disinfectant on the table.
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.
C2 noun /dɪˈpoʊnənt/

deponent

Meaning
A person who gives testimony under oath, especially in a written deposition.
Example
The deponent confirmed the accuracy of the statement during the trial.
B1 noun/adjective /ˌdɒkjʊˈmɛntri/

documentary

Meaning
A film or television program that provides a factual record or report.
Example
We watched a documentary about climate change.
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 /dɪˈspɛns/

dispense

Meaning
To distribute or provide something, especially in portions.
Example
The machine dispenses clean drinking water.
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.
A2 noun /ˈdɒŋ.ki/

Donkey

Meaning
a domesticated animal related to the horse, with long ears and a braying call
Example
The donkey carried heavy bags up the mountain.
B2 noun /dɪsˈmɪsl̩/

dismissal

Meaning
the act of removing someone from their job; the act of treating something as unimportant
Example
His unfair dismissal led to a lawsuit against the company.
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.
B1 verb /dɪˈleɪ/

delay

Meaning
to make something happen later than planned
Example
The flight was delayed due to bad weather.
C2 noun /ˈdeɪ.ɪs/

Dais

Meaning
a raised platform, typically at one end of a room or hall, for speakers or honored guests
Example
The principal stood on the dais to address the entire school assembly.
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.
B2 noun /daɪm/

dime

Meaning
a small coin, especially a U.S. coin worth ten cents
Example
He gave me a dime for the phone call.
C1 adjective /dræb/

drab

Meaning
Dull, lacking brightness or interest; monotonous.
Example
The room looked drab with its gray walls and dim lighting.
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.
B2 adjective /dɪˈtætʃt/

detached

Meaning
separate or disconnected; showing a lack of emotional involvement
Example
He lived in a detached house away from the city.
C2 noun /dɪsˈdʒʌŋkʃən/

disjunction

Meaning
A lack of connection between things; separation or disunity.
Example
There is a clear disjunction between theory and practice.
C2 noun /ˈdɔːrmər/

dormer

Meaning
A window that projects vertically from a sloping roof.
Example
The old house had a dormer overlooking the garden.
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 verb /dɪsˈtrʌst/

distrust

Meaning
to have no confidence or trust in someone or something
Example
Many people distrust politicians.
C1 noun /ˈded.lɑk/

Dead-lock

Meaning
a situation in which no progress is possible; complete standstill
Example
The negotiations reached a deadlock when neither side would compromise.
C2 verb /dɪsˈtɛnd/

distend

Meaning
to swell or expand by pressure from within
Example
Her stomach began to distend after the large meal.
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 /dɪˈtraɪtəs/

detritus

Meaning
Waste or debris of any kind; fragments left from destruction or decay.
Example
The riverbank was covered with detritus after the flood.
C2 verb /dɪˈnjuːd/

denude

Meaning
to strip something of its covering, possessions, or assets
Example
The forest was denuded of trees by illegal logging.
C2 noun /dɪˈkæmərən/

decameron

Meaning
A collection of 100 tales written by Giovanni Boccaccio in the 14th century, told by a group of people over ten days.
Example
The Decameron is considered a masterpiece of classical Italian literature.
C2 adverb /ˈdɑːrklɪŋ/

darkling

Meaning
In the dark or growing dark; dimly.
Example
The forest creatures moved darkling through the night.
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 /dɪˈskriːt/

discrete

Meaning
individually separate and distinct
Example
The course is divided into three discrete modules.
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 /ˈdræm.ə.tɪst/

dramatist

Meaning
a person who writes plays
Example
Shakespeare is one of the greatest dramatists in history.
B2 noun /ˈdɛnɪmz/

denims

Meaning
pants or clothes made from denim fabric, usually jeans
Example
He wore blue denims with a white shirt.
A1 noun /dɪˈsɛmbər/

december

Meaning
the twelfth and last month of the year in the Gregorian calendar
Example
December is usually cold in many countries.
C2 adjective /ˈdɛdˌpæn/

deadpan

Meaning
Deliberately impassive or expressionless in manner.
Example
She delivered the joke in a completely deadpan voice.
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.
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.
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.
A2 noun /ˈdæm.ɪdʒ/

Damage

Meaning
physical harm caused to something; injury or harm that reduces value or usefulness
Example
The storm caused significant damage to the coastal buildings.
C2 adjective /dɪˈlɛktəbl̩/

delectable

Meaning
delicious or highly enjoyable
Example
The restaurant served a delectable meal.
A2 verb, noun /drɒp/

drop

Meaning
to let something fall; a small quantity of liquid
Example
Be careful not to drop your phone.
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.
C1 noun /ˈdɑː.mə.saɪl/

domicile

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

Drowsy

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

deferential

Meaning
Showing or expressing respect and high regard.
Example
He was always deferential toward his teachers.
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.
B2 adjective /dɪsˈɡreɪsfəl/

Disgraceful

Meaning
shameful; bringing dishonor; worthy of condemnation
Example
His disgraceful behavior shocked everyone at the party.
C1 adjective /dɪˈsɜːrnɪŋ/

discerning

Meaning
having good judgment or insight; able to distinguish well
Example
He is a discerning reader who notices subtle details.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ˈdɪl.ɪ.dʒəns

diligence

Meaning
Careful and persistent work or effort.
Example
Success requires patience and diligence.
A2 noun /ˈdeɪn.dʒər/

danger

Meaning
The possibility of harm, injury, or loss.
Example
The hikers were in great danger during the storm.
C1 verb /ˌdɪsəˈsɛmbəl/

disassemble

Meaning
To take apart something into its separate pieces.
Example
He had to disassemble the computer to repair it.
B2 adjective /ˈdræs.tɪk/

Drastic

Meaning
extreme; severe; having a strong or far-reaching effect
Example
The company took drastic measures to reduce costs.
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.
C2 adjective /dɪˈtɜːrmɪnət/

determinate

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

disposition

Meaning
A person's usual attitude or temperament; arrangement or tendency.
Example
She has a cheerful disposition despite the difficulties.
B2 verb /dɪˈprɛs/

depress

Meaning
To make someone feel sad or without hope; to reduce the level or strength of something.
Example
The gloomy weather tends to depress people.
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 adjective /dɪˈraɪsɪv/

derisive

Meaning
Expressing contempt or ridicule.
Example
She gave a derisive laugh at his attempt to sing.
B2 noun, verb /ˈdɪskɔːrs/

discourse

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

difficulty

Meaning
the state or condition of being hard to do, deal with, or understand
Example
He faced great difficulty in learning a new language.
C1 noun /dɪˈrɪʒən/

derision

Meaning
Contemptuous ridicule or mockery.
Example
His ideas were greeted with derision by the audience.
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.
C1 verb /dɪˈsweɪd/

dissuade

Meaning
To persuade someone not to do something.
Example
She tried to dissuade him from quitting his job.
C2 adjective /ˈdaʊti/

doughty

Meaning
brave, valiant, courageous
Example
The doughty soldier never backed down from a challenge.
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.
C1 verb /dɪˈpliːt/

deplete

Meaning
to reduce the quantity or supply of something
Example
The long war has depleted the country's resources.
C2 verb /dɪˈsɛvər/

dissever

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

Diseased

Meaning
affected by disease; suffering from illness; sick
Example
The diseased tree had to be removed from the garden.
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.
B1 noun /dɪˈtɛktɪv/

detective

Meaning
a person whose job is to investigate and solve crimes
Example
The detective solved the mystery in just two days.
B2 adjective /dʌm/

Dumb

Meaning
unable to speak; silent; lacking intelligence; stupid
Example
She remained dumb during the entire meeting.
C2 adjective /dɪˈluːsɪv/

delusive

Meaning
Giving a false or misleading impression; deceptive.
Example
His promises turned out to be delusive and untrustworthy.
B2 noun /dɪˈkeɪ/

Decay

Meaning
the process of rotting or decomposing; gradual decline or deterioration
Example
The old building showed signs of decay after years of neglect.
C2 adjective /ˈdoʊlfəl/

Doleful

Meaning
sorrowful; mournful; expressing grief or sadness
Example
She gave him a doleful look when he left.
C2 adjective /djuːˈplɪsɪtəs/

duplicitous

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

diffusible

Meaning
able to spread or be spread through a medium
Example
Oxygen is diffusible through cell membranes.
B2 verb /ˈdɒmɪneɪt/

dominate

Meaning
to have power or control over something or someone
Example
The company dominates the smartphone market.
B2 adjective /dɪˈvɔːrst/

divorced

Meaning
No longer married because the marriage has been legally dissolved.
Example
She has been divorced for five years.
C2 verb /dɔːb/

daub

Meaning
to spread a thick or sticky substance carelessly on a surface
Example
The children daubed paint all over the walls.
B2 adjective /ˈdred.fəl/

Dreadful

Meaning
extremely bad or unpleasant; causing fear or suffering; terrible
Example
The weather was dreadful during our vacation.
B2 noun /ˈdiːtʊr/

detour

Meaning
A longer or less direct route taken to avoid something or reach a destination.
Example
We had to take a detour because the main road was closed.
C1 verb /dɪˈflɛkt/

deflect

Meaning
to cause something to change direction; to avoid answering directly
Example
The shield deflected the incoming arrow.
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.
B2 noun /ˌdɪs.əˈbɪl.ə.ti/

Disability

Meaning
a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities
Example
Despite his physical disability, he became a successful athlete in wheelchair racing.
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.
A2 noun dɪˈvaɪs

device

Meaning
A thing made or adapted for a particular purpose, especially a piece of mechanical or electronic equipment.
Example
This device improves efficiency in data processing.
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.
C2 noun /ˌdaɪəˈlɛktɪk/

dialectic

Meaning
A method of argument or reasoning by dialogue, especially as a means of investigating truth.
Example
The philosopher used dialectic to challenge his students' assumptions.
B2 noun /ˈdɛsɪməl/

decimal

Meaning
A number system based on 10; a number expressed in the base-10 system.
Example
The number 0.75 is a decimal.
C1 noun /diːˌtɒksɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

detoxification

Meaning
The process of removing toxic substances from a living organism.
Example
Detoxification helps to cleanse the body of harmful substances.
C1 noun dɪˈfleɪʃən

deflation

Meaning
Reduction of the general level of prices in an economy.
Example
Deflation often leads to decreased consumer spending.
C1 adjective /daɪər/

Dire

Meaning
extremely serious; urgent; terrible
Example
The country is facing a dire economic crisis.
A2 noun /ˈdaɪət/

diet

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

discursive

Meaning
Tending to digress or move from topic to topic; lengthy and rambling.
Example
His discursive style made the lecture hard to follow.
C1 adjective /dɪˈmɪnjətɪv/

diminutive

Meaning
extremely or unusually small
Example
Despite his diminutive size, he was a powerful leader.
C2 verb /ˈdɪðər/

dither

Meaning
to be indecisive or unable to make a decision
Example
He dithered for hours before choosing a restaurant.
B2 noun /doʊ/

dough

Meaning
a mixture of flour, water, and other ingredients used to make bread or pastries
Example
She kneaded the dough for ten minutes before baking.
C1 noun /dɪˈsiːt/

Deceit

Meaning
the action or practice of deceiving someone by concealing or misrepresenting the truth
Example
His deceit was discovered when the truth about his qualifications came to light.
C2 noun /draɪ ɡuːs ˈbɛri/

Dry goose berry

Meaning
dehydrated amla fruit, rich in vitamin C and used for medicinal and culinary purposes
Example
Dry goose berry powder is excellent for hair growth.
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.