Words starting with D

Making you feel nervous or worried because something seems very difficult or large. You feel less confident before you even try.

Very brave; not afraid of danger or difficulty.

A formal discussion where two or more people argue opposite sides of a topic. Each side tries to persuade others that their view is correct. Debates often follow rules about speaking time and turn-taking.

To politely say no to an offer, invitation, or request. It suggests a respectful refusal, not a blunt or angry one.

To reach a conclusion using evidence or reasoning, not by chance.

Respectful submission or yielding to the wishes of others or to norms; polite compliance without losing your own voice.

The amount by which expenses or costs are higher than income or budget; a shortfall.

To state the exact meaning of a word, phrase, or concept clearly and precisely. This is the most common use, especially in academic and educational contexts.

No longer operating or existing; out of use.

A person who is chosen or sent to represent a group, organization, or country at a meeting, conference, or event. A delegate usually speaks or votes on behalf of others.

Done with careful thought and intention; not rushed or accidental.

To describe or show something exactly and in detail, so that it is clear in your mind or on paper.

To show something clearly using evidence, examples, or actions. You demonstrate something when you want others to understand it without doubt.

To be a sign, symbol, or name for something specific. When a word or symbol denotes something, it directly and literally refers to that thing — its clear, agreed-upon meaning.

To show or describe something in words or images.

Use up so there is little left. Lessen the amount of something important.

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An area or building that is empty and in very bad condition because no one uses it or cares for it.

To speak about someone or something in a scornful or mocking way, showing contempt rather than respect.

To get or obtain something from a source. The thing you receive usually comes naturally or logically from that source.

Without money, food, or shelter; extremely poor.

Causing harm or damage; reducing success or value.

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To think carefully and create a plan, method, or system for doing something. It often suggests cleverness or effort in the planning process.

Very religious or dedicated; showing strong faith or commitment.

To say words aloud so that another person can write them down. This is a common use in offices and formal settings.

To notice, show, or explain the difference between two or more things. You differentiate when you treat or describe things as distinct rather than the same.

Hard-working and careful in your work or studies.

A measurement of something in one direction, such as length, width, or height. When you describe a physical object's size, you state its dimensions.

To gradually become smaller, weaker, or less important. It often suggests a slow process happening over time, not a sudden change.

A state of disagreement or conflict among people or groups; argument.

A conversation or written discussion on a topic.

To treat a person or group unfairly because of characteristics such as race, gender, religion, or age. This is the most common meaning in modern English.

A feeling of strong dislike and lack of respect for someone or something; the expression of this feeling through words or behavior. To regard someone or something as not worthy of your attention or respect. IPA: /dɪsˈdeɪn/.

Very different; not similar in type or quality.

To force someone or something to leave their usual place or home. This often happens because of war, natural disaster, or major social change.

The usual mood or nature of a person; a tendency to behave in a certain way.

To spread or share information so many people know it.

intransitive verb: to hold or express opinions that oppose the majority or official view; to disagree publicly. (Transitive use: dissent from something.)

Clearly different from something else and easy to recognize as separate. Two things that are distinct are not the same and do not overlap.

To change the shape or appearance of something so that it looks wrong or unnatural. The result no longer matches what it should look like.

To move or develop in different directions from a common point.

Including many different types of people, things, or ideas. The differences are meaningful and wide-ranging, not just minor variations.

To tell private or sensitive information to someone.

An idea or set of ideas that a group believes in and teaches.

A written or digital piece of text that contains official information or serves as proof of something. Documents are usually formal and can be stored, shared, or submitted as evidence.

Stating your ideas very strongly and not accepting other ideas.

A specific area of knowledge, activity, or expertise. It suggests a clearly defined space that belongs to a subject or a person. Commonly used in academic and professional writing.

To have great power or control over a person, group, or situation. The word suggests a strong, often forceful influence that others find hard to resist or escape.

Not fully believable; questionable; uncertain.

The quality of having two different moral or practical standards; deceitfulness or double-dealing, often with an outward show of honesty.

Full of energy and always creating or driving change. A dynamic person, place, or system has a powerful effect on everything around it — not just active, but actively moving things forward.