英语词汇词典 | 单词含义、定义和示例
An additional melody or counterpoint sung or played above the main melody.
"The choir added a beautiful descant to the hymn."
A person who is descended from a particular ancestor.
"She is a descendant of a famous poet."
Moving downward; going down or descending.
"The river followed a descendent course toward the valley."
the action of moving downward, falling, or dropping; ancestry or origin
"The climbers began their descent from the mountain peak."
to give an account of something in words, including details
"She described the scene vividly."
A spoken or written account of a person, object, or event.
"The witness gave a detailed description of the suspect."
to catch sight of something, especially something distant or obscure
"From the hilltop, they descried a small village in the distance."
to treat a sacred place or object with disrespect or violation
"The vandals desecrated the ancient temple walls with graffiti."
To make someone less sensitive or reactive to something through repeated exposure.
"Constant exposure to violence can desensitize people."
Empty of people; abandoned.
"The village looked completely deserted after the storm."
The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.
"Deforestation accelerates desertification."
what someone deserves, especially punishment or reward
"He finally got his just deserts for cheating in the exam."
To be worthy of something, usually a reward or punishment.
"She worked hard and deserves recognition."
a substance that absorbs moisture and keeps things dry
"Silica gel packets are commonly used as a desiccant in packaging."
to dry up completely or remove the moisture from something
"The hot sun can quickly desiccate plants in the desert."
completely dried, having had all moisture removed
"The museum displayed desiccated specimens of plants."
something that is desired or considered necessary
"For many students, financial aid is a desideratum."
to officially assign, appoint, or indicate something or someone
"The committee will designate a new chairperson next week."
the action of choosing someone for a position; a name, title, or official status
"His designation as team leader came with additional responsibilities and authority."
a person who plans and creates the form or structure of something
"The fashion designer presented her new collection."
worth having or wanting; attractive
"The location of the house was highly desirable, with great views."
a strong feeling of wanting something or wishing for something to happen
"He has a strong desire to travel the world."
The act of stopping or ceasing from some action or behavior.
"The court urged his desistance from further unlawful activities."
a piece of furniture with a flat surface used for writing or working
"The books are on the desk."
Empty, bleak, and without people; feeling very sad and lonely.
"The once lively town now stood desolate after the flood."
feeling hopeless; in despair
"She felt despairing after losing her job."
Feeling or showing a hopeless sense that a situation is so bad as to be impossible to deal with.
"He was desperate to find a job before his savings ran out."
in a way that shows despair or great need
"He called for help desperately after the accident."
Deserving hatred and contempt; vile or shameful.
"His despicable actions shocked the entire community."
To feel contempt or a deep dislike for someone or something.
"She despises dishonesty in any form."
Without being affected by; in spite of.
"He continued his work despite the difficulties."
To steal or violently remove valuable possessions from a place.
"The invaders despoiled the village during the war."
A person who robs, plunders, or violently takes things from others.
"The despoilers left the city in ruins."
to lose confidence or hope; to become dejected
"After repeated failures, he began to despond."
feeling or showing deep hopelessness or discouragement
"She felt despondent after losing her job."
a ruler with absolute power, often ruling in a cruel or oppressive way
"The despot ruled the nation with fear and violence."
exercising power in a cruel, oppressive, or authoritarian way
"The king’s despotic rule left the people in misery."
absolute power exercised in a cruel and oppressive way
"The people revolted against the era of despotism."
the sweet course eaten at the end of a meal
"We had ice cream for dessert after dinner."
the place to which someone or something is going or being sent
"Paris is a popular tourist destination."
The events that will necessarily happen to a particular person or thing in the future; fate.
"She believed it was her destiny to become a doctor."
extremely poor and lacking the means to provide for oneself
"The earthquake left many families destitute."
To ruin something completely so that it no longer exists or works.
"The fire destroyed the entire building."
