dissident
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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 adjective ˈdɔːn.tɪŋ

daunting

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

devout

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

decelerate

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

debauch

Meaning
to corrupt morally; to lead into excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures
Example
The novel shows how wealth can debauch a person's character.
C2 noun /ˈdɔːrmər/

dormer

Meaning
A window that projects vertically from a sloping roof.
Example
The old house had a dormer overlooking the garden.
C2 adjective /dɪˈluːsɪv/

delusive

Meaning
Giving a false or misleading impression; deceptive.
Example
His promises turned out to be delusive and untrustworthy.
C2 adjective /djuːˈplɪsɪtəs/

duplicitous

Meaning
Deceitful; deliberately deceptive or dishonest.
Example
The politician was criticized for his duplicitous statements.
C1 noun /ˈdæɡ.ər/

Dagger

Meaning
a short knife with a pointed blade used as a weapon
Example
The ancient warrior carried a silver dagger.
B2 noun /dɪˈsen.dənt/

Descendant

Meaning
a person who is descended from a particular ancestor; offspring of a later generation
Example
She discovered that she was a descendant of European royalty through genealogy research.
C2 noun /ˈdændi/

dandy

Meaning
a man who gives too much attention to his appearance and clothes
Example
The young dandy spent hours grooming himself before the party.
C1 noun ˌdɛməˈɡræfɪk trænˈzɪʃən

demographic transition

Meaning
A shift in population patterns from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates as a country develops economically
Example
The demographic transition indicates a shift towards an aging society.
B2 verb /dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒ/

discharge

Meaning
to release or dismiss from duty; to emit or give off
Example
The hospital will discharge the patient tomorrow.
A2 adjective /dɪˈlɪʃəs/

delicious

Meaning
having a very pleasant taste or smell
Example
The cake was so delicious that everyone asked for a second slice.
C2 adjective /ˈdekərəs/

decorous

Meaning
showing proper and polite behavior; marked by good taste
Example
The audience gave a decorous applause after the performance.
C2 adjective /ˈdɪfɪdənt/

diffident

Meaning
Shy or lacking confidence in one's own abilities.
Example
He was too diffident to ask a question in class.
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 /ˈdeɪnti/

dainty

Meaning
Delicately small, pretty, and often considered elegant.
Example
She wore a dainty necklace made of pearls.
B2 adjective /ˌdɪp.ləˈmæt.ɪk/

Diplomatic

Meaning
relating to diplomacy; tactful; skilled in managing relationships
Example
She gave a diplomatic answer to avoid offending anyone.
C1 adjective /ˈdɪn.dʒi/

Dingy

Meaning
dark and dirty; gloomy; dull in color
Example
The old building had dingy walls that needed painting.
B1 noun dɪˈskʌvəriz

discoveries

Meaning
The action or process of finding or learning something for the first time; facts or things discovered.
Example
His discoveries revolutionized multiple fields.
C2 noun /ˌdɪsrɪˈpjuːt/

disrepute

Meaning
the state of being held in low esteem or having a bad reputation
Example
The scandal brought the politician into disrepute.
C1 noun /ˈderˌdevəl/

daredevil

Meaning
A person who enjoys doing dangerous or risky things.
Example
The stunt was performed by a famous daredevil.
C2 verb /dɪˈbɪlɪteɪt/

debilitate

Meaning
to weaken or make someone or something infirm
Example
The long illness debilitated his strength.
B2 noun /dɛk/

deck

Meaning
A flat surface or platform, often on a ship or building.
Example
We enjoyed the sunset from the upper deck of the ferry.
A2 verb /ˌdɪsəˈpɪər/

disappear

Meaning
to cease to be visible; to vanish
Example
The magician made the rabbit disappear.
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.
C1 verb /dɪˈkraɪ/

decry

Meaning
to publicly criticize or express strong disapproval of something
Example
Many activists decry the destruction of the rainforest.
C2 verb /dɪˈspɔɪl/

despoil

Meaning
To steal or violently remove valuable possessions from a place.
Example
The invaders despoiled the village during the war.
C1 adjective /ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃəl/

differential

Meaning
Relating to or showing a difference; involving a distinction.
Example
There is a differential treatment between the two groups.
C2 noun /dɪˈsɛnʃən/

dissension

Meaning
Strong disagreement or difference of opinion, especially leading to discord within a group.
Example
The meeting ended in dissension among the committee members.
C2 noun /ˈdʌlərd/

dullard

Meaning
a slow or stupid person
Example
He was considered a dullard by his classmates.
C2 noun /ˌdɛprɪˈdeɪʃən/

depredation

Meaning
An act of attacking or plundering; damage caused by such acts.
Example
The villagers feared the depredation of wild animals at night.
C2 noun /dɪsˈdʒʌŋkʃən/

disjunction

Meaning
A lack of connection between things; separation or disunity.
Example
There is a clear disjunction between theory and practice.
C1 adjective /dɪsˈkɔːrdənt/

discordant

Meaning
disagreeing or clashing; harsh and jarring in sound
Example
The discordant notes of the band hurt our ears.
C1 noun /ˈdel.ɪ.kə.si/

Delicacy

Meaning
fineness of texture or structure; a choice or expensive food; sensitivity in handling
Example
The chef prepared a local delicacy that was famous throughout the region.
C1 verb /dɪˈsweɪd/

dissuade

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

divertible

Meaning
capable of being turned aside or redirected
Example
Funds from the budget are not legally divertible.
B2 verb /doʊz/

doze

Meaning
To sleep lightly for a short time.
Example
He dozed off while reading the book.
A2 noun /dɪˈlɪv.ə.ri/

Delivery

Meaning
the action of delivering letters, parcels, or goods; the process of giving birth
Example
The delivery of the package was delayed due to bad weather conditions.
C2 adjective /ˌdaɪəˈtɒmɪk/

diatomic

Meaning
Consisting of two atoms.
Example
Oxygen is a diatomic molecule.
C2 verb /ˌdɪsɪnˈhɛrɪt/

disinherit

Meaning
to deprive someone, especially a child, of inheritance or right to property
Example
The father threatened to disinherit his son for his reckless actions.
B2 noun /ˌdɪsəˈpruːvəl/

disapproval

Meaning
The expression of an unfavorable opinion or judgment
Example
Her parents showed clear disapproval of her decision to drop out of college.
B1 adjective /ˈdɪstənt/

Distant

Meaning
far away in space or time; remote
Example
We could see a distant mountain on the horizon.
C2 noun /dɛnˈdrɒlədʒi/

dendrology

Meaning
the scientific study of trees and woody plants
Example
He is studying dendrology at the university.
A2 noun /ˈdrɔːər/

drawer

Meaning
a box-shaped storage compartment that slides in and out of furniture
Example
She kept her jewelry in the top drawer of the dresser.
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.
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.
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.
C1 noun ˌdɪdʒɪˈnɛəreɪʃən

degeneration

Meaning
The process of decline or deterioration in structure or function.
Example
The degeneration of brain cells leads to cognitive decline.
C1 adjective /dɪˈmɒnstrətɪv/

demonstrative

Meaning
openly showing feelings, especially affection or emotion
Example
She was very demonstrative with her affection towards her friends.
C2 noun /dɪˈbɔːtʃəri/

debauchery

Meaning
excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures; corruption or vice
Example
The novel depicts the debauchery of the aristocrats in the city.
C1 noun /drɑːft/ (UK), /dræft/ (US)

draught

Meaning
a current of cool air in a room or another confined space; also a portion of liquid, especially beer, served from a barrel or cask
Example
She closed the window to keep out the cold draught.
B2 verb /dɪsˈkɑːrd/

discard

Meaning
to throw away something that is no longer needed
Example
She decided to discard the old clothes.
C2 noun /daɪˈɡrɛʃən/

digression

Meaning
A temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing.
Example
Her story was full of interesting digressions.
B1 adjective /ˌdɪs.əˈpɔɪn.tɪd/

Disappointed

Meaning
sad because something has not happened or is not as good as expected
Example
She was disappointed with her exam results.
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.
C2 adjective /ˌdaɪəˈbɒlɪk/

diabolic

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

delectable

Meaning
delicious or highly enjoyable
Example
The restaurant served a delectable meal.
A1 noun/verb /deɪt/

date

Meaning
A particular day of the month or year; also, a social or romantic appointment.
Example
They decided to meet on the date of her birthday.
C2 noun /dɪˈklɪvɪti/

declivity

Meaning
a downward slope of ground
Example
They carefully climbed down the declivity of the hill.
C2 noun /drɛɡz/

dregs

Meaning
the remnants of a liquid left in a container, together with any sediment or grounds; the most worthless part of something
Example
He drank the dregs of the coffee before leaving.
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.
C1 noun /ˌdɒmɪˈneɪʃən/

domination

Meaning
the exercise of control or influence over someone or something
Example
The empire sought domination over its neighbors.
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.
B2 noun ˈdɪdʒɪtəl ˈfɔːrmæt

Digital Format

Meaning
A format in which information is stored as electronic data.
Example
A digital format family tree can be shared online.
C1 noun /ˈdɛdlɒk/

deadlock

Meaning
a situation in which progress is impossible because of disagreement
Example
Negotiations reached a deadlock after neither side agreed to compromise.
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.
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 /dɪˌpriː.ʃiˈeɪ.ʃən/

depreciation

Meaning
A reduction in the value of an asset with the passage of time, due to wear and tear.
Example
The car's depreciation rate is high after five years.
C1 verb /dɪˈbeɪs/

debase

Meaning
to reduce the quality, value, or dignity of something
Example
Corruption can debase the values of a society.
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.
B2 noun /dɪsˈɡreɪs/

Disgrace

Meaning
loss of reputation or respect as the result of a dishonorable action; a shameful situation
Example
His arrest brought disgrace upon his entire family and reputation.
B2 adjective /dɪm/

Dim

Meaning
not bright; having little light; faint
Example
The room was dim with only a small candle for light.
B2 verb /dɪˈvaɪz/

devise

Meaning
To plan or invent something carefully.
Example
The engineers devised a new method to reduce costs.
A2 noun /daʊt/

Doubt

Meaning
a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction; distrust or suspicion
Example
There was no doubt in her mind that she had made the right decision.
B1 noun /ˈdaɪəɡræm/

diagram

Meaning
a simplified drawing that shows the structure, relationship, or process of something
Example
The teacher explained the system using a clear diagram.
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.
B1 noun /ˈdaɪ.ə.lɑːɡ/

Dialogue

Meaning
a conversation between two or more people; discussion aimed at exploration of a subject
Example
The political leaders engaged in meaningful dialogue to resolve the conflict.
B1 verb /daɪn/

dine

Meaning
to eat a meal, especially the main meal of the day
Example
We usually dine at seven o'clock in the evening.
B1 noun /dʌst/

dust

Meaning
Fine particles of matter.
Example
Road dust is a major pollutant in urban areas.
C2 verb /dɪˈbɑːrk/

debark

Meaning
to disembark or get off a ship, aircraft, or vehicle
Example
The passengers debarked as soon as the ship docked.
A2 noun /dɪˈsɪʒənz/

decisions

Meaning
A conclusion or resolution reached after consideration; the action or process of deciding something.
Example
Making the right decisions in time was key to the project's success.
C1 noun /ˈdɔːrˌkiːpər/

doorkeeper

Meaning
A person whose job is to guard or manage the entrance of a building or room.
Example
The doorkeeper checked everyone’s passes before they entered the hall.
A1 adjective /dɪr/

dear

Meaning
loved or cherished; sometimes used as a polite form of address
Example
She is very dear to her grandparents.
C1 verb /dɪˈplɔːr/

deplore

Meaning
to feel or express strong disapproval of something; to regret deeply
Example
Many people deplore the violence shown on television.
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.
C2 noun /dæmˈneɪ.ʃən/

Damnation

Meaning
condemnation to eternal punishment in hell; something that causes ruin or failure
Example
The preacher spoke about salvation and damnation in his sermon.
A2 adjective /duː/

Due

Meaning
owed as a debt; expected at a certain time; scheduled
Example
The assignment is due tomorrow.
B2 adjective /dɪˈfensɪv/

Defensive

Meaning
used or intended to defend or protect; showing a tendency to react in an angry or hurt way when criticized
Example
He became defensive when criticized about his work.
A2 noun /ˈdeɪn.dʒər/

danger

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

dynamo

Meaning
A machine that generates electricity; a person with great energy and enthusiasm.
Example
She is the real dynamo behind the success of the company.
C1 noun dɪˈfleɪʃən

deflation

Meaning
Reduction of the general level of prices in an economy.
Example
Deflation often leads to decreased consumer spending.
B2 adjective /dɪˈstɪŋktɪv/

distinctive

Meaning
having a quality or characteristic that makes something different and easily noticed
Example
The restaurant is known for its distinctive flavors.
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.
C1 verb /dɪˈteɪn/

detain

Meaning
to keep someone from proceeding; to hold back, especially by official authority
Example
The police detained the suspect for questioning.
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.
A2 noun /dɪˈzaɪnər/

designer

Meaning
a person who plans and creates the form or structure of something
Example
The fashion designer presented her new collection.
C2 adjective /ˈdʌktaɪl/

ductile

Meaning
capable of being stretched into a thin wire without breaking; easily influenced
Example
Gold is a very ductile metal.
C1 noun ˈdɛf.ər.əns

deference

Meaning
Humble submission and respect.
Example
He showed deference to his elderly mentor.
C1 verb /dɪˈpɔːrt/

deport

Meaning
To expel a foreigner from a country, usually for legal or political reasons.
Example
The government decided to deport the illegal immigrants.
C1 noun /dɪˈrɪʒən/

derision

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

depreciate

Meaning
to reduce in value over time
Example
Cars tend to depreciate quickly in their first few years.
B1 adjective /dɪsˈɡʌstɪŋ/

disgusting

Meaning
extremely unpleasant or offensive; causing strong dislike or revulsion
Example
The smell coming from the trash can was absolutely disgusting.
C1 adjective /dɪˈbeɪst/

debased

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

dash

Meaning
to move quickly and suddenly; to strike or break something violently
Example
She dashed across the street to catch the bus.
B2 adjective /ˈdɛntəl/

dental

Meaning
relating to teeth or dentistry
Example
She goes for a dental checkup every six months.
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.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈdæpər/

dapper

Meaning
Neat, stylish, and well-dressed in appearance.
Example
He looked very dapper in his new suit.
B1 noun /dɪˈbeɪt/

Debate

Meaning
a formal discussion of opposing viewpoints; argument with reasoned points
Example
The political debate lasted for three hours with passionate arguments.
C2 adjective /dɪˈfjuːzəbl/

diffusible

Meaning
able to spread or be spread through a medium
Example
Oxygen is diffusible through cell membranes.
C1 verb /dɪsˈkleɪm/

disclaim

Meaning
to deny responsibility or connection with something
Example
The company disclaimed responsibility for the accident.
B1 noun /ˈded.laɪn/

Deadline

Meaning
the latest time or date by which something should be completed
Example
The deadline for submitting the project is next Friday.
C1 noun /ˌdɪs.əˈreɪ/

disarray

Meaning
A state of disorganization or untidiness; confusion or disorder.
Example
His desk was in complete disarray.
A1 noun /dres/

Dress

Meaning
a piece of clothing for women or girls that covers the body and extends down over the legs
Example
She wore a beautiful blue dress to the party.
C1 verb /dɪˈspɜːrs/

disperse

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