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B2 adjective /ˈdʌsti/

dusty

Meaning
covered with or full of dust; dry and dull from lack of moisture or use
Example
The old bookshelf was dusty after years of neglect.
C2 noun /dɛnˈdrɒlədʒi/

dendrology

Meaning
the scientific study of trees and woody plants
Example
He is studying dendrology at the university.
C1 adjective ˌdet.rɪˈmen.təl

detrimental

Meaning
Tending to cause harm; damaging or harmful.
Example
Pollution has detrimental effects on fertility.
B1 adjective /dɪsˈeɪbld/

disabled

Meaning
having a physical or mental condition that limits movements, senses, or activities
Example
The park has special facilities for disabled people.
B1 verb /dɪˈvaɪd/

divide

Meaning
to separate into parts; to split or break apart
Example
Please divide the cake into eight pieces.
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.
C1 verb /dɪˈmiːn/

demean

Meaning
to cause someone to lose dignity or respect
Example
The manager demeaned his employees with rude remarks.
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 noun /ˈdɪs.ə.nəns/

dissonance

Meaning
Disagreement, lack of harmony, conflict between ideas or beliefs.
Example
The cultural dissonance created misunderstandings.
A2 noun /ˈdɪkʃəˌnɛri/

dictionary

Meaning
A reference book or electronic resource containing words, usually arranged alphabetically, with information about their meanings, pronunciations, etymologies, and usage.
Example
I looked up the word in the dictionary to understand its meaning.
C1 verb /ˈdræm.ə.taɪz/

dramatize

Meaning
to present a story in a dramatic way, or to exaggerate something
Example
The novel was dramatized into a popular TV series.
B2 noun /drɪl/

drill

Meaning
a tool or exercise used for making holes or practicing skills
Example
The students took part in a fire drill at school.
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 noun/verb /dɪsˈfeɪvər/

disfavor

Meaning
disapproval or dislike; to regard with disapproval
Example
The new policy fell into disfavor with the public.
A2 adjective /dɑːrk bluː/

Dark blue

Meaning
a deep shade of blue color
Example
She wore a dark blue dress to the party.
B2 noun /dɪˈpen.dəns/

Dependence

Meaning
the state of relying on or needing someone or something for support; addiction
Example
His dependence on technology made it difficult for him to work without internet.
A2 verb /diːl/

deal

Meaning
to distribute or give out something; to handle or manage
Example
He had to deal with many problems at work.
B2 adjective /ˈdespərət/

Desperate

Meaning
reckless; extremely urgent; critical
Example
The situation became desperate as water supplies ran out.
A2 noun /ˈdʌzən/

dozen

Meaning
a group of twelve
Example
She bought a dozen eggs from the market.
A1 verb /duː/

do

Meaning
to perform an action; to carry out
Example
I do my homework every evening.
C1 noun /ˈdɪɡnɪˌtɛri/

dignitary

Meaning
a person considered to be important because of high rank or office
Example
Several foreign dignitaries attended the state banquet.
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.
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 /dɪˈzaɪnər/

designer

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

disbar

Meaning
to officially remove a lawyer from the legal profession
Example
The corrupt lawyer was disbarred for unethical conduct.
C1 adjective /dɪˈɡreɪdɪd/

degraded

Meaning
Reduced in quality, dignity, or condition.
Example
The villagers were forced to live in degraded conditions.
B2 noun /ˌdɪsəˈɡriːmənt/

disagreement

Meaning
a failure to agree or a difference in opinion
Example
Their disagreement on the issue caused a delay in the project.
C1 verb /dɪˈfrɔːd/

defraud

Meaning
to illegally take money or valuables from someone by deception
Example
The company was accused of trying to defraud investors.
A2 noun /ˈdaɪət/

diet

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

disenfranchise

Meaning
To deprive someone of the right to vote or other rights.
Example
The new law could disenfranchise thousands of voters.
B2 adjective /dɪˈsɛptɪv/

deceptive

Meaning
Giving an appearance or impression different from the truth; misleading.
Example
Appearances can be deceptive.
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.
B2 noun /dɪˌtɜː.mɪˈneɪ.ʃən/

determination

Meaning
Firmness of purpose; the quality of being determined; resolve.
Example
His determination to succeed was unwavering.
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.
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.
A2 verb /ˌdɪsəˈpɪər/

disappear

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

deface

Meaning
to spoil the surface or appearance of something, especially by writing or drawing on it
Example
The vandals defaced the wall with graffiti.
C1 verb /dɪˈpoʊz/

depose

Meaning
to remove someone from office or power, especially suddenly and forcefully
Example
The rebels managed to depose the dictator after years of unrest.
B2 noun /dɪˈrɛktəri/

directory

Meaning
a book or online resource listing people, businesses, or services with relevant details
Example
I need to find a plumber in the phone directory.
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 /ˈdɛsɪˌbɛl/

decibel

Meaning
a unit used to measure the intensity of sound
Example
The noise level in the factory exceeded 90 decibels.
A2 noun /dɪˈpɑːrtmənt/

department

Meaning
a division of a large organization such as a government, university, or company
Example
She works in the marketing department.
C2 adjective /ˈdɛsɪkeɪtɪd/

desiccated

Meaning
completely dried, having had all moisture removed
Example
The museum displayed desiccated specimens of plants.
B2 noun /dɪˈsep.ʃən/

Deception

Meaning
the action of deceiving someone; the state of being deceived
Example
The magician's deception amazed the audience with seemingly impossible tricks.
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.
B2 noun /dɪˈtɜːrdʒənt/

detergent

Meaning
a substance used for cleaning, especially for washing clothes and dishes
Example
She bought a new brand of detergent for laundry.
C2 verb /dɪsˈmɛmbər/

dismember

Meaning
to cut or tear the limbs from a body; to divide into separate parts
Example
The king ordered his enemies to be dismembered.
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 adjective /ˈdiːviəs/

devious

Meaning
Skillful at using underhanded tactics to achieve goals; not straightforward.
Example
He used a devious plan to gain control of the company.
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 adjective /drəˈkoʊniən/

draconian

Meaning
Extremely harsh and severe, especially laws or rules.
Example
The new regulations were criticized as draconian.
C2 verb /ˌdɪskəmˈbɑːbjuleɪt/

discombobulate

Meaning
to confuse or disconcert; to upset the normal order
Example
The sudden question seemed to discombobulate him.
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.
C2 verb /dɪsˈbɜːrs/

disburse

Meaning
to pay out money, especially from a fund
Example
The organization will disburse the funds to the affected families.
B2 verb /ˈdɛvəˌsteɪt/

devastate

Meaning
to cause severe and overwhelming destruction or damage
Example
The hurricane devastated the coastal town.
B2 verb /daɪˈvɜːrt/

divert

Meaning
to turn aside from a course; to redirect or entertain
Example
The police diverted traffic to a side road.
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.
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.
B1 verb /dɪˈzɜːrv/

deserve

Meaning
To be worthy of something, usually a reward or punishment.
Example
She worked hard and deserves recognition.
B2 noun /ˈdʌklɪŋ/

duckling

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

disfigure

Meaning
to spoil or damage the appearance of something
Example
The fire disfigured the old building.
A2 verb /ˌdɪsəˈɡriː/

disagree

Meaning
to have a different opinion; to not agree
Example
I disagree with your assessment of the situation.
C1 adjective /ˈdɒɡɪd/

dogged

Meaning
showing stubborn determination and persistence
Example
She succeeded through dogged determination.
A2 verb /daɪ/

die

Meaning
to stop living; to cease to exist
Example
The flowers will die without water.
C1 verb /dɪsˈpruːv/

disprove

Meaning
to show that something is false or wrong
Example
The scientist worked hard to disprove the old theory.
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 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 adjective /daɪˈɜːrnəl/

diurnal

Meaning
active during the day; occurring daily
Example
Most birds are diurnal creatures, active in daylight hours.
B2 adjective /dɪˌveləpˈmentl/

developmental

Meaning
relating to the process of growth or progress
Example
Early childhood is a crucial developmental stage for learning.
B2 verb /dɪˈplɔɪ/

deploy

Meaning
to position strategically; to use effectively
Example
The military will deploy troops to the border.
C1 verb /ˌdɪsˈmaʊnt/

dismount

Meaning
to get off or down from something, especially a horse, bicycle, or motorcycle
Example
The rider dismounted from the horse after a long journey.
B2 noun /ˈdeb.riː/

debris

Meaning
Scattered pieces of waste or remains.
Example
Debris in the eyes causes irritation.
B2 noun /djʊˈreɪʃən/

duration

Meaning
the length of time that something continues
Example
The meeting lasted for the duration of two hours.
B2 verb /ˈdɑːrkən/

darken

Meaning
to make or become dark; to reduce brightness or light
Example
The clouds began to darken the sky before the storm.
A2 verb /dɪsˈkʌvər/

discover

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

dyne

Meaning
A unit of force in the centimeter-gram-second (cgs) system equal to 10⁻⁵ newtons.
Example
The physicist measured the force in dynes.
C2 adjective /dɪˈkrɛpɪt/

decrepit

Meaning
worn out or weakened by age or neglect
Example
The decrepit old house was on the verge of collapse.
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.
C1 verb /ˌdɪskənˈsɜːrt/

disconcert

Meaning
To unsettle, confuse, or disturb the composure of someone.
Example
The sudden change of plans disconcerted the team.
B2 noun /ˈdʌmi/

dummy

Meaning
a model or replica of a human used for practice, display, or testing; also a term for a foolish person
Example
The tailor used a dummy to display the dress.
B1 noun /ˈdɛv.əl/

devil

Meaning
An evil spirit or supernatural being often regarded as the embodiment of wickedness and harm.
Example
The story warned children about making deals with the devil.
B2 noun /ˈdaɪ.vər/

Diver

Meaning
a type of water bird that dives underwater to catch fish
Example
The diver disappeared beneath the surface to catch a fish.
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 verb /dɪsˈkaʊntənəns/

discountenance

Meaning
To disapprove of or discourage something.
Example
The teacher strongly discountenanced cheating in exams.
B2 noun /ˈdeb.ɪt/

Debit

Meaning
an entry recording an amount owed; money taken from a bank account
Example
The bank showed a debit of fifty dollars from my checking account.
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 ˌdedɪˈkeɪʃn

dedication

Meaning
The quality of being dedicated or committed to a task or purpose; devotion.
Example
His dedication laid the foundation of Indian science.
B2 noun /ˌdɛm.əˈɡræf.ɪks/

Demographics

Meaning
Statistical data relating to the population and particular groups within it.
Example
Demographics help in targeted advertising.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈdɛsəlˌtɔːri/

desultory

Meaning
lacking a clear plan, purpose, or enthusiasm
Example
His desultory conversation bored the audience.
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.
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.
C1 verb /ˌdɪsɪmˈbɑːrk/

disembark

Meaning
To leave a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle.
Example
The passengers disembarked from the plane after landing.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈdred.fəl/

Dreadful

Meaning
extremely bad or unpleasant; causing fear or suffering; terrible
Example
The weather was dreadful during our vacation.
A2 noun /ˈdrʌɡˌstɔːr/

drugstore

Meaning
A retail store that sells medicines, health-related products, and sometimes cosmetics or snacks.
Example
I stopped by the drugstore to buy some cold medicine.
A1 verb /dɪˈsaɪd/

decide

Meaning
To make a choice or judgment about something.
Example
She decided to study abroad after graduation.
B2 noun /dɪˈpen.dənt/

Dependent

Meaning
a person who relies on another for financial support; someone who depends on others
Example
As a tax dependent, she could not file her own tax return separately.
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.
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.
C2 adjective /dɪˈfjuːzəbl/

diffusible

Meaning
able to spread or be spread through a medium
Example
Oxygen is diffusible through cell membranes.
C2 verb /dɪˈsɛmbəl/

dissemble

Meaning
to conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs; to pretend
Example
He tried to dissemble his anger with a forced smile.
C2 noun /daɪˈɡrɛʃən/

digression

Meaning
A temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing.
Example
Her story was full of interesting digressions.
C2 adjective /ˌdaɪəˈkrɪtɪkəl/

diacritical

Meaning
Relating to a mark added to a letter to indicate a different pronunciation or stress.
Example
The word résumé has diacritical marks that change its meaning from resume.
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 verb /deɪn/

deign

Meaning
to do something considered beneath one's dignity
Example
The king did not deign to reply to the commoner.
B2 noun /dɪˈstɜː.bəns/

Disturbance

Meaning
the interruption of a settled and peaceful condition; anxiety or mental uneasiness
Example
The loud music created a disturbance that bothered all the neighbors.
C1 noun /ˌdɪspəˈzɪʃən/

disposition

Meaning
A person's usual attitude or temperament; arrangement or tendency.
Example
She has a cheerful disposition despite the difficulties.
C1 adjective /dɪˈfɛnsəbəl/

defensible

Meaning
Capable of being protected against attack or criticism; justifiable.
Example
Her decision was legally defensible.
C2 adjective /ˈdaʊti/

doughty

Meaning
brave, valiant, courageous
Example
The doughty soldier never backed down from a challenge.
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.
C2 verb /ˈdʌv.teɪl/

dovetail

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

disheveled

Meaning
Untidy, messy, or in disorder, especially of hair or clothing.
Example
He arrived with disheveled hair and wrinkled clothes.
A2 adjective /draɪ/

Dry

Meaning
free from moisture or liquid; not wet; lacking interest or excitement
Example
The desert has very dry climate.
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.
C1 adjective /dræb/

drab

Meaning
Dull, lacking brightness or interest; monotonous.
Example
The room looked drab with its gray walls and dim lighting.
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.
C2 adjective /dɪsˈkʌmfɪtɪŋ/

discomfiting

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