drab
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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 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.
B2 verb /daɪ/

dye

Meaning
to change the color of something using a chemical substance
Example
She will dye her hair blonde tomorrow.
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 /ˈdɪs.ə.nəns/

dissonance

Meaning
Disagreement, lack of harmony, conflict between ideas or beliefs.
Example
The cultural dissonance created misunderstandings.
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 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 noun /ˌdɪsbɪˈliːvər/

disbeliever

Meaning
a person who does not believe in something, especially a religion or idea
Example
He was called a disbeliever for rejecting the traditional faith.
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.
A2 adjective /ˈdɪdʒ.ɪ.təl/

digital

Meaning
Relating to, using, or storing data or information in the form of digital signals; involving or relating to the use of computer technology.
Example
The world is shifting towards a digital economy.
A2 adjective /ˈdeɪndʒərəs/

dangerous

Meaning
likely to cause harm or injury; unsafe
Example
Driving fast on icy roads is dangerous.
A2 noun /ˈdɒlfɪn/

Dolphin

Meaning
A highly intelligent marine mammal with a streamlined body and dorsal fin
Example
Dolphins are known for their playful behavior and intelligence.
B2 noun /dɪkˈteɪtə/

dictator

Meaning
a ruler with total power over a country, typically one who has obtained control by force
Example
The dictator ruled the country with an iron fist.
C2 noun /ˈdrækmə/

drachma

Meaning
The basic monetary unit of Greece before the adoption of the euro.
Example
The old coin collection included a silver drachma.
C2 noun /ˌdɛrɪˈlɪkʃən/

dereliction

Meaning
the state of being abandoned; neglect of duty
Example
The officer was charged with dereliction of duty.
B2 noun /ˈdʌklɪŋ/

duckling

Meaning
a young duck
Example
The mother duck led her ducklings to the pond.
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.
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.
B2 verb /dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒ/

discharge

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

disobedience

Meaning
failure or refusal to obey rules, laws, or authority
Example
The child's disobedience worried his parents.
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/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.
B2 noun /dɪsˈɔːrdər/

disorder

Meaning
A state of confusion or lack of order; also a medical or mental condition.
Example
The protest ended in disorder when the crowd became violent.
C1 noun /deɪˈtɑːnt/

detente

Meaning
the easing of hostility or strained relations, especially between countries
Example
The two nations worked toward detente after decades of conflict.
C2 verb /dɪˈkænt/

decant

Meaning
To pour liquid gently from one container into another, especially without disturbing the sediment.
Example
She carefully decanted the wine into a clean glass.
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.
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.
C1 noun /ˈdɑːsieɪ/

dossier

Meaning
A collection of documents about a particular person, event, or subject.
Example
The lawyer presented a dossier of evidence to the court.
C1 noun /deɪˈbɑː.kəl/

debacle

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

deny

Meaning
to refuse to accept or admit something; to declare something untrue
Example
He denied stealing the money.
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 verb /ˌdɪsəˈpruːv/

disapprove

Meaning
to have a negative opinion about something; to consider something wrong or bad
Example
Many parents disapprove of smoking.
A2 noun /ˈden.tɪst/

Dentist

Meaning
a medical professional who treats teeth and oral health
Example
I need to visit the dentist for a regular checkup.
A2 noun dɪˈveləpmənt

development

Meaning
The process of developing or being developed; growth or progress.
Example
Development of Bengali society was hindered.
B2 verb dɪˈspætʃt

dispatched

Meaning
To send off to a destination or for a purpose.
Example
A team was dispatched quickly.
C2 noun /ˌdaɪələˈtɪʃən/

dialectician

Meaning
A person skilled in dialectic or logical argument.
Example
Socrates is often considered the greatest dialectician in history.
B2 verb /dɪˈstɔːrt/

distort

Meaning
to twist or change the shape, appearance, or meaning of something so it is not true or accurate
Example
The mirror distorted her reflection.
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 verb /drɛntʃ/

drench

Meaning
to make someone or something completely wet
Example
The sudden rain drenched the players on the field.
C1 noun /ˈdeɪ.ə.ti/

deity

Meaning
a god or goddess
Example
The temple is dedicated to a Hindu deity.
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 adjective /dæft/

daft

Meaning
Silly or foolish.
Example
It was a daft idea to go hiking without water.
A2 noun /ˈdiː.teɪl/

detail

Meaning
An individual feature, fact, or item of information.
Example
She explained the plan in great detail.
B1 verb /daɪv/

dive

Meaning
to plunge headfirst into water or another substance
Example
He decided to dive into the pool on a hot day.
C2 noun /doʊlt/

dolt

Meaning
A stupid or slow-witted person.
Example
Only a dolt would believe such a story.
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 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 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 /djuːn/

dune

Meaning
A hill or ridge of sand formed by the wind, usually found in deserts or near beaches.
Example
The children played on the sand dune by the beach.
C2 adjective /ˈdɔːnt.ləs/

dauntless

Meaning
Showing fearlessness and determination; brave and resolute.
Example
The dauntless soldier fought against all odds.
B1 adjective /draɪd/

dried

Meaning
without moisture; preserved by removing water
Example
She added some dried flowers to the vase for decoration.
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 verb /drɔːl/

drawl

Meaning
to speak in a slow, lazy way with prolonged vowel sounds
Example
He tends to drawl when he is tired.
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.
B1 adjective ˌdem.əˈkræt.ɪk

democratic

Meaning
Relating to or supporting democracy or its principles.
Example
Democratic governance ensures equal rights.
C2 noun /ˈdeɪ.mæn/

day-man

Meaning
a worker employed by the day; a day laborer
Example
The farmer hired a day-man to help with the harvest.
C1 noun /ˈdɛmənˌstreɪtər/

demonstrator

Meaning
a person who shows how something works or takes part in a public protest
Example
The demonstrators marched peacefully through the city streets.
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.
C1 verb /daɪˈɡrɛs/

digress

Meaning
To leave the main subject temporarily in speech or writing.
Example
The professor began to digress from the main topic of the lecture.
B2 adjective /ˌdɪsədˈvæntɪdʒd/

disadvantaged

Meaning
Lacking the basic resources or conditions needed for a good standard of living or equal opportunities.
Example
The program provides support to disadvantaged children.
C2 noun /ˌdɛkləˈmeɪʃən/

declamation

Meaning
a formal speech delivered with rhetorical or dramatic effect
Example
Her declamation captivated the audience at the competition.
B2 adjective /dɪˈbeɪtəbl̩/

debatable

Meaning
open to discussion or doubt; not certain
Example
It is debatable whether the policy will work.
B2 verb /dɪsˈkɑːrd/

discard

Meaning
to throw away something that is no longer needed
Example
She decided to discard the old clothes.
B2 adjective /ˈdɛlɪkət/

delicate

Meaning
Easily broken or damaged; requiring careful handling.
Example
The vase is very delicate, so handle it with care.
C2 noun /ˌdiːnəʊˈteɪʃən/

denotation

Meaning
The literal or primary meaning of a word, in contrast to the feelings or ideas that the word suggests.
Example
The denotation of the word 'rose' is a type of flower.
C1 adjective /dɪˈlɪriəs/

delirious

Meaning
in an extremely disturbed or excited state of mind, often due to illness or emotion
Example
He was delirious with fever and kept muttering nonsense.
B2 noun /ˈdɔː.weɪ/

doorway

Meaning
the space where a door opens into a room or building
Example
She stood in the doorway waiting for him to arrive.
B1 noun /dʌst/

dust

Meaning
Fine particles of matter.
Example
Road dust is a major pollutant in urban areas.
B2 verb /ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃieɪt/

differentiate

Meaning
To recognize or make a distinction between things.
Example
It is important to differentiate between fact and opinion.
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.
C2 noun /dɪˈpləʊmətɪst/

diplomatist

Meaning
A person skilled in diplomacy; another word for diplomat.
Example
The diplomatist handled the negotiations with great tact.
C2 noun /dɪˌlæpɪˈdeɪʃən/

dilapidation

Meaning
The state of disrepair or ruin as a result of neglect.
Example
The old temple was in a state of dilapidation.
C2 adjective /dɪˈklæməˌtɔri/

declamatory

Meaning
speaking in a loud, rhetorical, or dramatic way
Example
The politician’s declamatory style impressed some but irritated others.
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.
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.
C2 verb /dɪˈspɒnd/

despond

Meaning
to lose confidence or hope; to become dejected
Example
After repeated failures, he began to despond.
A1 verb/noun /dæns/

dance

Meaning
to move rhythmically to music, typically following a set sequence of steps
Example
They danced all night at the wedding.
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.
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 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 adjective /ˈdɛsəlˌtɔːri/

desultory

Meaning
lacking a clear plan, purpose, or enthusiasm
Example
His desultory conversation bored the audience.
C1 noun ˈdaɪ.nə.sti

dynasty

Meaning
A line of hereditary rulers of a country; a succession of people from the same family who play a prominent role in business, politics, or another field.
Example
The Ming dynasty ruled China for centuries.
B1 adjective /ˈdiːsənt/

decent

Meaning
conforming to standards of propriety, good taste, or morality
Example
He found a decent job after months of searching.
B1 verb /dɪˈvɛləpɪŋ/

developing

Meaning
the process of growing, improving, or becoming more advanced
Example
She is developing new skills in programming.
A2 verb /dɪˈpend/

depend

Meaning
to rely on someone or something for support
Example
Children depend on their parents for care.
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.
B1 noun /ˈdrɛsɪŋ/

dressing

Meaning
a sauce for salads; or material used to cover a wound
Example
She prepared a delicious salad with Italian dressing.
C1 verb ˈdwɪn.dl

dwindle

Meaning
To diminish gradually in size, amount, or strength; to become progressively smaller.
Example
His savings dwindled due to unexpected expenses.
B2 verb /dreɪn/

drain

Meaning
to cause liquid to flow away from something; to remove liquid
Example
He drained the pasta before adding the sauce.
A1 noun /deɪ/

Day

Meaning
a period of twenty-four hours; the time during which there is light
Example
What a beautiful day it is today with clear blue skies!
C1 noun dɪˈskrep.ən.siz

discrepancies

Meaning
Differences between things that should be the same
Example
Discrepancies in regulations delay progress.
B2 verb /dɒdʒ/

dodge

Meaning
to move quickly to one side to avoid something; to avoid dealing with something cleverly or dishonestly
Example
The boxer managed to dodge his opponent's punch.
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 verb /diːˈmæɡnɪtaɪz/

demagnetize

Meaning
To remove or reduce the magnetic properties of something.
Example
The technician demagnetized the old cassette tape.
B1 noun /dɪˈlaɪt/

Delight

Meaning
a feeling of happiness or pleasure; something that gives great pleasure
Example
The children's laughter filled her heart with pure delight.
A2 noun /dɪˈziːz/

disease

Meaning
An illness or medical condition that affects the body or mind.
Example
The doctor is researching a cure for the disease.
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.
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.
A2 adverb /dəˈrɛktli/ or /daɪˈrɛktli/

directly

Meaning
in a straight line or manner; without anything in between
Example
She spoke directly to the manager about her concerns.
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.
C2 verb /dɪsˈbɑːr/

disbar

Meaning
to officially remove a lawyer from the legal profession
Example
The corrupt lawyer was disbarred for unethical conduct.
B2 noun, verb /ˈdɪskɔːrs/

discourse

Meaning
Written or spoken communication or debate.
Example
The professor gave a discourse on ancient philosophy.
C1 noun ˈdɛtrɪ.mənt

detriment

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

Daring

Meaning
adventurous courage; willingness to take risks
Example
The mountain climber's daring impressed everyone at the base camp.
B2 noun/verb /dɪˈspjuːt/

dispute

Meaning
a disagreement or argument about something important
Example
The two countries are in dispute over the border issue.
B2 adjective /ˈdɒm.ɪ.nənt/

Dominant

Meaning
controlling, influencing, or prevailing over others; most important or powerful
Example
The dominant player controlled the entire basketball game.
A2 noun /dɪʃ/

Dish

Meaning
a shallow, flat-bottomed container for cooking or serving food; a particular variety or preparation of food served as part of a meal
Example
Please put the rice on the dish before serving.
C1 verb /dɪˈsɛləˌreɪt/

decelerate

Meaning
to reduce speed; to slow down
Example
The car began to decelerate as it approached the traffic light.
B1 adjective /dɪˈlaɪtɪd/

delighted

Meaning
feeling or showing great pleasure and happiness
Example
She was delighted with the surprise gift.
C1 verb /daɪˈvɜːrdʒ/

diverge

Meaning
to separate and go in different directions; to differ
Example
The two paths diverge at the fork in the road.
A2 noun /drʌɡ/

drug

Meaning
a substance used as a medicine or an illegal addictive substance
Example
The doctor prescribed a new drug for the illness.
B2 adjective dɪˈlɪbəreɪt

deliberate

Meaning
Done consciously and intentionally; carefully considered.
Example
His deliberate actions showed great care and thoughtfulness.
C2 verb /dɪˈnɒmɪˌneɪt/

denominate

Meaning
to give a name or designation to something
Example
The currency was denominated in dollars.
B2 verb /dɪˈspoʊz/

dispose

Meaning
To get rid of something, or to arrange or incline towards something.
Example
He disposed of the old furniture responsibly.
C2 noun /dəˈkɔɪt/

Dacoit

Meaning
a member of an armed gang of robbers; a bandit, especially in India and Myanmar
Example
The village was terrorized by a gang of dacoits who robbed travelers.
C1 noun /dɪˈmiːnər/

demeanor

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

damper

Meaning
something that reduces or lessens the force, effect, or excitement
Example
The cancellation of the trip put a damper on their enthusiasm.
C1 verb /dɪsˈhɑːrtn/

dishearten

Meaning
to cause someone to lose determination or confidence; to discourage
Example
The constant rejection letters began to dishearten the young writer.
B1 verb /dɪˈklɛər/

declare

Meaning
To announce something formally or officially.
Example
The government declared a state of emergency.