Discouraging
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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.
A2 verb /dɪˈstrɔɪ/

destroy

Meaning
to damage something so badly that it cannot be used
Example
The fire destroyed the entire building.
A2 noun /dɪˈɡriː/

degree

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

differentiation

Meaning
The action or process of differentiating or distinguishing between things.
Example
Differentiation from competitors can create a unique market position.
B1 verb /dɪˈnaɪ/

deny

Meaning
to refuse to accept or admit something; to declare something untrue
Example
He denied stealing the money.
C1 noun /ˌdep.rɪˈveɪ.ʃən/

deprivation

Meaning
The damaging lack of material benefits considered to be basic necessities in a society.
Example
Sleep deprivation affects cognitive function.
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.
C2 verb /dɪˈpreɪv/

deprave

Meaning
to corrupt morally; to make someone immoral or wicked
Example
The novel was criticized for attempting to deprave the minds of young readers.
C1 noun /ˈdeɪ.ə.ti/

deity

Meaning
a god or goddess
Example
The temple is dedicated to a Hindu deity.
C2 noun /daɪˈɡrɛʃən/

digression

Meaning
A temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing.
Example
Her story was full of interesting digressions.
C1 noun dəˌmɛstɪˈkeɪʃən

domestication

Meaning
The process of taming an animal and keeping it as a pet or for farm produce.
Example
Domestication of animals has been crucial for human survival.
C1 adjective ˈdɪs.pər.ət

disparate

Meaning
containing elements very different from one another.
Example
Their opinions were disparate, leading to debates.
B2 noun /dɪˈpreʃ.ən/

Depression

Meaning
a mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness; a severe economic downturn
Example
The therapist helped her cope with depression through cognitive behavioral therapy.
C2 noun /djuːˈplɪsɪti/

duplicity

Meaning
Deceitfulness or double-dealing; dishonesty.
Example
Her duplicity was revealed during the investigation.
C2 noun /ˌdoʊ.məˈstɪs.ə.ti/

domesticity

Meaning
Life at home or devotion to family life.
Example
She enjoys the domesticity of cooking and gardening.
C2 noun /ˈdæstərd/

dastard

Meaning
a cowardly or dishonorable person
Example
Only a dastard would betray his closest friend.
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.
B2 adjective /dɪˈprɛst/

depressed

Meaning
Feeling very sad and without hope; in a state of unhappiness.
Example
She felt depressed after losing her job.
C2 adjective /ˌdaɪəˈbɒlɪk/

diabolic

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

discommode

Meaning
To cause inconvenience or trouble to someone.
Example
I hope my request does not discommode you.
C1 verb /ˈdɛnɪˌɡreɪt/

denigrate

Meaning
to criticize unfairly; to belittle or disparage someone or something
Example
He was quick to denigrate the achievements of his colleagues.
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 /dɪˈfɜːr/

defer

Meaning
To postpone or delay; to yield to someone else's judgment or opinion.
Example
The meeting was deferred until next week.
B2 noun daɪˈlem.ə

dilemma

Meaning
A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives.
Example
She faced a moral dilemma at work.
C1 noun ˌdɪm.ɪˈnjuː.ʃən

diminution

Meaning
A reduction in the size, extent, or importance of something; decrease.
Example
There has been a diminution in air pollution.
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 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/verb /ˈdiːkɔɪ/

decoy

Meaning
something or someone used to lure or mislead
Example
The hunters used a wooden duck as a decoy.
B2 noun /dɪsˈɡʌst/

Disgust

Meaning
a feeling of revulsion or strong disapproval aroused by something unpleasant
Example
She expressed her disgust at the politician's corrupt behavior openly.
B1 noun /dɪˈpɑː.tʃər/

Departure

Meaning
the action of leaving, especially to start a journey; a deviation from an established course
Example
The departure of the train was delayed by thirty minutes due to technical issues.
C2 verb /ˈdɒɡmətaɪz/

dogmatize

Meaning
To state opinions or beliefs as if they were absolute truths.
Example
The professor tended to dogmatize on political issues.
B2 noun /ˈdɛltə/

delta

Meaning
A landform at the mouth of a river where it splits into several outlets.
Example
The Nile Delta is one of the most fertile regions in Egypt.
A2 adjective /ˈdeɪndʒərəs/

dangerous

Meaning
likely to cause harm or injury; unsafe
Example
Driving fast on icy roads is dangerous.
B2 verb /ˌdaɪəɡˈnoʊz/

diagnose

Meaning
To identify a disease, condition, or problem by examining symptoms.
Example
The doctor diagnosed him with pneumonia.
C1 adjective /dɪˈvɪzəbl/

divisible

Meaning
Capable of being divided by another number without leaving a remainder.
Example
Twelve is divisible by three and four.
A2 adjective /dʌtʃ/

dutch

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

Diseased

Meaning
affected by disease; suffering from illness; sick
Example
The diseased tree had to be removed from the garden.
C1 noun /djuːˈɛt/

duet

Meaning
a musical performance by two singers or instrumentalists
Example
They sang a beautiful duet together on stage.
B1 noun /dɪˈzɜːrts/ (noun: reward or punishment deserved)

deserts

Meaning
what someone deserves, especially punishment or reward
Example
He finally got his just deserts for cheating in the exam.
A1 noun /ˈdænsɪŋ/

dancing

Meaning
the activity of moving the body rhythmically to music
Example
They spent the evening dancing at the party.
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.
C2 noun /dɪˈfoʊliənt/

defoliant

Meaning
a chemical that causes leaves to drop from plants, often used in warfare or agriculture
Example
The army sprayed defoliant to clear the forest cover.
B2 noun /dɪsˈmeɪ/

Dismay

Meaning
concern and distress caused by something unexpected; consternation or alarm
Example
To our dismay, the concert was cancelled due to severe weather conditions.
C1 adjective /ˈdjuːbiəs/

dubious

Meaning
Hesitating or doubting; not to be relied upon.
Example
She gave him a dubious look after hearing his excuse.
A2 noun /ˈdæn.sər/

Dancer

Meaning
a person who performs dance, typically as a profession or art form
Example
The dancer performed gracefully on the stage.
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.
A1 noun /ˈdɒktər/

doctor

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

domicile

Meaning
A person's legal residence or permanent home.
Example
He declared Canada as his legal domicile.
B2 noun /dɪˈstɪŋk.ʃən/

Distinction

Meaning
a difference or contrast between similar things; excellence that sets someone apart; honor or recognition
Example
She graduated with distinction, earning the highest honors in her class.
B1 noun, verb /ˈdɪskaʊnt/

discount

Meaning
A reduction in the usual price of something; to reduce the price of something.
Example
The store offered a 20% discount on all electronics.
C2 noun /dɪˈkrɛpɪˌtjuːd/

decrepitude

Meaning
the state of being old, weak, and worn out
Example
The once-great empire fell into decrepitude.
C2 noun /ˈdɛvɪlri/

devilry

Meaning
Wicked or cruel behavior; mischievous actions.
Example
The children were full of devilry on Halloween night.
A2 adjective /duː/

Due

Meaning
owed as a debt; expected at a certain time; scheduled
Example
The assignment is due tomorrow.
C2 adjective /ˈdaʊ.di/

dowdy

Meaning
unfashionable, dull, or shabby in appearance
Example
She wore a dowdy dress to the party.
A2 adjective /draɪ/

Dry

Meaning
free from moisture or liquid; not wet; lacking interest or excitement
Example
The desert has very dry climate.
A2 verb /dɪˈzaɪn/

design

Meaning
to plan and create something with a particular purpose or look
Example
She will design the new company logo.
B2 verb /drɪp/

drip

Meaning
to fall or let fall in drops
Example
Water was dripping from the broken pipe.
C2 noun /ˈdɛntɪfrɪs/

dentifrice

Meaning
a substance such as powder, paste, or liquid used to clean teeth
Example
He bought a new herbal dentifrice from the pharmacy.
A1 noun /ˈdɒlər/

dollar

Meaning
The basic monetary unit of the United States and some other countries
Example
I need five dollars to buy this book.
C2 verb /dɪˈsɛvər/

dissever

Meaning
To separate or cut apart.
Example
The treaty sought to dissever the two hostile regions.
B2 noun daɪˈmen.ʃən

dimension

Meaning
An aspect or feature of a situation, problem, or thing; a measurable extent.
Example
Renewable projects add a new dimension to urban planning.
B2 verb /drɪft/

drift

Meaning
to move slowly, especially by air or water currents
Example
The boat began to drift away from the shore.
C2 adjective /ˌdaɪəˈtɒmɪk/

diatomic

Meaning
Consisting of two atoms.
Example
Oxygen is a diatomic molecule.
A2 noun /dɪər/

Deer

Meaning
a graceful wild animal with antlers, especially the male
Example
We saw a beautiful deer grazing in the meadow.
C1 noun ˌdiː.sen.trə.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

decentralization

Meaning
The transfer of authority from central to local government.
Example
Decentralization promotes regional autonomy.
A1 adverb /daʊn/

down

Meaning
from a higher to a lower position
Example
He walked down the stairs slowly.
C1 noun /ˈdrɪz.əl/

Drizzle

Meaning
light rain falling in very fine drops; a very light rainfall
Example
The gentle drizzle continued throughout the morning, making everything misty.
C1 verb /dɪˈbeɪs/

debase

Meaning
to reduce the quality, value, or dignity of something
Example
Corruption can debase the values of a society.
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.
C2 noun /daɪˈvɛstɪtʃər/

divestiture

Meaning
the action of selling off or disposing of business interests or assets
Example
The divestiture of the subsidiary was completed last year.
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.
B1 verb /ˈdɛmənˌstreɪt/

demonstrate

Meaning
to clearly show or prove something through evidence, explanation, or action
Example
The teacher demonstrated the experiment to the class.
C2 verb /ˈdʌv.teɪl/

dovetail

Meaning
to fit or combine perfectly together
Example
Her plans dovetail perfectly with our goals.
C1 noun /dɪn/

din

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

Deformity

Meaning
a distorted or unnatural shape or form; physical malformation
Example
The accident caused a permanent deformity in his left hand.
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.
B2 noun /ˈdef.ə.sɪt/

Deficit

Meaning
the amount by which something is too small; a shortfall or lack
Example
The government faced a budget deficit of millions due to increased spending.
C1 adjective draʊt rɪˈzɪs.tənt

drought-resistant

Meaning
Able to survive and grow despite limited water availability or drought conditions.
Example
Drought-resistant crops can survive in arid conditions.
C2 noun /ˈdaɪˌsɪləbəl/

disyllable

Meaning
a word consisting of two syllables
Example
The word 'happy' is a disyllable.
C1 adjective /ˈdɪzməl/

Dismal

Meaning
gloomy; depressing; causing sadness or despair
Example
The weather was dismal with heavy rain and dark clouds.
C1 adjective /dɪˈɡreɪdɪd/

degraded

Meaning
Reduced in quality, dignity, or condition.
Example
The villagers were forced to live in degraded conditions.
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.
C2 noun /ˈdrɪvəl/

drivel

Meaning
silly or nonsensical talk
Example
The politician’s speech was full of meaningless drivel.
B2 noun/verb /dɪˈpɑːzɪt/

deposit

Meaning
to place money in a bank account, or a sum paid in advance as security; a layer of material left naturally
Example
She deposited $500 into her savings account.
A1 adjective /ˈdɪf.ər.ənt/

different

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

discourage

Meaning
to make someone less confident or enthusiastic about doing something
Example
Failure should not discourage you from trying again.
C2 noun /dɪˈprævɪti/

depravity

Meaning
moral corruption; wickedness
Example
The film portrays the moral depravity of a corrupt society.
C2 adjective /daɪˈvɜːrtɪbəl/

divertible

Meaning
capable of being turned aside or redirected
Example
Funds from the budget are not legally divertible.
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 adjective /dɪsˈkʌmfɪtɪŋ/

discomfiting

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

digraph

Meaning
A pair of letters representing a single sound, such as 'sh' in 'ship'.
Example
In the word 'phone', the letters 'ph' form a digraph.
C2 noun /dɪsˈkwaɪɪtjuːd/

disquietude

Meaning
A state of uneasiness, anxiety, or restlessness.
Example
His constant pacing showed his inner disquietude.
C2 verb /dɪˈskraɪ/

descry

Meaning
to catch sight of something, especially something distant or obscure
Example
From the hilltop, they descried a small village in the distance.
C2 noun /ˌdɛspəˈrɑːdoʊ/

desperado

Meaning
A bold, reckless, or dangerous person, often a criminal.
Example
The sheriff was determined to capture the desperado who terrorized the town.
B1 noun /dʌst/

dust

Meaning
Fine particles of matter.
Example
Road dust is a major pollutant in urban areas.
B1 verb /ˈdoʊneɪt/

donate

Meaning
to give money, goods, or time to help others; to contribute
Example
She donates blood every three months.
B1 noun /dɪˈskʌvəri/

discovery

Meaning
The act of finding or learning something for the first time.
Example
The discovery of penicillin changed medical history.
B2 noun /ˈdɛməˌkræt/

democrat

Meaning
a supporter of democracy or a member of the Democratic Party in the US
Example
He is a strong democrat who believes in equal rights.
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.
B2 adjective /dɪˈstɜː.bɪŋ/

disturbing

Meaning
causing anxiety, worry, or emotional distress
Example
The news about the accident was deeply disturbing.
C1 adjective /ˈdɪs.ə.plɪ.ner.i/

Disciplinary

Meaning
relating to discipline; intended to correct behavior
Example
The company took disciplinary action against the employee.
C1 adjective deft

deft

Meaning
Neatly skillful and quick in one's movements; dexterous and adroit.
Example
The artist's deft hands created a masterpiece.
C1 verb /dɪsˈkʌlər/

discolor

Meaning
to change color, especially in a way that spoils the original appearance
Example
The fabric began to discolor after being left in the sun.
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.
A2 verb /dɪsˈkʌvər/

discover

Meaning
to find something for the first time
Example
Scientists discovered a new planet last year.
C2 adjective /ˈdɛsɪkeɪtɪd/

desiccated

Meaning
completely dried, having had all moisture removed
Example
The museum displayed desiccated specimens of plants.
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.
B2 adjective daɪˈvɜːs

diverse

Meaning
Showing a great deal of variety; very different.
Example
Diverse industries enhance economic resilience.
C1 adjective /ˈdesələt/

Desolate

Meaning
deserted; lonely; barren
Example
The abandoned village looked desolate and empty.
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 adjective /ˌdɛfəˈrɛnʃəl/

deferential

Meaning
Showing or expressing respect and high regard.
Example
He was always deferential toward his teachers.
C2 noun /ˌdaɪ.jʊˈret.ɪk/

diuretic

Meaning
A substance that promotes the production of urine.
Example
Coffee has a mild diuretic effect.
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.
B1 verb /dɪˈleɪ/

delay

Meaning
to make something happen later than planned
Example
The flight was delayed due to bad weather.
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.