EN Vocabulary - 3000 Words

Common words beginning D

dad
/dad/
noun
  • One"s father.
    • synonyms - male parent
/ˈdeɪli/
adjective
  • Done, produced, or occurring every day or every weekday.
    • example - a daily newspaper
    • synonyms - done every day, occurring every day, produced every day, everyday, day-to-day, quotidian
adverb
  • Every day.
    • example - the museum is open daily
    • synonyms - every day, seven days a week
noun
  1. A newspaper published every day except Sunday.
    • synonyms - periodical, publication, magazine, gazette, digest, professional organ, review, newsletter, news-sheet, bulletin
  2. A woman who is employed to clean someone else"s house each day.
    • synonyms - attendant, retainer
  3. The first prints from cinematographic takes; the rushes.
/ˈdamɪdʒ/
noun
  1. Physical harm that impairs the value, usefulness, or normal function of something.
    • example - bombing caused extensive damage to the town
    • synonyms - harm, injury, destruction, vandalization, vandalism
  2. A sum of money claimed or awarded in compensation for a loss or an injury.
    • example - she was awarded $284,000 in damages
    • synonyms - compensation, recompense, restitution, redress, reparation, reparations
verb
  • Inflict physical harm on (something) so as to impair its value, usefulness, or normal function.
    • example - the car was badly damaged in the accident
    • synonyms - harm, do damage to, injure, mar, deface, mutilate, mangle, impair, blemish, disfigure, vandalize, blight, spoil, defile, desecrate
/dɑːns/
verb
  1. Move rhythmically to music, typically following a set sequence of steps.
    • example - their cheeks were pressed together as they danced
    • synonyms - trip, sway, spin, whirl, twirl, pirouette, gyrate
  2. (of a person) move in a quick and lively way.
    • example - Sheila danced in gaily
    • synonyms - caper, cavort, frisk, frolic, skip, prance, romp, gambol, jig, bound, leap, jump, spring, bob, hop, trip, bounce
noun
  • A series of steps and movements that match the speed and rhythm of a piece of music.
    • example - everyone was taking part in the dance
    • synonyms - dance
/ˈdɑːnsə/
noun
  • A person who dances or whose profession is dancing.
    • example - she thought he would become a ballet dancer
    • synonyms - danseur, danseuse
/ˈdɑːnsɪŋ/
noun
  • The activity of dancing for pleasure or in order to entertain others.
    • example - there will be folk music, singing, and dancing
/ˈdeɪn(d)ʒə/
noun
  • The possibility of suffering harm or injury.
    • example - his life was in danger
    • synonyms - peril, hazard, risk, jeopardy, endangerment, imperilment, insecurity
/ˈdeɪn(d)ʒ(ə)rəs/
adjective
  • Able or likely to cause harm or injury.
    • example - a dangerous animal
    • synonyms - menacing, threatening, treacherous
/dɑːk/
adjective
  1. With little or no light.
    • example - it"s too dark to see much
    • synonyms - black, pitch black, pitch dark, inky, jet black, unlit, unlighted, unilluminated, ill-lit, poorly lit
  2. (of a colour or object) not reflecting much light; approaching black in shade.
    • example - dark green
  3. (of a period or situation) characterized by great unhappiness or unpleasantness.
    • example - the dark days of the war
    • synonyms - tragic, disastrous, calamitous, catastrophic, cataclysmic, ruinous, devastating
  4. Hidden from knowledge; mysterious.
    • example - a dark secret
    • synonyms - mysterious, secret, hidden, concealed, veiled, unrevealed, covert, clandestine
  5. Denoting a velarized form of the sound of the letter l as it sounds at the end of a word or before another consonant (as in full or bulk in most accents of English).
    • example - English has two allophones for /l/, "light/clearl" and "darkl". I am conducting a study on the distribution of these two allophones.
noun
  1. The absence of light in a place.
    • example - Carolyn was sitting in the dark
    • synonyms - darkness, blackness, absence of light, gloom, gloominess, dimness, dullness, murk, murkiness, shadowiness, shadow, shade, shadiness, dusk, twilight, gloaming
  2. A dark colour or shade, especially in a painting.
    • example - lights and darks are juxtaposed arbitrarily to create a sense of shallow relief
    • synonyms - darkness, blackness, absence of light, gloom, gloominess, dimness, dullness, murk, murkiness, shadowiness, shadow, shade, shadiness, dusk, twilight, gloaming
/ˈdeɪtə/
noun
  • Facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis.
    • example - there is very little data available
    • synonyms - facts, figures, statistics, details, particulars, specifics, features
/deɪt/
noun
  1. The day of the month or year as specified by a number.
    • example - what"s the date today?
    • synonyms - day, day of the month, occasion, year, anniversary, time
  2. A social or romantic appointment or engagement.
    • example - I"ve got a hot date
    • synonyms - appointment, meeting, engagement, rendezvous, assignation
verb
  1. Establish or ascertain the date of (an object or event)
    • example - they date the paintings to 1460–70
    • synonyms - assign a date to, ascertain the date of, determine the date of, establish the date of, put a date on, put a date to, ascertain the age of, determine the age of, establish the age of, carbon-date
  2. Reveal (someone) as being old-fashioned.
    • example - jazzy—does that word date me?
  3. Go out with (someone in whom one is romantically or sexually interested)
    • example - a few years ago, I dated the ex of a friend
    • synonyms - go out with, take out, go around with, go with, be involved with, be romantically linked with, see, court, woo
/ˈdɔːtə/
noun
  1. A girl or woman in relation to either or both of her parents.
    • example - Another possibility is that the findings reveal a reciprocal relationship between daughters and their parents.
    • synonyms - female child, girl
  2. A nuclide formed by the radioactive decay of another.
    • example - as radon gas decays it produces daughters that attach themselves to dust particles
day
/deɪ/
noun
  1. Each of the twenty-four-hour periods, reckoned from one midnight to the next, into which a week, month, or year is divided, and corresponding to a rotation of the earth on its axis.
    • example - they only met a few days ago
    • synonyms - twenty-four-hour period, full day, twenty-four hours, working day
  2. A particular period of the past; an era.
    • example - in Shakespeare"s day
    • synonyms - period, time, point in time, age, era, epoch, generation
/dɛd/
adjective
  1. No longer alive.
    • example - a dead body
    • synonyms - deceased, expired, departed, gone, no more, passed on, passed away
  2. (of a place or time) characterized by a lack of activity or excitement.
    • example - Brussels isn"t dead after dark, if you know where to look
    • synonyms - uneventful, uninteresting, unexciting, uninspiring, dull, boring, flat, quiet, sleepy, slow, stale, humdrum, tame, pedestrian, lacklustre, lifeless
  3. (of a piece of equipment) no longer functioning.
    • example - the phone had gone dead
    • synonyms - not working, out of order, out of commission, inoperative, inactive, ineffective, in disrepair, in a state of disrepair, broken, broken-down, malfunctioning, defective
  4. No longer current, relevant, or important.
    • example - pollution had become a dead issue
  5. (of sound) without resonance; dull.
    • example - the note sounds dead compared to all others on the keyboard
  6. Complete; absolute.
    • example - we sat in dead silence
    • synonyms - complete, absolute, total, entire, outright, utter, downright, out-and-out, thorough, unqualified, unmitigated
adverb
  • Absolutely; completely.
    • example - you"re dead right
    • synonyms - completely, absolutely, totally, utterly, deadly, perfectly, entirely, wholly, fully, quite, thoroughly, unreservedly
/diːl/
verb
  1. Distribute (cards) in an orderly rotation to players for a game or round.
    • example - the cards were dealt for the last hand
    • synonyms - distribute, give out, share out, divide out, divide up, hand out, pass out, pass round, dole out, mete out, dispense, allocate, allot, assign, apportion, bestow
  2. Take part in commercial trading of a particular commodity.
    • example - directors were prohibited from dealing in the company"s shares
    • synonyms - trade in, buy and sell, be concerned with trading, be engaged in trading, do business in
  3. Take measures concerning (someone or something), especially with the intention of putting something right.
    • example - the government had been unable to deal with the economic crisis
    • synonyms - cope with, handle, manage, attend to, see to, take care of, take charge of, take in hand, sort out, tackle, take on
  4. Inflict (a blow) on (someone or something)
    • example - hopes of an economic recovery were dealt another blow
    • synonyms - deliver, administer, dispense, inflict, give, impose
noun
  1. An agreement entered into by two or more parties for their mutual benefit, especially in a business or political context.
    • example - the government was ready to do a deal with the opposition
    • synonyms - agreement, understanding, pact, compact, bargain, covenant, contract, treaty, protocol, concordat, entente, accord, arrangement, accommodation, compromise, settlement, negotiation
  2. The process of distributing the cards to players in a card game.
    • example - after the deal, players A and B stay out
/dɪə/
adjective
  1. Regarded with deep affection.
    • example - a dear friend
    • synonyms - beloved, loved, much loved, darling, adored, cherished, precious
  2. Expensive.
    • example - five pounds—that"s a bit dear!
    • synonyms - expensive, costly, high-cost, high-priced, highly priced, big-budget, overpriced, exorbitant, extortionate
noun
  • Used as an affectionate or friendly form of address.
    • example - don"t you worry, dear
    • synonyms - darling, dearest, love, beloved, loved one, sweetheart, sweet, precious, treasure
adverb
  • At a high cost.
    • example - they buy property cheaply and sell dear
    • synonyms - at a high price, at an excessive price, at an exorbitant price, at high cost, at great cost
exclamation
  • Used in expressions of surprise, dismay, or sympathy.
    • example - oh dear, I"ve upset you
/dɛθ/
noun
  • The action or fact of dying or being killed; the end of the life of a person or organism.
    • example - he had been depressed since the death of his father
    • synonyms - demise, dying, end, passing, passing away, passing on, loss of life, expiry, expiration, departure from life, final exit, eternal rest
/dɪˈbeɪt/
noun
  • A formal discussion on a particular matter in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward and which usually ends with a vote.
    • example - last night"s debate on the Education Bill
    • synonyms - discussion, exchange of views, discourse, parley
verb
  • Argue about (a subject), especially in a formal manner.
    • example - MPs debated the issue in the Commons
    • synonyms - discuss, confer about, talk over, talk through, talk about, exchange views on, exchange views about, thrash out, argue, argue about, argue the pros and cons of, dispute, wrangle over, bandy words concerning, contend over, contest, controvert, moot
/dɛt/
noun
  • A sum of money that is owed or due.
    • example - I paid off my debts
    • synonyms - bill, account, tally, financial obligation, outstanding payment, amount due, money owing
/ˈdɛkeɪd/
/dɪˈkeɪd/
noun
  1. A period of ten years.
    • example - he taught at the university for nearly a decade
  2. Each of the five divisions of each chapter of the rosary.
    • example - a local priest led the mourners in a decade of the rosary
  3. A range of electrical resistances, frequencies, or other quantities spanning from one to ten times a base value.
/dɪˈsɛmbə/
noun
  • The twelfth month of the year, in the northern hemisphere usually considered the first month of winter.
    • example - the fuel shortage worsened during December
/ˈdiːs(ə)nt/
adjective
  1. Conforming with generally accepted standards of respectable or moral behaviour.
    • example - a decent clean-living individual
    • synonyms - respectable, upright, upstanding, honourable, honest, on the level, decent, right-minded, law-abiding
  2. Of an acceptable standard; satisfactory.
    • example - people need decent homes
    • synonyms - satisfactory, reasonable, fair, acceptable, adequate, sufficient, sufficiently good, good enough, ample, up to scratch, up to the mark, up to standard, up to par, competent, not bad, all right, average, tolerable, passable, suitable
/dɪˈsʌɪd/
verb
  • Come or bring to a resolution in the mind as a result of consideration.
    • example - she decided that she liked him
    • synonyms - form the opinion, come to the conclusion, conclude, decide, determine
/dɪˈsɪʒ(ə)n/
noun
  • A conclusion or resolution reached after consideration.
    • example - I"ll make the decision on my own
    • synonyms - resolution, conclusion, settlement, commitment, resolve, determination
/dɪˈklɛː/
verb
  1. Say something in a solemn and emphatic manner.
    • example - the prime minister declared that the programme of austerity had paid off
    • synonyms - proclaim, announce, make known, state, communicate, reveal, divulge, mention, talk about, raise, moot, air, bring into the open, voice, articulate, pronounce, express, vent, set forth, make public, publicize, disseminate, circulate, publish, broadcast, promulgate, trumpet, blazon
  2. Acknowledge possession of (taxable income or dutiable goods)
    • example - if you have something to declare customs officers will tell you the duty payable
  3. Close an innings voluntarily before all the wickets have fallen.
    • example - Pakistan declared at 446 for four
  4. Announce that one holds (certain combinations of cards) in a card game.
    • example - After everyone has declared any combinations they wish to, the player to dealer"s left leads to the first trick.
/dɪˈklʌɪn/
verb
  1. (typically of something regarded as good) become smaller, fewer, or less; decrease.
    • example - the birth rate continued to decline
    • synonyms - decrease, reduce, get smaller, grow smaller, lessen, get less, diminish, wane, dwindle, contract, shrink, fall off, taper off, tail off, peter out
  2. Politely refuse (an invitation or offer)
    • example - Caroline declined the coffee
    • synonyms - turn down, reject, brush aside, refuse, rebuff, spurn, disdain, look down one"s nose at, repulse, repudiate, dismiss, forgo, deny oneself, pass up, refuse to take advantage of, turn one"s back on
  3. (especially of the sun) move downwards.
    • example - the sun began to creep round to the west and to decline
    • synonyms - go down, sink, decline, descend, drop, subside
  4. (in the grammar of Latin, Greek, and certain other languages) state the forms of (a noun, pronoun, or adjective) corresponding to case, number, and gender.
    • example - Lyly declined English nouns as if they were Latin.
noun
  • A gradual and continuous loss of strength, numbers, quality, or value.
    • example - a serious decline in bird numbers
    • synonyms - reduction, decrease, downturn, downswing, lowering, devaluation, depreciation, lessening, diminishing, diminution, slackening, waning, dwindling, fading, ebb, falling off, abatement, drop, slump, plunge, tumble
/ˈdɛkəreɪt/
verb
  1. Make (something) look more attractive by adding extra items or images to it.
    • example - the town was decorated with Christmas lights
    • synonyms - ornament, adorn, trim, embellish, garnish, furnish, accessorize, enhance, grace, enrich
  2. Confer an award or medal on (a member of the armed forces)
    • example - he was decorated for outstanding bravery
    • synonyms - give a medal to, pin a medal on, honour, confer an award on
/dɛkəˈreɪʃ(ə)n/
noun
  1. The process or art of decorating something.
    • example - the lavish decoration of cloth with gilt
    • synonyms - ornament, trinket, bauble, knick-knack, gimcrack, spangle, doodah, gewgaw, folderol, fandangle
  2. A medal or award conferred as an honour.
    • example - a decoration won on the field of battle
    • synonyms - medal, award, badge, star, ribbon, laurel, wreath, trophy, prize
/dɪˈkriːs/
/ˈdiːkriːs/
verb
  • Make or become smaller or fewer in size, amount, intensity, or degree.
    • example - the population of the area has decreased radically
    • synonyms - lessen, become less, grow less, become smaller, grow smaller, reduce, drop, diminish, decline, dwindle, contract, shrink, fall off, die down
noun
  • An instance or example of becoming smaller or fewer.
    • example - a decrease in births
    • synonyms - reduction, drop, lessening, lowering, decline, falling off
/diːp/
adjective
  1. Extending far down from the top or surface.
    • example - a deep gorge
    • synonyms - extending far down
  2. Very intense or extreme.
    • example - she was in deep trouble
    • synonyms - sound, heavy, profound, intense
  3. (of sound) low in pitch and full in tone; not shrill.
    • example - a deep, resonant voice
    • synonyms - low-pitched, low, bass, full-toned, rich, powerful, resonant, rumbling, booming, resounding, sonorous
  4. (of colour) dark and intense.
    • example - a deep pink
    • synonyms - dark
noun
  1. The sea.
    • example - denizens of the deep
    • synonyms - the sea, the ocean
  2. The part of the field distant from the batsman.
    • example - He was also noted for his magnificent fielding in the deep.
adverb
  • Far down or in; deeply.
    • example - he travelled deep into the forest
    • synonyms - far down, far in, deep down, way down, to a great depth
/ˈdiːpli/
adverb
  1. Far down or in.
    • example - he breathed deeply
  2. Intensely.
    • example - Richard felt her loss very deeply
    • synonyms - greatly, enormously, extremely, very much, to a great degree, to a great extent
/dɪˈfiːt/
verb
  • Win a victory over (someone) in a battle or other contest; overcome or beat.
    • example - Garibaldi defeated the Neapolitan army
    • synonyms - beat, conquer, win against, win a victory over, triumph over, prevail over, get the better of, best, worst, vanquish
noun
  • An instance of defeating or being defeated.
    • example - a 1–0 defeat by Grimsby
    • synonyms - loss, beating, conquest, conquering, besting, worsting, vanquishing, vanquishment, game, set, and match
/dɪˈfɛns/
noun
  1. The action of defending from or resisting attack.
    • example - methods of defence against this kind of attack
    • synonyms - protection, shielding, safeguarding, guarding
  2. The case presented by or on behalf of the party accused of a crime or being sued in a civil lawsuit.
    • example - the farmer"s defence was that he intended only to wound the thief
    • synonyms - rebuttal, denial
  3. (in sport) the action or role of defending one"s goal or wicket against the opposition.
    • example - Wolves were pressed back into defence
/dɪˈfɛnd/
verb
  1. Resist an attack made on (someone or something); protect from harm or danger.
    • example - we shall defend our island, whatever the cost
    • synonyms - protect, guard, safeguard, keep from harm, preserve, secure, shield, shelter, screen
  2. Conduct the case for (the party being accused or sued) in a lawsuit.
    • example - he is a lawyer who specializes in defending political prisoners
  3. (in sport) protect one"s goal or wicket rather than attempt to score against one"s opponents.
    • example - they were forced to defend for long periods
/dɪˈfʌɪn/
verb
  1. State or describe exactly the nature, scope, or meaning of.
    • example - the contract will seek to define the client"s obligations
    • synonyms - explain, expound, interpret, elucidate, explicate, describe, clarify
  2. Mark out the boundary or limits of.
    • example - the river defines the park"s boundary
    • synonyms - determine, establish, fix, specify, designate, decide, stipulate, settle, set out, mark out, mark off
/ˈdɛfɪnət/
adjective
  • Clearly stated or decided; not vague or doubtful.
    • example - we had no definite plans
    • synonyms - explicit, specific, express, precise, exact, defined, well defined, clear-cut
/ˈdɛfɪnətli/
adverb
  • Without doubt (used for emphasis)
    • example - I shall definitely be at the airport to meet you
    • synonyms - certainly, surely, for sure, unquestionably, beyond doubt, without doubt, beyond question, without question, beyond any doubt, undoubtedly, indubitably, assuredly, positively, absolutely
/dɛfɪˈnɪʃ(ə)n/
noun
  1. A statement of the exact meaning of a word, especially in a dictionary.
    • example - a dictionary definition of the verb
    • synonyms - definition, sense, explanation, denotation, connotation, interpretation, elucidation, explication
  2. The degree of distinctness in outline of an object, image, or sound.
    • example - the clarity and definition of pictures can be aided by using computer graphics
    • synonyms - clarity, clearness, visibility, precision, sharpness, crispness, acuteness, distinctness
/dɪˈɡriː/
noun
  1. The amount, level, or extent to which something happens or is present.
    • example - a degree of caution is probably wise
    • synonyms - level, stage, point, rung, standard, grade, gradation, mark
  2. A unit of measurement of angles, one ninetieth of a right angle or the angle subtended by one three-hundred-and-sixtieth of the circumference of a circle.
    • example - set at an angle of 45 degrees
  3. A unit in any of various scales of temperature, intensity, or hardness.Each of a set of grades (usually three) used to classify burns according to their severity.A legal grade of crime or offence, especially murder.A step in direct genealogical descent.A position in a musical scale, counting upwards from the tonic or fundamental note.The class into which an equation falls according to the highest power of unknowns or variables present.Any of the three steps on the scale of comparison of gradable adjectives and adverbs, namely positive, comparative, and superlative.A rank in an order of freemasonry.A thing placed like a step in a series; a tier or row.
    • example - water boils at 100 degrees Celsius
  4. An academic rank conferred by a college or university after examination or after completion of a course, or conferred as an honour on a distinguished person.
    • example - a degree in zoology
  5. Social or official rank.
    • example - persons of unequal degree
    • synonyms - social class, social status, rank, position in society, standing in society
/dɪˈleɪ/
verb
  • Make (someone or something) late or slow.
    • example - the train was delayed
    • synonyms - detain, hold up, make late, retard, keep, keep back, slow up, slow down, set back, bog down
noun
  • A period of time by which something is late or postponed.
    • example - a two-hour delay
    • synonyms - hold-up, wait, waiting period, detainment
/dɪˈlɪb(ə)rət/
/dɪˈlɪbəreɪt/
adjective
  1. Done consciously and intentionally.
    • example - a deliberate attempt to provoke conflict
    • synonyms - intentional, calculated, conscious, done on purpose, intended, planned, meant, considered, studied, knowing, wilful, wanton, purposeful, purposive, premeditated, pre-planned, thought out in advance, prearranged, preconceived, predetermined
  2. Careful and unhurried.
    • example - a conscientious and deliberate worker
    • synonyms - careful, cautious, unhurried, measured, regular, even, steady
verb
  • Engage in long and careful consideration.
    • example - she deliberated over the menu
/dɪˈlɪb(ə)rətli/
adverb
  1. Consciously and intentionally; on purpose.
    • example - the fire was started deliberately
    • synonyms - intentionally, on purpose, purposely, by design, knowingly, wittingly, consciously, purposefully
  2. In a careful and unhurried way.
    • example - slowly and deliberately he rose from the armchair
    • synonyms - careful, cautious, unhurried, measured, regular, even, steady
/dɪˈlɪʃəs/
adjective
  • Highly pleasant to the taste.
    • example - delicious home-baked brown bread
    • synonyms - mouth-watering, appetizing, tasty, flavoursome, flavourful, delectable, toothsome, inviting, very enjoyable, very palatable
/dɪˈlʌɪt/
verb
  • Please (someone) greatly.
    • example - an experience guaranteed to delight both young and old
    • synonyms - please greatly, charm, enchant, captivate, entrance, bewitch, thrill, excite, take someone"s breath away
noun
  • Great pleasure.
    • example - the little girls squealed with delight
    • synonyms - pleasure, happiness, joy, joyfulness, glee, gladness, gratification, relish, excitement, amusement
/dɪˈlʌɪtɪd/
adjective
  • Feeling or showing great pleasure.
    • example - a delighted smile
    • synonyms - very pleased, glad, happy, joyful, thrilled, overjoyed, ecstatic, euphoric, elated, blissful, enraptured, on cloud nine, on cloud seven, walking on air, in seventh heaven, in transports of delight, jumping for joy, beside oneself with happiness, excited
/dɪˈlɪvə/
verb
  1. Bring and hand over (a letter, parcel, or goods) to the proper recipient or address.
    • example - the products should be delivered on time
    • synonyms - bring, take, take round, convey, carry, transport, distribute, drop-ship
  2. Provide (something promised or expected)
    • example - he had been able to deliver votes in huge numbers
    • synonyms - provide, supply, furnish
  3. Launch or aim (a blow, ball, or attack)
    • example - he delivered a punch to the man"s belly
    • synonyms - administer, deal, inflict, give, direct, aim
  4. Assist in the birth of.
    • example - the village midwife delivered the baby
    • synonyms - give birth to, bear, be delivered of, have, bring into the world, bring forth
  5. Save, rescue, or set someone or something free from.
    • example - deliver us from the nightmare of junk mail
    • synonyms - save, rescue, set free, free, liberate, release, set at liberty, set loose, extricate, discharge, emancipate, redeem, ransom
/dɪˈlɪv(ə)ri/
noun
  1. The action of delivering letters, parcels, or goods.
    • example - allow up to 28 days for delivery
    • synonyms - conveyance, carriage, transportation, transporting, transport, distribution
  2. The process of giving birth.
    • example - injuries sustained during delivery
    • synonyms - birth, childbirth
  3. An act of throwing, bowling, or kicking a ball, especially a cricket ball.
    • example - he reached 59 runs off only 42 deliveries
    • synonyms - ball bowled, throw, bowl, lob, pitch
  4. The manner or style of giving a speech.
    • example - her delivery was stilted
    • synonyms - manner of speaking, speech, pronunciation, enunciation, articulation, intonation, elocution
  5. The supply or provision of something.
    • example - a mechanism for rapid delivery of bile into the duodenum
    • synonyms - supplying, supply, providing, purveying, delivery, furnishing, equipping, giving, donation, allocation, distribution, presentation
  6. The acknowledgement by the maker of a deed that they intend to be bound by it.
/dɪˈmɑːnd/
noun
  • An insistent and peremptory request, made as of right.
    • example - a series of demands for far-reaching reforms
    • synonyms - request, call
verb
  • Ask authoritatively or brusquely.
    • example - ‘Where is she?’ he demanded
    • synonyms - order to, command to, tell to, call on to, enjoin to, urge to
/ˈdɛmənstreɪt/
verb
  1. Give a practical exhibition and explanation of (how a machine, skill, or craft works or is performed)
    • example - computerized design methods will be demonstrated
    • synonyms - give a demonstration of, show how something is done, show how something works
  2. Clearly show the existence or truth of (something) by giving proof or evidence.
    • example - their shameful silence demonstrates their ineptitude
    • synonyms - reveal, bespeak, indicate, signify, signal, denote, show, display, exhibit, express, manifest, evince, evidence, be evidence of, be an indication of, bear witness to, testify to
  3. Take part in a public demonstration.
    • example - thousands demonstrated in favour of the government
    • synonyms - protest, rally, hold a rally, march, parade
/ˈdɛntɪst/
noun
  • A person who is qualified to treat diseases and other conditions that affect the teeth and gums, especially the repair and extraction of teeth and the insertion of artificial ones.
    • example - his mouth is still sore from his visit to the dentist"s
/dɪˈnʌɪ/
verb
  1. State that one refuses to admit the truth or existence of.
    • example - both firms deny any responsibility for the tragedy
    • synonyms - contradict, repudiate, gainsay, declare untrue, dissent from, disagree with, challenge, contest, oppose
  2. Refuse to give (something requested or desired) to (someone)
    • example - the inquiry was denied access to intelligence sources
    • synonyms - refuse, turn down, reject, rebuff, repulse, decline, veto, dismiss
/dɪˈpɑːtm(ə)nt/
noun
  • A division of a large organization such as a government, university, or business, dealing with a specific area of activity.
    • example - the council"s finance department
    • synonyms - division, section, sector, subsection, subdivision, unit, branch, arm, wing, segment, compartment
/dɪˈpɑːtʃə/
noun
  • The action of leaving, especially to start a journey.
    • example - the day of departure
    • synonyms - leaving, going, going away, going off, leave-taking, withdrawal, exit, egress, quitting, decamping, retreat, retirement, retiral
/dɪˈpɛnd/
verb
  1. Be controlled or determined by.
    • example - differences in earnings depended on a wide variety of factors
    • synonyms - be contingent on, be conditional on, be dependent on, turn on, pivot on, hinge on, hang on, rest on, be based on, rely on
  2. Be able to trust; rely on.
    • example - we can depend on her to deliver a quality product
    • synonyms - have faith in, place one"s trust in, put one"s trust in, have confidence in, have every confidence in, believe in, pin one"s faith on, pin one"s hopes on
  3. Hang down.
    • example - his tongue depended from open jaws
    • synonyms - hang, hang down, droop, sag, swing, sway, wave, trail, stream
/dɪˈprɛst/
adjective
  1. (of a person) in a state of unhappiness or despondency.
    • example - she felt lonely and depressed
    • synonyms - sad, saddened, unhappy, gloomy, glum, melancholy, miserable, sorrowful, dejected, disconsolate, downhearted, downcast, cast down, down, crestfallen, woebegone, despondent, dispirited, low, low in spirits, low-spirited, heavy-hearted, morose, dismal, desolate, weighed down, oppressed
  2. (of a place or economic activity) suffering the damaging effects of a lack of demand or employment.
    • example - depressed inner-city areas
    • synonyms - weak, weakened, enervated, debilitated, devitalized, impaired
  3. (of an object or part of an object) in a lower position, having been pushed down.
    • example - a depressed fracture of the skull
    • synonyms - sunken, hollow, concave, indented, dented, pushed in, caved in, recessed, set back
/dɪˈprɛsɪŋ/
adjective
  1. Causing or resulting in a feeling of miserable dejection.
    • example - that thought is too depressing for words
    • synonyms - upsetting, distressing, painful, heartbreaking, heart-rending, dispiriting, disheartening, discouraging, demoralizing
  2. Causing a damaging reduction in economic activity.
    • example - the mortgage rate increase will have a depressing effect on the housing market
/dɛpθ/
noun
  1. The distance from the top or surface to the bottom of something.
    • example - water of no more than 12 feet in depth
    • synonyms - deepness, distance downwards, distance inwards, distance from the outside
  2. The quality of being intense or extreme.
    • example - he was surprised by the depth of Eloise"s vindictiveness
  3. A point far below the surface.
    • example - he lifted the manhole cover and peered into the depths beneath
    • synonyms - deepest part, remotest area, bottom, floor, bed, abyss, back, pit
/dɪˈskrʌɪb/
verb
  1. Give a detailed account in words of.
    • example - he described his experiences in a letter to his parents
    • synonyms - report, narrate, recount, relate, tell of, set out, chronicle
  2. Mark out or draw (a geometrical figure)
    • example - on the diameter of a circle an equilateral triangle is described
    • synonyms - delineate, mark out, outline, trace, draw, sketch
/dɪˈskrɪpʃ(ə)n/
noun
  1. A spoken or written account of a person, object, or event.
    • example - people who had seen him were able to give a description
    • synonyms - account, explanation, elucidation, illustration, representation, interpretation
  2. A type or class of people or things.
    • example - it is laughably easy to buy drugs of all descriptions
    • synonyms - sort, variety, kind, style, type, category, order, breed, species, class, designation, specification, genre, genus, brand, make, character, ilk, kidney, grain, stamp, mould
/dɪˈzəːt/
verb
  • Abandon (a person, cause, or organization) in a way considered disloyal or treacherous.
    • example - we feel our public representatives have deserted us
    • synonyms - abandoned, forsaken, cast aside, cast off, thrown over, betrayed, jilted
/dɪˈzəːv/
verb
  • Do something or have or show qualities worthy of (a reaction which rewards or punishes as appropriate)
    • example - the referee deserves a pat on the back
    • synonyms - merit, earn, warrant, rate, justify, be worthy of, be entitled to, have a right to, have a claim on, be qualified for, be good enough for
/dɪˈzʌɪn/
noun
  1. A plan or drawing produced to show the look and function or workings of a building, garment, or other object before it is made.
    • example - he has just unveiled his design for the new museum
    • synonyms - plan, blueprint, drawing, scale drawing, sketch, outline, map, plot, diagram, delineation, draft, depiction, representation, artist"s impression, scheme, model, prototype, proposal
  2. A decorative pattern.
    • example - pottery with a lovely blue and white design
    • synonyms - pattern, motif, device
  3. Purpose or planning that exists behind an action, fact, or object.
    • example - the appearance of design in the universe
    • synonyms - intention, aim, purpose, plan, intent, objective, object, goal, end, target, point, hope, desire, wish, dream, aspiration, ambition, idea
verb
  • Decide upon the look and functioning of (a building, garment, or other object), by making a detailed drawing of it.
    • example - a number of architectural students were designing a factory
    • synonyms - plan, draw plans of, draw, sketch, outline, map out, plot, block out, delineate, draft, depict
/dɪˈzʌɪnə/
noun
  • A person who plans the look or workings of something prior to it being made, by preparing drawings or plans.
    • example - a fashion designer
    • synonyms - creator, deviser, producer, inventor, originator, planner, author, artificer, fabricator
adjective
  • Made or designed by a famous and prestigious fashion designer.
    • example - designer clothes
/dɪˈzʌɪə/
noun
  • A strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen.
    • example - he resisted public desires for choice in education
    • synonyms - wish, want
verb
  • Strongly wish for or want (something)
    • example - he never achieved the status he so desired
    • synonyms - wish for, want, long for, yearn for, crave, set one"s heart on, hanker after, hanker for, pine after, pine for, thirst for, itch for, be desperate for, be bent on, have a need for, covet, aspire to
/dɛsk/
noun
  1. A piece of furniture with a flat or sloping surface and typically with drawers, at which one can read, write, or do other work.
    • example - he sat at his desk, reading reports
    • synonyms - table, work surface, bureau, writing desk, writing table, roll-top desk, lectern
  2. A counter in a hotel, bank, or airport at which a customer may check in or obtain information.
    • example - the reception desk
  3. A specified section of a newspaper or broadcasting organization.
    • example - he landed a job on the sports desk
  4. A position in an orchestra at which two players share a music stand.
    • example - an extra desk of first and second violins
/ˈdɛsp(ə)rət/
adjective
  1. Feeling or showing a hopeless sense that a situation is so bad as to be impossible to deal with.
    • example - a desperate sadness enveloped Ruth
    • synonyms - despairing, hopeless
  2. (of a person) having a great need or desire for something.
    • example - I am desperate for a cigarette
    • synonyms - in great need of, urgently requiring, craving, in want of, lacking, wanting
/dɪˈspʌɪt/
preposition
  • Without being affected by; in spite of.
    • example - he remains a great leader despite age and infirmity
    • synonyms - in spite of, notwithstanding, regardless of, in defiance of, without being affected by, in the face of, for all, even with, undeterred by
noun
  1. Contemptuous treatment or behaviour; outrage.
    • example - the despite done by him to the holy relics
  2. Contempt; disdain.
    • example - the theatre only earns my despite
    • synonyms - contempt, scorn, scornfulness, contemptuousness, derision, disrespect
/ˌdɛstɪˈneɪʃ(ə)n/
noun
  • The place to which someone or something is going or being sent.
    • example - Delft is an ideal destination for a relaxing weekend
    • synonyms - journey"s end, end of the line, landing place, point of disembarkation
/dɪˈstrɔɪ/
verb
  • End the existence of (something) by damaging or attacking it.
    • example - the room had been destroyed by fire
    • synonyms - demolish, knock down, pull down, tear down, level, raze, raze to the ground, fell, dismantle, break up, wreck, ruin, smash, shatter, crash, blast, blow up, blow to bits, blow to pieces, dynamite, explode, bomb, torpedo
/ˈdiːteɪl/
noun
  1. An individual fact or item.
    • example - we shall consider every detail of the Bill
    • synonyms - particular, feature, characteristic, respect, ingredient, attribute, item, specific, fact, piece of information, point, factor, element, circumstance, consideration, aspect, facet, side, part, unit, component, constituent, member, accessory
  2. A small detachment of troops or police officers given a special duty.
    • example - the governor"s security detail
    • synonyms - unit, detachment, squad, troop, contingent, outfit, task force, crew, patrol, section, formation
verb
  1. Give full information about.
    • example - the report details proposals to improve public transport
    • synonyms - present, describe, set out, set forth, draw up, delineate, frame
  2. Assign (someone) to undertake a particular task.
    • example - the ships were detailed to keep watch
    • synonyms - assign, allocate, appoint, delegate, commission, ordain, charge, send, post, nominate, vote, elect, adopt, co-opt, select, choose
  3. Clean (a motor vehicle) thoroughly.
    • example - You probably spend hours detailing your car - so how about spending a few minutes on those nails.
/ˈdiːteɪld/
adjective
  • Having many details or facts; showing attention to detail.
    • example - more detailed information was needed
    • synonyms - comprehensive, full, complete, circumstantial, thorough, exhaustive, all-inclusive
/dɪˈtɛkt/
verb
  • Discover or identify the presence or existence of.
    • example - cancer may soon be detected in its earliest stages
/dɪˈtɛktɪv/
noun
  • A person, especially a police officer, whose occupation is to investigate and solve crimes.
    • example - detectives are anxious to interview anyone who saw the car
    • synonyms - investigator, private detective, private investigator, operative
/dɪˈtəːmɪn/
verb
  1. Cause (something) to occur in a particular way or to have a particular nature.
    • example - it will be her mental attitude that determines her future
    • synonyms - deciding, decisive, conclusive, final, settling, definitive, key, pivotal, crucial, critical, most influential, significant, major, chief, principal, prime, paramount
  2. Ascertain or establish exactly by research or calculation.
    • example - the inquest is entrusted with the task of determining the cause of death
    • synonyms - find out, discover, ascertain, learn, establish, fix, settle, decide, calculate, work out, make out, fathom, fathom out, come to know, get to know, ferret out, deduce, divine, intuit, diagnose, discern, check, verify, confirm, make certain of, certify
  3. Firmly decide.
    • example - he determined on a withdrawal of his forces
    • synonyms - resolve, decide, come to a decision, make a decision, reach a decision, make up one"s mind, choose, elect, opt
  4. Bring or come to an end.
    • example - That particular question must be determined against the appellant.
/dɪˈtəːmɪnd/
adjective
  • Having made a firm decision and being resolved not to change it.
    • example - Alina was determined to be heard
    • synonyms - intent on, bent on, set on, dead set on, insistent on, fixed on, resolved on, resolved to, firm about, committed to, hell-bent on
/dɪˈvɛləp/
verb
  1. Grow or cause to grow and become more mature, advanced, or elaborate.
    • example - motion pictures were to develop into mass entertainment
    • synonyms - grow, evolve, mature, expand, enlarge, spread, advance, progress, prosper, succeed, thrive, get on well, flourish, blossom, bloom, burgeon, make headway, be successful
  2. Start to exist, experience, or possess.
    • example - a strange closeness developed
    • synonyms - come into being, come about, start, begin, be born, come into existence, appear, arrive, come forth, emerge, erupt, burst out, arise, originate, break, unfold, crop up, follow, happen, result, ensue, break out
  3. Treat (a photographic film) with chemicals to make a visible image.
    • example - she came to get the film developed
  4. Bring (a piece) into play from its initial position on a player"s back rank.
    • example - he preferred to develop his bishop on e7
/dɪˈvɛləpm(ə)nt/
noun
  1. The process of developing or being developed.
    • example - she traces the development of the novel
    • synonyms - evolution, growth, maturing, expansion, enlargement, spread, buildout, progress, success, blossoming, blooming, burgeoning, headway
  2. An event constituting a new stage in a changing situation.
    • example - I don"t think there have been any new developments since yesterday
    • synonyms - event, turn of events, occurrence, happening, circumstance, incident, phenomenon, situation, issue, outcome, upshot
  3. The process of converting land to a new purpose by constructing buildings or making use of its resources.
    • example - land suitable for development
  4. The process of starting to be affected by an ailment or feeling.
    • example - the development of brittle bones
  5. The process of treating photographic film with chemicals to make a visible image.
    • example - agitation is carried out while a film is processed to ensure even development
  6. The process of bringing one"s pieces into play in the opening phase of a game.
    • example - I sought to take advantage of Black"s defective development
/dɪˈvʌɪs/
noun
  1. A thing made or adapted for a particular purpose, especially a piece of mechanical or electronic equipment.
    • example - a measuring device
    • synonyms - implement, gadget, utensil, tool, appliance, piece of equipment, apparatus, piece of apparatus, piece of hardware, instrument, machine, mechanism, contrivance, contraption, invention, convenience, amenity, aid
  2. A plan, method, or trick with a particular aim.
    • example - writing a letter to a newspaper is a traditional device for signalling dissent
    • synonyms - ploy, plan, cunning plan, tactic, move, means, stratagem, scheme, plot, trick, ruse, gambit, manoeuvre, machination, intrigue, contrivance, expedient, dodge, artifice, subterfuge, game, wile
  3. A drawing or design.
    • example - the decorative device on the invitations
/ˈdʌɪəɡram/
noun
  • A simplified drawing showing the appearance, structure, or workings of something; a schematic representation.
    • example - a diagram of the living room
    • synonyms - drawing, line drawing, illustration, picture, artist"s impression
verb
  • Represent (something) in graphic form.
    • example - the experiment is diagrammed on page fourteen
/ˈdʌɪəlɒɡ/
noun
  • A conversation between two or more people as a feature of a book, play, or film.
    • example - the book consisted of a series of dialogues
    • synonyms - conversation, talk, communication, interchange, discourse, argument
verb
  • Take part in a conversation or discussion to resolve a problem.
    • example - he stated that he wasn"t going to dialogue with the guerrillas
/ˈdʌɪ(ə)mənd/
noun
  1. A precious stone consisting of a clear and colourless crystalline form of pure carbon, the hardest naturally occurring substance.
    • example - a diamond ring
    • synonyms - diamond, precious stone, jewel
  2. A figure with four straight sides of equal length forming two opposite acute angles and two opposite obtuse angles; a rhombus.
    • example - a sweater with a pale-blue diamond pattern
    • synonyms - rhombus, diamond shape, diamond
/ˈdʌɪəri/
noun
  • A book in which one keeps a daily record of events and experiences.
    • example - In either case, keep a diary or other written record of events.
    • synonyms - journal, memoir, chronicle, log, logbook, weblog, blog, vlog, day-by-day account, daily record, history, annal, record, moblog
/ˈdɪkʃ(ə)n(ə)ri/
noun
  • A book or electronic resource that lists the words of a language (typically in alphabetical order) and gives their meaning, or gives the equivalent words in a different language, often also providing information about pronunciation, origin, and usage.
    • example - I"ll look up "love" in the dictionary
    • synonyms - lexicon, wordbook, glossary, vocabulary list, vocabulary, word list, wordfinder
die
/dʌɪ/
verb
  1. (of a person, animal, or plant) stop living.
    • example - he died of tuberculosis
    • synonyms - pass away, pass on, lose one"s life, depart this life, expire, breathe one"s last, draw one"s last breath, meet one"s end, meet one"s death, lay down one"s life, be no more, perish, be lost, go the way of the flesh, go the way of all flesh, go to glory, go to one"s last resting place, go to meet one"s maker, cross the great divide, cross the Styx
  2. Be very eager for something.
    • synonyms - be very eager, be very keen, be desperate, long, yearn, burn, ache, itch
  3. Have an orgasm.
/ˈdʌɪət/
noun
  1. The kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats.
    • example - a vegetarian diet
    • synonyms - selection of food, food and drink, food, foodstuffs, provisions, edibles, fare
  2. A special course of food to which a person restricts themselves, either to lose weight or for medical reasons.
    • example - I"m going on a diet
    • synonyms - dietary regime, dietary regimen, dietary programme, restricted diet, crash diet
verb
  • Restrict oneself to small amounts or special kinds of food in order to lose weight.
    • example - I began dieting again
    • synonyms - follow a diet, be on a diet, eat sparingly, eat selectively, abstain, fast
/ˈdɪf(ə)r(ə)ns/
noun
  1. A point or way in which people or things are dissimilar.
    • example - the differences between men and women
    • synonyms - dissimilarity, contrast, distinction, distinctness, differentiation
  2. A disagreement, quarrel, or dispute.
    • example - the couple are patching up their differences
    • synonyms - disagreement, difference of opinion, misunderstanding, dispute, disputation, argument, debate, quarrel, wrangle, altercation, contretemps, clash, controversy, dissension
verb
  • Alter (a coat of arms) to distinguish members or branches of a family.
/ˈdɪf(ə)r(ə)nt/
adjective
  1. Not the same as another or each other; unlike in nature, form, or quality.
    • example - you can play this game in different ways
    • synonyms - dissimilar, unalike, unlike, non-identical, contrasting, divergent, disparate, poles apart
  2. Distinct; separate.
    • example - on two different occasions
    • synonyms - distinct, separate, individual, discrete, non-identical, unrelated, unconnected, unassociated, independent
/ˈdɪf(ə)r(ə)ntli/
adverb
  1. In a way that is not the same as another or as before.
    • example - we work differently from other developers
  2. In varied ways; diversely.
    • example - differently coloured pens
/ˈdɪfɪk(ə)lt/
adjective
  • Needing much effort or skill to accomplish, deal with, or understand.
    • example - she had a difficult decision to make
    • synonyms - hard, strenuous, arduous, laborious, heavy, tough, onerous, burdensome, demanding, punishing, gruelling, grinding, back-breaking, painful
/ˈdɪfɪk(ə)lti/
noun
  • The state or condition of being difficult.
    • example - Guy had no difficulty in making friends
    • synonyms - strain, struggling, awkwardness, trouble, toil, labour, laboriousness, strenuousness, arduousness
dig
/dɪɡ/
verb
  1. Break up and move earth with a tool or machine, or with hands, paws, snout, etc.
    • example - the boar had been digging for roots
    • synonyms - cultivate, till, harrow, plough, turn over, work, break up, spade
  2. Push or poke sharply.
    • example - he dug his hands into his pockets
    • synonyms - poke, prod, jab, stab, shove, ram, push, thrust, drive, nudge
  3. Like, appreciate, or understand.
    • synonyms - like, love, adore, take great pleasure in, delight in, enjoy, appreciate, be keen on
noun
  1. An act or spell of digging.
    • example - a thorough dig of the whole plot
  2. A push or poke with one"s elbow, finger, etc.
    • example - Ginnie gave her sister a dig in the ribs
    • synonyms - poke, prod, jab, stab, shove, push, nudge, elbow
/ˈdɪdʒɪt(ə)l/
adjective
  1. (of signals or data) expressed as series of the digits 0 and 1, typically represented by values of a physical quantity such as voltage or magnetic polarization.
    • example - The digital signal is converted back to an analog one when it reaches its destination.
  2. (of a clock or watch) showing the time by means of displayed digits rather than hands or a pointer.
    • example - Is it coincidence that our generation is infatuated with digital watches and clocks?
  3. Relating to a finger or fingers.
    • example - The saphenous sometimes provides the medial dorsal digital nerve to the great toe.
/ˈdɪnə/
noun
  • The main meal of the day, taken either around midday or in the evening.
    • example - what"s for dinner?
    • synonyms - evening meal, supper, main meal, repast
/dɪˈrɛkt/
adjective
  1. Extending or moving from one place to another without changing direction or stopping.
    • example - there was no direct flight that day
    • synonyms - straight, undeviating, unswerving
  2. Without intervening factors or intermediaries.
    • example - the complications are a direct result of bacteria spreading
    • synonyms - face to face, personal, unmediated, head-on, immediate, first-hand
  3. (of a person or their behaviour) going straight to the point; frank.
    • example - he is very direct and honest
    • synonyms - frank, straightforward, honest, candid, open, sincere, straight, straight to the point, blunt, plain-spoken, outspoken, forthright, downright, uninhibited, unreserved, point blank, no-nonsense, matter-of-fact, bluff, undiplomatic, tactless
  4. Perpendicular to a surface; not oblique.
adverb
  • With no one or nothing in between.
    • example - they seem reluctant to deal with me direct
    • synonyms - directly, straight, in person, without an intermediary
verb
  1. Control the operations of; manage or govern.
    • example - an economic elite directed the nation"s affairs
    • synonyms - administer, manage, run, control, govern, conduct, handle
  2. Aim (something) in a particular direction or at a particular person.
    • example - heating ducts to direct warm air to rear-seat passengers
    • synonyms - aim, point, level
  3. Give (someone) an official order or authoritative instruction.
    • example - the judge directed him to perform community service
    • synonyms - instruct, tell, command, order, give orders to, charge, call on, require, dictate
/dɪˈrɛkʃ(ə)n/
noun
  1. A course along which someone or something moves.
    • example - she set off in the opposite direction
    • synonyms - way, route, course, line, run, bearing, orientation
  2. The management or guidance of someone or something.
    • example - under his direction, the college has developed an international reputation
    • synonyms - administration, management, supervision, superintendence, government, regulation, orchestration
/dɪˈrɛktli/
adverb
  1. Without changing direction or stopping.
    • example - they went directly to the restaurant
    • synonyms - straight, right, in a straight line, as the crow flies, by a direct route, without deviation, in a beeline, by the shortest route
  2. With nothing or no one in between.
    • example - the decisions directly affect people"s health
    • synonyms - face to face, personally, in person, without an intermediary, at first hand, head on, direct, man to man
  3. In a frank way.
    • example - she spoke simply and directly
    • synonyms - frankly, bluntly, straightforwardly, openly, candidly, outspokenly, forthrightly, without beating around the bush, point-blank, matter-of-factly, without prevarication
conjunction
  • As soon as.
    • synonyms - as soon as, the moment, the instant, the second, once, when, immediately after
/dɪˈrɛktə/
noun
  • A person who is in charge of an activity, department, or organization.
    • example - the sales director
    • synonyms - leader, chief, boss, controller, master, supervisor, governor, superintendent, foreman, forewoman, headman
/dəːt/
noun
  1. A substance, such as mud or dust, that soils someone or something.
    • example - Jo wiped the dirt off her face
    • synonyms - grime, dust, soot, smut
  2. Information about someone"s activities or private life that could prove damaging if revealed.
    • synonyms - scandal, gossip, talk, revelations, rumour, rumours, tittle-tattle, tattle
/ˈdəːti/
adjective
  1. Covered or marked with an unclean substance.
    • example - a tray of dirty cups and saucers
    • synonyms - soiled, grimy, grubby, filthy, mucky, stained, unwashed, greasy, smeared, smeary, spotted, smudged, cloudy, muddy, dusty, sooty
  2. (of an activity) dishonest; dishonourable.
    • example - he had a reputation for dirty dealing
    • synonyms - unfair, dishonest, deceitful, unscrupulous, dishonourable, unsporting, ungentlemanly, below the belt, unethical, unprincipled, immoral
  3. Concerned with sex in a lewd or obscene way.
    • example - he told a stream of dirty jokes
    • synonyms - indecent, obscene, rude, vulgar, smutty, coarse, crude, filthy, bawdy, suggestive, ribald, racy, salacious, risqué, prurient, offensive, lewd, lascivious, licentious, pornographic, explicit, X-rated
  4. (of weather) rough, stormy, and unpleasant.
    • example - Where is the obligatory miasma of old industry and dirty weather, you wonder; the thunderheads stripped of silver linings?
    • synonyms - unpleasant, nasty, foul, inclement, rough, bad
  5. (of a colour) not bright or pure; dull.
    • example - the sea was a waste of dirty grey
    • synonyms - dull, cloudy, muddy, dingy, dark, not clear, not pure, not bright
adverb
  • Used for emphasis.
verb
  • Make dirty.
    • example - she didn"t like him dirtying her nice clean towels
    • synonyms - soil, stain, muddy, blacken, mess up, spoil, tarnish, taint, make dirty
/dɪsədˈvɑːntɪdʒ/
noun
  • An unfavourable circumstance or condition that reduces the chances of success or effectiveness.
    • example - a major disadvantage is the limited nature of the data
    • synonyms - drawback, snag, downside, stumbling block, catch, pitfall, fly in the ointment
verb
  • Put in an unfavourable position in relation to someone or something else.
    • example - the pension scheme tends to disadvantage women
    • synonyms - treat unfavourably, put at a disadvantage, treat harshly, treat unfairly, put in an unfavourable position, handicap, inflict a handicap on, do a disservice to, be unfair to, wrong
/dɪsəˈɡriː/
verb
  1. Have or express a different opinion.
    • example - no one was willing to disagree with him
    • synonyms - fail to agree, be in contention, be in dispute, be at odds, be at variance, not see eye to eye, differ from, dissent from, diverge from
  2. (of statements or accounts) be inconsistent or fail to correspond.
    • example - the results disagree with the findings reported so far
    • synonyms - differ, be dissimilar, be unlike, be different, vary
/dɪsəˈpɪə/
verb
  • Cease to be visible.
    • example - he disappeared into the trees
    • synonyms - vanish, pass from sight, cease to be visible, vanish from sight, recede from view, be lost to sight, be lost to view, fade, fade away, melt away
/dɪsəˈpɔɪntɪd/
adjective
  • Sad or displeased because someone or something has failed to fulfil one"s hopes or expectations.
    • example - I"m disappointed in you, Mary
    • synonyms - saddened, upset, let down, disheartened, downhearted, cast down, downcast, depressed, dispirited, discouraged, despondent, dismayed, crestfallen, distressed, chagrined
/dɪsəˈpɔɪntɪŋ/
adjective
  • Failing to fulfil someone"s hopes or expectations.
    • example - the team made a disappointing start
    • synonyms - saddening, disheartening, dispiriting, discouraging, upsetting, dismaying, depressing, distressing
/dɪˈzɑːstə/
noun
  • A sudden accident or a natural catastrophe that causes great damage or loss of life.
    • example - 159 people died in the disaster
    • synonyms - catastrophe, calamity, cataclysm, tragedy, act of God, holocaust
/dɪsk/
noun
  1. A flat, thin circular object.
    • example - coins were made by striking a blank disc of metal
    • synonyms - circle, round, saucer, discus, ring
  2. An object or part resembling a disc in shape or appearance.
    • example - the smudged yellow disc of the moon
    • synonyms - ring, round, band, hoop, circlet
/ˈdɪsɪplɪn/
noun
  1. The practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behaviour, using punishment to correct disobedience.
    • example - a lack of proper parental and school discipline
    • synonyms - control, regulation, direction, order, authority, rule, strictness, a firm hand
  2. A branch of knowledge, typically one studied in higher education.
    • example - sociology is a fairly new discipline
    • synonyms - field, field of study, branch of knowledge, course of study, subject, area
verb
  • Train (someone) to obey rules or a code of behaviour, using punishment to correct disobedience.
    • example - many parents have been afraid to discipline their children
    • synonyms - train, drill, teach, school, coach, educate, regiment, indoctrinate
/ˈdɪskaʊnt/
/dɪsˈkaʊnt/
noun
  • A deduction from the usual cost of something.
    • example - rail commuters get a discount on season tickets
    • synonyms - reduction, deduction, markdown, price cut, cut, lower price, cut price, concession, concessionary price
verb
  1. Deduct an amount from (the usual price of something)
    • example - a product may carry a price which cannot easily be discounted
    • synonyms - deduct, take off, rebate
  2. Regard (a possibility or fact) as being unworthy of consideration because it lacks credibility.
    • example - I"d heard rumours, but discounted them
    • synonyms - disregard, pay no attention to, take no notice of, take no account of, pass over, overlook, dismiss, ignore, brush off, gloss over
/dɪˈskʌvə/
verb
  1. Find unexpectedly or during a search.
    • example - firemen discovered a body in the debris
    • synonyms - find, locate, come across, come upon, stumble on, chance on, light on, bring to light, uncover, unearth, turn up, track down
  2. Divulge (a secret)
    • example - they contain some secrets which Time will discover
    • synonyms - divulge, disclose, tell, let out, let slip, let drop, let fall, give away, give the game away, give the show away, blurt, blurt out, babble, give out, release, leak, betray, open up, unveil, bring out into the open
/dɪˈskʌv(ə)ri/
noun
  1. The action or process of discovering or being discovered.
    • example - the discovery of the body
    • synonyms - finding, locating, location, uncovering, unearthing
  2. The compulsory disclosure, by one party to an action to another, of relevant testimony or documents.
    • example - A party has inherent right to be present at the examination for discovery of the opposite party.
/dɪˈskʌs/
verb
  • Talk about (something) with a person or people.
    • example - I discussed the matter with my wife
    • synonyms - talk over, talk about, talk through, converse about, debate, confer about, put your heads together about, deliberate about, chew over, consider, exchange views about, exchange views on, weigh up, consider the pros and cons of, thrash out, argue, dispute
/dɪˈskʌʃ(ə)n/
noun
  • The action or process of talking about something in order to reach a decision or to exchange ideas.
    • example - the committee acts as a forum for discussion
    • synonyms - meeting, discussion, conference, question and answer session, examination, evaluation, interrogation
/dɪˈziːz/
noun
  • A disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant, especially one that produces specific symptoms or that affects a specific location and is not simply a direct result of physical injury.
    • example - bacterial meningitis is quite a rare disease
    • synonyms - illness, sickness, ill health
/dɪʃ/
noun
  1. A shallow, flat-bottomed container for cooking or serving food.
    • example - an ovenproof dish
    • synonyms - bowl, plate, soup plate, platter, salver
  2. A shallow, concave receptacle, especially one intended to hold a particular substance.
    • example - the cats" water dish
    • synonyms - bowl, plate, soup plate, platter, salver
  3. A sexually attractive person.
    • synonyms - beautiful woman, belle, vision, charmer, enchantress, Venus, goddess, beauty queen, English rose, picture, seductress
  4. Information which is not generally known or available.
  5. Concavity of a spoked wheel resulting from a difference in spoke tension on each side and consequent sideways displacement of the rim in relation to the hub.
    • example - This won"t work because the wheel will end up way out of dish and the tire will likely rub the kickstand-side chainstay.
verb
  1. Gossip or share information, especially information of an intimate or scandalous nature.
  2. Utterly destroy, confound, or defeat.
    • synonyms - destroy, put an end to, bring to an end, be the end of, end, extinguish, dash, quell, quash, ruin, wreck, shatter, smash, crush, scotch
  3. Give concavity to (a wheel) by tensioning the spokes.
    • example - I don"t think I dished the wheel correctly—there"s a rubbing sound
/dɪsˈɒnɪst/
adjective
  • Behaving or prone to behave in an untrustworthy, deceitful, or insincere way.
    • example - he was a dishonest hypocrite prepared to exploit his family
    • synonyms - fraudulent, corrupt, swindling, cheating, double-dealing
/dɪsˈlʌɪk/
verb
  • Feel distaste for or hostility towards.
    • example - she disliked any kind of unnecessary rudeness
    • synonyms - hate, detest, loathe, abominate, abhor, despise, scorn, shun, execrate
noun
  • A feeling of distaste or hostility.
    • example - he made no secret of his dislike of the police
    • synonyms - aversion, distaste, disfavour, disapproval, disapprobation, disesteem, enmity, animosity, hostility, animus, antipathy, antagonism
/dɪsˈmɪs/
verb
  1. Order or allow to leave; send away.
    • example - she dismissed the taxi at the corner of the road
    • synonyms - send away, let go, release, free
  2. Treat as unworthy of serious consideration.
    • example - it would be easy to dismiss him as all brawn and no brain
    • synonyms - banish, put away, set aside, lay aside, abandon, have done with, drop, disregard, brush off, shrug off, forget, think no more of, pay no heed to, put out of one"s mind
/dɪˈspleɪ/
verb
  • Put (something) in a prominent place in order that it may readily be seen.
    • example - the palace used to display a series of tapestries
    • synonyms - exhibit, show, put on show, put on view, expose to view, present, unveil, set forth
noun
  1. A performance, show, or event staged for public entertainment.
    • example - a display of fireworks
  2. An electronic device for the visual presentation of data or images.
    • example - the colour display now costs £400
    • synonyms - measuring device, gauge, meter, measure
/ˈdɪst(ə)ns/
noun
  1. The length of the space between two points.
    • example - I cycled the short distance home
    • synonyms - interval, space, span, gap, separation, interspace, stretch, extent
  2. The full length of a race.
    • example - he claimed the 100 m title in only his second race over the distance
  3. The avoidance of familiarity; reserve.
    • example - a mix of warmth and distance makes a good neighbour
    • synonyms - aloofness, remoteness, detachment, stand-offishness, unfriendliness, haughtiness, hauteur, coolness, coldness, frigidity
verb
  1. Make (someone or something) far off or remote in position or nature.
    • example - her mother wished to distance her from the rough village children
    • synonyms - withdraw, detach, separate, dissociate, remove, isolate, put at a distance, keep at arm"s length, set apart, place far off
  2. Beat (a horse) by a distance.
    • example - He gave way after the first half-mile and was distanced.
/dɪˈstrɪbjuːt/
/ˈdɪstrɪbjuːt/
verb
  1. Give a share or a unit of (something) to each of a number of recipients.
    • example - information leaflets are being distributed to hotels
    • synonyms - give out, deal out, hand out, hand round, issue, dispense, administer, pass round, dole out, dispose of
  2. Occur throughout an area.
    • example - the birds are mainly distributed in marshes and river valleys
    • synonyms - disperse, diffuse, disseminate, scatter, spread, strew
  3. Use (a term) to include every individual of the class to which it refers.
    • example - the middle term must be distributed, at least once, in the premises
/dɪstrɪˈbjuːʃ(ə)n/
noun
  1. The action of sharing something out among a number of recipients.
    • example - the government released about 74,000 tonnes of rice for distribution among people affected by the cyclone
    • synonyms - giving out, dealing out, handing out, handing round, issue, issuing, issuance, dispensation, administering, administration, passing round, doling out
  2. The way in which something is shared out among a group or spread over an area.
    • example - changes undergone by the area have affected the distribution of its wildlife
    • synonyms - dispersal, diffusion, dissemination, scattering, spread
/ˈdɪstrɪkt/
noun
  • An area of a country or city, especially one characterized by a particular feature or activity.
    • example - an elegant shopping district
    • synonyms - neighbourhood, area, region, place, locality, locale, community, quarter, sector, vicinity, zone, territory, block, part, spot, patch, domain
verb
  • Divide into areas.
    • example - the committee districted the city into blocks
/dɪˈvʌɪd/
verb
  1. Separate or be separated into parts.
    • example - consumer magazines can be divided into a number of categories
    • synonyms - split, cut up, cleave, carve up, slice up, chop up, split up
  2. Disagree or cause to disagree.
    • example - the question had divided Frenchmen since the Revolution
    • synonyms - divided, split, sectarian, schismatic, dissenting, contentious, discordant, conflicting, argumentative, disagreeing, disputatious, quarrelling, quarrelsome, clashing, warring, at variance, at loggerheads, at odds, disharmonious, tumultuous, turbulent, dissident, rebellious, insurrectionary, seditious, mutinous
  3. Find how many times (a number) contains another.
    • example - 36 divided by 2 equals 18
noun
  • A difference or disagreement between two groups, typically producing tension.
    • example - there was still a profound cultural divide between the parties
    • synonyms - divergence, contrast, polarity, divide, division, separation, difference, wide area of difference
/dɪˈvɪʒ(ə)n/
noun
  1. The action of separating something into parts or the process of being separated.
    • example - the division of the land into small fields
    • synonyms - dividing, dividing up, breaking up, break-up, cutting up, carving up, severance, splitting, dissection, bisection, cleaving
  2. Difference or disagreement between two or more groups, typically producing tension.
    • example - a growing sense of division between north and south
    • synonyms - disunity, disunion, conflict, discord, disagreement, dissension, disaffection, estrangement, alienation, isolation, detachment
  3. The process of dividing one number by another.
    • example - no multiplication or division is necessary
  4. Each of the parts into which something is divided.
    • example - the main divisions of the book
    • synonyms - section, subsection, subdivision, part, portion, piece, bit, segment, slice, fragment, chunk, component, share
  5. A partition.
    • example - the villagers lived in a communal building and there were no solid divisions between neighbours
    • synonyms - dividing line, divide, boundary, boundary line, borderline, border, partition, margin, demarcation line, line of demarcation, cut-off point
/dɪˈvɔːst/
adjective
  • No longer married because the marriage has been legally dissolved.
    • example - a divorced couple
do
/duː/
verb
  1. Perform (an action, the precise nature of which is often unspecified)
    • example - very little work has been done in this field
    • synonyms - carry out, undertake, discharge, execute, perpetrate, perform, accomplish, implement, achieve, complete, finish, conclude
  2. Achieve or complete.
  3. Act or behave in a specified way.
    • example - they are free to do as they please
    • synonyms - act, behave, conduct oneself, acquit oneself
  4. Be suitable or acceptable.
    • example - if he"s anything like you, he"ll do
    • synonyms - suffice, be adequate, be satisfactory, be acceptable, be good enough, be of use, fill the bill, fit the bill, answer the purpose, serve the purpose, meet one"s needs, pass muster
  5. Beat up or kill.
auxiliary verb
  1. Used before a verb (except be, can, may, ought, shall, will) in questions and negative statements.
    • example - do you have any pets?
  2. Used to refer back to a verb already mentioned.
    • example - he looks better than he did before
  3. Used to give emphasis to a positive verb.
    • example - I do want to act on this
  4. Used with inversion of a subject and verb when an adverbial phrase begins a clause for emphasis.
    • example - only rarely did they succumb
noun
  1. A party or other social event.
    • synonyms - party, reception, gathering, celebration, function, affair, event, social event, social occasion, social function, social
  2. short for hairdo
  3. Excrement.
  4. A swindle or hoax.
/ˈdɒktə/
noun
  1. A person who is qualified to treat people who are ill.
    • example - I"ll make him go and see the doctor
    • synonyms - physician, medical practitioner, medical man, medical woman, clinician, doctor of medicine, MD
  2. A person who holds the highest university degree.A teacher or learned person.
    • example - he was made a Doctor of Divinity
  3. An artificial fishing fly.
  4. A cool onshore breeze that blows regularly in a particular warm location.
    • example - the Perth doctor blows towards evening off the Indian Ocean
verb
  1. Change the content or appearance of (a document or picture) in order to deceive; falsify.
    • example - the reports could have been doctored
    • synonyms - falsify, tamper with, tinker with, interfere with, manipulate, massage, rig, alter, change
  2. Treat (someone) medically.
    • synonyms - treat, medicate, dose, soothe, cure, heal
/ˈdɒkjʊm(ə)nt/
/ˈdɒkjʊmɛnt/
noun
  • A piece of written, printed, or electronic matter that provides information or evidence or that serves as an official record.
    • example - The site provides access to official documents and reports, but not any political analysis.
    • synonyms - official paper, legal paper, paper, form, certificate, deed, charter, contract, legal agreement
verb
  • Record (something) in written, photographic, or other form.
    • example - the photographer spent years documenting the lives of miners
    • synonyms - record, register, report, log, chronicle, file, archive, catalogue, put on record, commit to paper, set down, take down, write down, set down in writing, set down in black and white, write about
/dɒkjʊˈmɛnt(ə)ri/
adjective
  1. Consisting of or based on official documents.
    • example - documentary evidence of regular payments from the company
    • synonyms - recorded, documented, registered, written, chronicled, archived, archive, on record, in writing, on paper
  2. Using pictures or interviews with people involved in real events to provide a factual report on a particular subject.
    • example - a documentary programme about Manchester United
    • synonyms - factual, non-fictional, real-life, true to life, fact-based
noun
  • A film or television or radio programme that provides a factual report on a particular subject.
    • example - In the last month he has been the subject of two television documentaries.
    • synonyms - factual programme, factual film
dog
/dɒɡ/
noun
  1. A domesticated carnivorous mammal that typically has a long snout, an acute sense of smell, non-retractable claws, and a barking, howling, or whining voice.
    • example - ‘All dogs have an intense sense of smell, and every dog likes to sniff,’ Smith said.
    • synonyms - canine, hound
  2. An unpleasant, contemptible, or wicked man.
  3. Used in names of dogfishes, e.g. sandy dog, spur-dog.
  4. A mechanical device for gripping.
  5. Feet.
    • synonyms - tootsie, trotter
  6. Barriers used to keep horses off a particular part of the track.
verb
  1. Follow (someone) closely and persistently.
    • example - photographers seemed to dog her every step
    • synonyms - pursue, follow, stalk, track, trail, shadow, hound
  2. Act lazily; fail to try one"s hardest.
  3. Grip (something) with a mechanical device.
    • example - she has dogged the door shut
/ˈdɒlə/
noun
  • The basic monetary unit of the US, Canada, Australia, and certain countries in the Pacific, Caribbean, SE Asia, Africa, and South America.
    • example - Does this mean oil prices haven"t risen as dramatically in pounds or euros as in dollars?
/dəˈmɛstɪk/
adjective
  1. Relating to the running of a home or to family relations.
    • example - domestic chores
    • synonyms - family, home, private
  2. Existing or occurring inside a particular country; not foreign or international.
    • example - Egypt"s domestic affairs
    • synonyms - national, state, home, local, internal, interior, not foreign, not international
noun
  1. A person who is paid to help with cleaning and other menial tasks in a person"s home.
    • example - Nor were we happy with how some of the churches educated, when they seemed to train the young primarily for menial pursuits such as domestics.
    • synonyms - servant, domestic servant, domestic worker, domestic help, hired help, home help, daily help, maid, housemaid, maid-of-all-work, cleaner, menial, housekeeper
  2. A violent quarrel between family members, especially a couple.
  3. A product not made abroad.
/ˈdɒmɪneɪt/
verb
  • Have power and influence over.
    • example - the company dominates the market for operating system software
    • synonyms - control, influence, exercise control over, be in control of, command, be in command of, be in charge of, rule, govern, direct, be the boss of, preside over, have ascendancy over, have mastery over, master, have the upper hand over, subjugate, hegemonize
/dɔː/
noun
  • A hinged, sliding, or revolving barrier at the entrance to a building, room, or vehicle, or in the framework of a cupboard.
    • example - she looked for her key and opened the door
/ˈdʌb(ə)l/
adjective
  1. Consisting of two equal, identical, or similar parts or things.
    • example - double doors
    • synonyms - dual, duplex, twin, binary, duplicate, matched, matching, paired, in pairs, complementary, coupled, twofold
  2. Lower in pitch by an octave.
    • example - The double octave can thus be divided into two equal parts each having a ratio of 2: 1.
predeterminer
  • Twice as much or as many.
    • example - the jail now houses almost double the number of prisoners it was designed for
adverb
  • At or to twice the amount or extent.
    • example - you have to be careful, and this counts double for older people
    • synonyms - twice, twice over, twice the amount, doubly
noun
  1. A thing which is twice as large as usual or is made up of two standard units or things.
    • example - join the two sleeping bags together to make a double
  2. A person who looks exactly like another.
    • example - you could pass yourself off as his double
    • synonyms - lookalike, twin, clone, duplicate, perfect likeness, exact likeness, replica, copy, facsimile, imitation, picture, image, living image, mirror image, counterpart, match, mate, fellow
  3. (especially in tennis and badminton) a game or competition involving sides made up of two players.
    • example - the semi-finals of the doubles
  4. A system of change-ringing using five bells, with two pairs changing places each time.
  5. A pair of victories in the same sport in two different competitions.
    • example - Manchester United won the double twice
pronoun
  • A number or amount which is twice as large as a contrasting or usual number or amount.
    • example - he paid double and had a room all to himself
verb
  1. Become twice as much or as many.
    • example - profits doubled in one year
    • synonyms - multiply by two, increase twofold, enlarge, magnify, repeat
  2. Fold or bend (paper, cloth, or other material) over on itself.
    • example - the muslin is doubled and then laid in a sieve over the bowl
    • synonyms - fold, fold back, fold down, fold over, fold under, fold up, turn back, turn down, turn over, turn under, turn up, tuck back, tuck down, tuck under, tuck up, bend back, bend over, crease
  3. Be used in or play another, different role.
    • example - a laser printer doubles as a photocopier
    • synonyms - function, do, serve, also serve
/daʊt/
noun
  • A feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction.
    • example - some doubt has been cast upon the authenticity of this account
    • synonyms - uncertainty, lack of certainty, unsureness, indecision, hesitation, hesitancy, dubiousness, suspicion, confusion
verb
  1. Feel uncertain about.
    • example - I doubt my ability to do the job
    • synonyms - doubt, distrust, mistrust, have doubts about, harbour suspicions about, have misgivings about, be sceptical about, have qualms about, be suspicious of, be wary of, feel chary about, feel uneasy about, harbour reservations about, have reservations about, have a funny feeling about
  2. Fear; be afraid.
    • example - I doubt not any ones contradicting this Journal
/daʊn/
adverb
  1. Towards or in a lower place or position, especially to or on the ground or another surface.
    • example - she looked down
    • synonyms - towards a lower position, downwards, downstairs, towards the bottom, from top to bottom
  2. To or at a lower level of intensity, volume, or activity.
    • example - keep the noise down
  3. In or into a weaker or worse position, mood, or condition.
    • example - the scandal brought down the government
  4. In or into writing.
    • example - Graham noted the numbers down carefully
  5. (with reference to partial payment of a sum of money) made initially or on the spot.
    • example - pay £5 down and the rest at the end of the month
  6. (of sailing) with the current or the wind.
  7. (of the ball or a player in possession) not in play, typically through progress being stopped.
preposition
  1. From a higher to a lower point of (something)
    • example - up and down the stairs
    • synonyms - lower in, lower on, to the bottom of
  2. Throughout (a period of time)
    • example - astrologers down the ages
    • synonyms - throughout, through, during, in
adjective
  1. Directed or moving towards a lower place or position.
    • example - the down escalator
  2. Unhappy or depressed.
    • example - he"s been so down lately
    • synonyms - depressed, sad, saddened, unhappy, melancholy, miserable, wretched, sorrowful, gloomy, dejected, downhearted, disheartened, despondent, dispirited, low, in low spirits, low-spirited, heavy-hearted, glum, morose, dismal, downcast, cast down, tearful
  3. (of a computer system) temporarily out of action or unavailable.
    • example - sorry, but the computer"s down
    • synonyms - not working, not functioning, not functional, not in working order, not in operation, inoperative, malfunctioning, out of order, broken, broken-down, acting up, unserviceable, faulty, defective, in disrepair
  4. Supporting or going along with someone or something.
  5. Denoting a flavour (variety) of stable quark having relatively low mass and an electric charge of −1/3. In the Standard Model protons and neutrons are composed of up and down quarks.
    • example - At this energy level, only up and down quarks, the electron and the electron neutrino exist.
verb
  1. Knock or bring to the ground.
    • synonyms - knock down, knock over, knock to the ground, throw to the ground, bring down, bring to the ground, fell, topple, prostrate, tackle, rugby-tackle, trip up
  2. Consume (something, typically a drink)
    • synonyms - drink, drink down, drink up, gulp, gulp down, guzzle, quaff, drain, imbibe, sup, slurp, suck, sip, swallow, finish off, polish off
noun
  1. A period of unwelcome experiences or negative mood.
    • synonyms - setbacks, upsets, reverses, reversals, reversals of fortune, downturns, mishaps, strokes of ill luck, strokes of bad luck, accidents, shocks, vicissitudes, crises, catastrophes, tragedies, calamities, trials, crosses, knocks, burdens, blows, buffets
  2. A chance for a team to advance the ball, ending when the ball carrier is tackled or the ball becomes out of play. A team must advance at least ten yards in a series of four downs in order to keep possession.
    • example - That weakness should not be too great of a negative since the Texans typically do not use a nose tackle on passing downs anyway.
/daʊnˈləʊd/
/ˈdaʊnləʊd/
verb
  • Copy (data) from one computer system to another, typically over the internet.
    • example - it would be wise to download your program to another computer before testing it
noun
  • An act or process of downloading data.
    • example - movie downloads were painfully slow
/daʊnˈstɛːz/
/ˈdaʊnstɛːz/
adverb
  • Down a flight of stairs.
    • example - I tripped over the cat and fell downstairs
    • synonyms - towards a lower position, downwards, downstairs, towards the bottom, from top to bottom
adjective
  • Situated downstairs.
    • example - the downstairs loo
noun
  • The ground floor or lower floors of a building.
    • example - the downstairs was hardly damaged at all
/ˈdaʊnwəd/
adverb
  • Towards a lower place, point, or level.
    • example - he was lying face downward
adjective
  • Moving or leading towards a lower place or level.
    • example - a downward trend in inflation
    • synonyms - descending, downhill, falling, sinking, going down, moving down, sliding, slipping, dipping, earthbound, earthward
/ˈdʌz(ə)n/
noun
  1. A group or set of twelve.
    • example - a dozen bottles of sherry
  2. An exchange of insults engaged in as a game or ritual among black Americans.
/drɑːft/
noun
  1. A preliminary version of a piece of writing.
    • example - the first draft of the party"s manifesto
    • synonyms - version, edition, issue, model, mark, draft, form, impression, publication
  2. A written order to pay a specified sum.
    • example - How could Dunlop walk into the AIB with cheques or drafts made out for large sums of money to a company of which he was not a director or shareholder or officer, and walk out again having converted them to cash?
    • synonyms - cheque, order, banker"s order, money order, bill of exchange, postal order
  3. Compulsory recruitment for military service.
    • example - 25 million men were subject to the draft
  4. US spelling of draught (noun)
verb
  1. Prepare a preliminary version of (a document)
    • example - I drafted a letter of resignation
  2. Select (a person or group of people) and bring them somewhere for a certain purpose.
    • example - riot police were drafted in to break up the blockade
/draɡ/
verb
  1. Pull (someone or something) along forcefully, roughly, or with difficulty.
    • example - we dragged the boat up the beach
    • synonyms - haul, pull, draw, tug, heave, trail, trawl, tow
  2. (of time) pass slowly and tediously.
    • example - the day dragged—eventually it was time for bed
    • synonyms - become tedious, appear to pass slowly, go slowly, move slowly, creep along, limp along, crawl, hang heavy, go at a snail"s pace, wear on, go on too long, go on and on
  3. Move (an image or highlighted text) across a computer screen using a tool such as a mouse.
    • example - you can move the icons into this group by dragging them in with the mouse
noun
  1. The action of pulling something forcefully or with difficulty.
    • example - the drag of the current
    • synonyms - pull, tug, tow, heave, yank
  2. A boring or tiresome person or thing.
    • synonyms - bore, tedious thing, tiresome thing, nuisance, bother, trouble, pest, annoyance, source of annoyance, trial, vexation, thorn in one"s flesh
  3. An act of inhaling smoke from a cigarette.
  4. Clothing more conventionally worn by the opposite sex, especially women"s clothes worn by a man.
    • example - a fashion show, complete with men in drag
  5. A street or road.
  6. A thing that is pulled along the ground or through water.
    • example - The car in front loses some of the drag at its rear.
  7. A strong-smelling lure drawn before hounds as a substitute for a fox.
    • example - If he took the time to investigate this issue further he would find that video evidence is available showing greyhounds enthusiastically following a drag lure.
  8. Influence over other people.
    • synonyms - control, authority, influence, dominance, mastery, domination, rule, command, ascendancy, supremacy, dominion, sovereignty, jurisdiction, sway, weight, leverage, hold, grasp, say
  9. One of the basic patterns (rudiments) of drumming, consisting of a stroke preceded by two grace notes usually played with the other stick.
  10. short for drag race
    • example - Having the family around makes for a great time for everyone, but we"re reminded that the extra summer traffic means extra diligence on the highways to and from the drags.
  11. A private vehicle like a stagecoach, drawn by four horses.
/ˈdrɑːmə/
noun
  1. A play for theatre, radio, or television.
    • example - a gritty urban drama about growing up in Harlem
    • synonyms - play, show, piece, theatrical work, spectacle, dramatization
  2. An exciting, emotional, or unexpected event or circumstance.
    • example - a hostage drama
    • synonyms - catastrophe, calamity, cataclysm, emergency, disaster
/drəˈmatɪk/
adjective
  1. Relating to drama or the performance or study of drama.
    • example - the dramatic arts
  2. (of an event or circumstance) sudden and striking.
    • example - a dramatic increase in recorded crime
    • synonyms - considerable, substantial, sizeable, goodly, fair, reasonable, tidy, marked, pronounced
/drɔː/
verb
  1. Produce (a picture or diagram) by making lines and marks on paper with a pencil, pen, etc.
    • example - he drew a map
    • synonyms - sketch, make a drawing, make a drawing of, make a diagram, make a diagram of, pencil
  2. Pull or drag (something such as a vehicle) so as to make it follow behind.
    • example - a cart drawn by two horses
  3. Extract (an object, especially a weapon) from a container or receptacle.
    • example - he drew his gun and peered into the gloomy apartment
    • synonyms - pull out, take out, bring out, draw out, produce, fish out, extract, withdraw
  4. Take or obtain (liquid) from a container or receptacle.
    • example - a wheel was built to draw water from the well
    • synonyms - drain, extract, withdraw, remove, suck, pump, siphon, milk, bleed, tap, void, filter, pour, tip, discharge, transfer
  5. Be the cause of (a specified response)
    • example - he drew criticism for his lavish spending
  6. Select (a ticket or name) randomly to decide winners in a lottery, opponents in a sporting contest, etc.
  7. Finish (a contest or game) with an even score.
    • example - Brazil had drawn a stormy match 1–1
  8. Disembowel.
    • example - there are numerous ways of drawing poultry
    • synonyms - disembowel, eviscerate, draw, dress, clean, remove the innards from, remove the guts from
  9. Hit (the ball) so that it deviates slightly, usually as a result of spin.
    • example - he had to learn to draw the ball—not least for the tee shots at Augusta
  10. (of a ship) require (a specified depth of water) to float in.
    • example - boats that draw only a few inches of water
  11. (of a sail) be filled with wind.
noun
  1. An act of selecting names randomly to decide winners in a lottery, opponents in a sporting contest, etc.
    • example - the draw has been made for this year"s tournament
    • synonyms - raffle, lottery, sweepstake, sweep, tombola, ballot
  2. A game or contest that ends with the score even.
    • example - he scored twice to force a 4–4 draw
    • synonyms - tie, dead heat, stalemate
  3. A person or thing that is very attractive or interesting.
    • example - the museum has turned out to be a big draw for school children in the city
    • synonyms - attraction, lure, allure, pull, appeal, glamour, allurement, enticement, temptation, bewitchment, enchantment, charm, seduction, persuasion, fascination, magnetism
  4. An act of pulling a gun from its holster in order to shoot.
    • example - he went for the quick draw and levelled a long-barrelled pistol at all of us
  5. An act of drawing on a cigarette or cigar.
    • example - she took a long draw on her cigarette
  6. A shot causing the ball to deviate slightly.
    • example - most high handicappers would benefit from a controlled draw
/ˈdrɔː(r)ɪŋ/
noun
  1. A picture or diagram made with a pencil, pen, or crayon rather than paint.
    • example - a series of charcoal drawings on white paper
    • synonyms - sketch, picture, illustration, representation, portrayal, delineation, depiction, composition, study, diagram, outline, design, plan, artist"s impression
  2. An instance of selecting the winner or winners in a lottery or raffle.
/driːm/
noun
  1. A series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person"s mind during sleep.
    • example - I had a recurrent dream about falling from great heights
    • synonyms - fantasy, nightmare
  2. A cherished aspiration, ambition, or ideal.
    • example - I fulfilled a childhood dream when I became champion
    • synonyms - ambition, aspiration, hope
verb
  1. Experience dreams during sleep.
    • example - I dreamed about her last night
  2. Indulge in daydreams or fantasies about something greatly desired.
    • example - she had dreamed of a trip to Italy
    • synonyms - fantasize about, daydream about
  3. Contemplate the possibility of doing something or that something might be the case.
    • example - I wouldn"t dream of foisting myself on you
    • synonyms - think, consider, contemplate, conceive, entertain the thought of, visualize
/drɛs/
verb
  1. Put on one"s clothes.
    • example - Graham showered and dressed quickly
    • synonyms - put on clothes, don clothes, slip into clothes, clothe oneself, get dressed
  2. Decorate (something) in an artistic or attractive way.
    • example - she"d enjoyed dressing the tree when the children were little
    • synonyms - decorate, adorn, ornament, trim, deck, bedeck, embellish, beautify, prettify, array, festoon, garland, rig, drape
  3. Clean, treat, or apply a dressing to (a wound)
    • example - she washed the wound and dressed it with fresh bandages
    • synonyms - bandage, cover, bind, bind up, wrap, swaddle, swathe
  4. Clean and prepare (food, especially poultry or shellfish) for cooking or eating.
    • example - dress the crab and shell the prawns
    • synonyms - prepare, get ready, make ready
  5. Apply a fertilizer to (an area of ground or a plant)
    • synonyms - fertilize, add fertilizer to, feed, enrich, manure, mulch, compost, top-dress
  6. Draw up (troops) in the proper alignment.
    • example - There was no time to dress ranks properly, and unit organization went by the board as the troopers struggled to form front.
    • synonyms - line up, put in line, align, straighten, arrange, put into order, dispose, set out, get into columns, get into rows
  7. (of a man) have the genitals habitually on one or the other side of the fork of the trousers.
    • example - do you dress to the left?
  8. Make (an artificial fly) for use in fishing.
    • example - after you dress a dry fly, be sure to remove any oil before you make your next cast
noun
  1. A one-piece garment worn by women and girls that covers the body and extends down over the legs.
    • example - a white cotton dress
    • synonyms - frock, gown, robe, shift
  2. Clothing of a specified kind for men or women.
    • example - traditional African dress
    • synonyms - clothes, clothing, garments, attire, costume, outfit, ensemble, garb, turnout
/drɛst/
adjective
  1. (of a person) wearing clothes; not naked or in underwear, sleepwear, etc.
    • example - Go downstairs and wait for me! I"m not dressed!
  2. (of food, especially poultry or shellfish) cleaned and prepared for cooking or eating.
  3. (of stone) having had the surface smoothed.
    • example - a fine frontage in red brick with dressed white stone on the facings
  4. (of an artificial fly) made for use in fishing.
/drɪŋk/
verb
  • Take (a liquid) into the mouth and swallow.
    • example - we sat by the fire, drinking our tea
    • synonyms - swallow, gulp down, quaff, swill, guzzle, sup
noun
  • A liquid that can be swallowed as refreshment or nourishment.
    • example - fizzy drinks
    • synonyms - beverage, drinkable liquid, potable liquid, liquid refreshment, thirst quencher
/drʌɪv/
verb
  1. Operate and control the direction and speed of a motor vehicle.
    • example - he got into his car and drove off
    • synonyms - operate, pilot, steer, handle, manage
  2. Propel or carry along by force in a specified direction.
    • example - the wind will drive you onshore
    • synonyms - power, propel, move, push
  3. Urge or force (animals or people) to move in a specified direction.
    • example - they drove a flock of sheep through the centre of the city
    • synonyms - impel, urge, press, move, get going
  4. (of a fact or feeling) compel (someone) to act in a particular way, especially one that is considered undesirable or inappropriate.
    • example - he was driven by ambition
    • synonyms - force, compel, constrain, impel, press, prompt, precipitate, catapult
noun
  1. A trip or journey in a car.
    • example - they went for a drive in the country
    • synonyms - excursion, outing, trip, jaunt, tour, turn
  2. An innate, biologically determined urge to attain a goal or satisfy a need.
    • example - emotional and sexual drives
    • synonyms - urge, appetite, desire, need
  3. An organized effort by a number of people to achieve a purpose.
    • example - a recruitment drive by the police
    • synonyms - campaign, crusade, movement, effort, push, surge, appeal
  4. The transmission of power to machinery or to the wheels of a motor vehicle.
    • example - he experimented with chain drive to run the propeller
  5. (in ball games) a forceful stroke made with a free swing of the bat, racket, or foot against the ball.
    • example - a hard drive to left field
  6. An act of driving a group of animals to a particular destination.
    • example - cattle were no longer taken on long drives, but were delivered by rail
/ˈdrʌɪvə/
noun
  1. A person who drives a vehicle.
    • example - a taxi driver
    • synonyms - motorist
  2. A wheel or other part in a mechanism that receives power directly and transmits motion to other parts.
    • example - All the drivers and the trailing wheel down one side are to be equalized in one system, and the same down the other side, for the other two points.
  3. A factor which causes a particular phenomenon to happen or develop.
    • example - the hope of achieving such monopolies becomes the main driver of investment
  4. A golf club with a flat face and wooden head, used for driving from the tee.
    • example - If you hit 10 golf balls at the driving range with your driver, you"ll improve by the eighth swing or so.
/ˈdrʌɪvɪŋ/
adjective
  • (of rain or snow) blown by the wind with great force.
    • example - driving rain
    • synonyms - assertive, forceful, competitive, insistent, vigorous, energetic, dynamic, driving, bold, audacious, enterprising, go-ahead, zealous, pushing
noun
  • The control and operation of a motor vehicle.
    • example - he was convicted of reckless driving
    • synonyms - expulsion, ejection, ousting, throwing out, drumming out, driving out, banishing, banishment, removal, dislodgement, displacement, clearance
/drɒp/
verb
  1. Let or make (something) fall vertically.
    • example - the fire was caused by someone dropping a lighted cigarette
    • synonyms - let fall, let go, let go of, fail to hold, lose one"s grip on
  2. Fall vertically.
    • example - the spoon dropped with a clatter from her hand
    • synonyms - drip, fall in drops, fall, dribble, trickle, drizzle, flow, run, plop, leak
  3. Make or become lower, weaker, or less.
    • example - he dropped his voice as she came into the room
    • synonyms - decrease, lessen, make less, reduce, diminish, depreciate
  4. Abandon or discontinue (a course of action or study)
    • example - the charges against him were dropped last year
    • synonyms - give up, finish with, withdraw from, retire from, cancel
  5. Set down or unload (a passenger or goods), especially on the way to somewhere else.
    • example - his mum dropped him outside and drove off to work
    • synonyms - remove, offload, discharge, jettison, drop, deliver, deposit, set down, leave, put off, tip out, pour out
  6. (in sport) fail to win (a point or a match)
    • example - the club have yet to drop a point in the Second Division
    • synonyms - lose, fail to win, concede, miss out on, give away, let slip
  7. Be forced to play (a relatively high card) as a loser under an opponent"s higher card, because it is the only card in its suit held in the hand.
    • example - East drops the 10 on the second round
noun
  1. A small round or pear-shaped portion of liquid that hangs or falls or adheres to a surface.
    • example - the first drops of rain splashed on the ground
    • synonyms - droplet, blob, globule, bead, bubble, tear, dot, spheroid, oval
  2. An instance of falling or dropping.
    • example - they left within five minutes of the drop of the curtain
  3. A delivery.
  4. A small, round sweet or lozenge.
    • example - a chocolate drop
    • synonyms - sweet, lozenge, pastille, piece of confectionery
  5. An earring that hangs down from the earlobe.
    • example - simple amethyst and diamond drops
  6. A section of theatrical scenery lowered from the flies; a drop cloth or drop curtain.
    • example - Judd"s sets consisted of green and blue upstage drops that moved through a number of positions but did not further encroach on the open space of the stage.
    • synonyms - drape, curtain, drop, drop cloth, drop curtain, drop scene, tableau curtain, frontal, dossal
  7. A trapdoor on a gallows, the opening of which causes the prisoner to fall and thus be hanged.
    • example - warders, standing on planks, invariably flanked the prisoners on the drop
/drʌɡ/
noun
  • A medicine or other substance which has a physiological effect when ingested or otherwise introduced into the body.
    • example - a new drug aimed at sufferers from Parkinson"s disease
    • synonyms - medicine, medical drug, medication, medicament
verb
  • Administer a drug to (someone) in order to induce stupor or insensibility.
    • example - they were drugged to keep them quiet
    • synonyms - anaesthetize, give an anaesthetic to, narcotize, give drugs to, give narcotics to, give opiates to, poison
/drʌm/
noun
  1. A percussion instrument sounded by being struck with sticks or the hands, typically cylindrical, barrel-shaped, or bowl-shaped, with a taut membrane over one or both ends.
    • example - a shuffling dance to the beat of a drum
  2. A cylindrical container or receptacle.
    • example - a drum of powdered bleach
    • synonyms - canister, barrel, cylinder, tank, bin, can
  3. A house or flat.
  4. An evening or afternoon tea party of a kind that was popular in the late 18th and early 19th century.
  5. A piece of reliable inside information.
verb
  1. Play on a drum or drums.
    • example - he channelled his energies into drumming with local groups
  2. Give (someone) reliable information or a warning.
/drʌŋk/
adjective
  • Affected by alcohol to the extent of losing control of one"s faculties or behaviour.
    • example - he was so drunk he lurched from wall to wall
    • synonyms - intoxicated, inebriated, drunken, befuddled, incapable, tipsy, the worse for drink, under the influence, maudlin
noun
  • A person who is drunk or who habitually drinks to excess.
    • example - we staggered up the path like a couple of drunks
    • synonyms - drunkard, inebriate, drinker, imbiber, tippler, sot
dry
/drʌɪ/
adjective
  1. Free from moisture or liquid; not wet or moist.
    • example - the jacket kept me warm and dry
    • synonyms - parched, dried, withered, shrivelled, wilted, wizened
  2. (of information, writing, etc.) dully factual.
    • example - the dry facts of the matter
    • synonyms - bare, simple, basic, fundamental, stark, naked, bald, cold, hard, straightforward
  3. (of a joke or sense of humour) subtle and expressed in a matter-of-fact way.
    • example - he delighted his friends with a dry, covert sense of humour
    • synonyms - wry, subtle, low-key, laconic, sly, sharp
  4. Prohibiting the sale or consumption of alcoholic drink.
    • example - the country is strictly dry, in accordance with Islamic law
    • synonyms - Prohibitionist
  5. (of an alcoholic drink) not sweet.
    • example - a dry, medium-bodied red wine
    • synonyms - crisp, sharp, piquant, not sweet, tart, bitter
  6. Relating to political ‘dries’; rigidly monetarist.
    • synonyms - monetarist
verb
  1. Become dry.
    • example - allow 24 hours for the paint to dry
  2. Forget one"s lines.
    • example - a colleague of mine once dried in the middle of a scene
noun
  1. The process or an instance of drying.
    • example - Soft towelling that gives you a good, clean dry every time.
  2. A dry or covered place.
  3. A Conservative politician (especially in the 1980s) in favour of strict monetarist policies.
    • example - Any self-respecting Country Party MP would have taken to the economic dries of the Liberal Party with an axe years ago.
    • synonyms - monetarist
  4. A person in favour of the prohibition of alcohol.
    • example - evangelical dries had seen to it that the nearest bottle of whiskey was miles away
due
/djuː/
adjective
  1. Expected at or planned for at a certain time.
    • example - the baby"s due in August
    • synonyms - expected, required, awaited, anticipated, scheduled for
  2. Of the proper quality or extent.
    • example - driving without due care and attention
    • synonyms - proper, right and proper, correct, rightful, fitting, suitable, appropriate, apt, adequate, sufficient, enough, ample, satisfactory, requisite
noun
  1. One"s right; what is owed to one.
    • example - he thought it was his due
    • synonyms - rightful treatment, fair treatment, deserved fate, just punishment
  2. An obligatory payment; a fee.
    • example - he had paid trade union dues for years
    • synonyms - fee, membership fee, subscription, charge, toll, levy
adverb
  • (with reference to a point of the compass) exactly; directly.
    • example - we"ll head due south again on the same road
    • synonyms - directly, straight, exactly, precisely, without deviating, undeviatingly, dead, plumb, squarely
/ˈdjʊərɪŋ/
preposition
  • Throughout the course or duration of (a period of time)
    • example - the restaurant is open during the day
    • synonyms - throughout, through, in, in the course of, throughout the time of, for the time of, in the time of
/dʌst/
noun
  1. Fine, dry powder consisting of tiny particles of earth or waste matter lying on the ground or on surfaces or carried in the air.
    • example - the car sent up clouds of dust
    • synonyms - fine powder, fine particles
  2. An act of dusting.
    • example - a quick dust, to get rid of the cobwebs
    • synonyms - clean, sweep, wipe, dust, mop
verb
  1. Remove the dust or dirt from the surface of (something) by wiping or brushing it.
    • example - I broke the vase I had been dusting
    • synonyms - wipe, clean, buff, brush, sweep, mop
  2. Cover lightly with a powdered substance.
    • example - roll out on a surface dusted with icing sugar
    • synonyms - sprinkle, scatter, powder, dredge, sift, spray, cover, spread, strew
  3. Beat up or kill someone.
/ˈdjuːti/
noun
  1. A moral or legal obligation; a responsibility.
    • example - it"s my duty to uphold the law
    • synonyms - responsibility, obligation, commitment, obedience, allegiance, loyalty, faithfulness, fidelity, respect, deference, reverence, homage
  2. A task or action that one is required to perform as part of one"s job.
    • example - the queen"s official duties
    • synonyms - job, task, chore, assignment, commission, mission, function, charge, part, place, role, concern, requirement, responsibility, obligation
  3. A payment levied on the import, export, manufacture, or sale of goods.
    • example - a 6 per cent duty on imports
    • synonyms - duty, tax, levy, tariff, toll, tithe
  4. The measure of an engine"s effectiveness in units of work done per unit of fuel.
DVD
/diːviːˈdiː/
noun
  • A type of compact disc able to store large amounts of data, especially high-resolution audiovisual material.