Words starting with D

Happening or done every day. It describes something regular, repeated, or part of a normal routine.

Things you need to do every day. They are usually small, routine jobs, not special or one-time tasks.

A dance class is a lesson or session where people learn to dance. It may teach a style like ballet, salsa, or hip-hop.

A dance-step is a single movement or pattern of movements in a dance. It can also mean a way of stepping while dancing.

Having little or no light, so that you cannot see well. It can describe a room, night, or place.

A rule or set of rules that says where data must be stored, who can access it, and which country's laws apply to it. It is often used by governments and companies to protect sensitive information.

A database is an organized collection of information stored on a computer. It is made so people can search, update, and use the information easily.

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.

In very informal slang, it means seriously, truly, or honestly. People use it to show they are not joking or exaggerating.

A deadline is the latest time or date when something must be finished or submitted. After a deadline, the task is late.

Causing death, or very likely to cause death. It can also mean extremely dangerous or severe.

The end of life. It is the point when a person or animal stops living.

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 find and fix errors in a computer program, device, or system. It also means to work out why something is not working properly.

A rich, very sweet chocolate dessert that feels luxurious or indulgent. It often has a soft, heavy, or extra-fancy texture.

To pour a liquid slowly from one container into another. This often leaves any sediment or heavier material behind.

To move power, control, or decision-making away from one central place or person. It often means giving more freedom to local groups, offices, or regions.

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

To remove extra things from a space so it looks neat and is easier to use. It can also mean to reduce digital or mental clutter.

To reduce pressure, stress, or tension. It can mean to relax after work or to make something less tightly packed or compressed.

To take something apart to study how it is made or how its parts work. It can be a physical object, an idea, or a text.

Decorative means made to look attractive or used to improve how something looks. It is not mainly for practical use.

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

Deep describes something that goes far down from the top or surface. It can also describe a feeling, thought, or state that is strong and serious.

A statement that sounds deep and impressive, but is vague, obvious, or not very meaningful. It often feels wise at first, but says little on closer look.

A setting, option, or value used automatically unless someone changes it. It is the normal choice already built in.

To protect someone or something from harm, attack, or criticism. It can also mean to support an idea, choice, or action.

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.

To add liquid to a hot pan after cooking so the browned bits come loose and mix into the sauce. Cooks do this to make a richer flavour.

To make something less bright or less glowing. It is often used in beauty, lighting, or product descriptions.

If a fruit, seed pod, or flower dehisces, it opens naturally when it is ripe or dry. In medicine, a wound dehisces when it splits open after surgery or injury.

To lose water, or to make something lose water. In medicine, it can mean causing the body to lose too much water.

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.

Causing harm or damage, especially in a slow or serious way. It is common in formal, academic, and medical writing.

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

Something very tasty, special, or expensive to eat. It often suggests fine food from a particular place or a rare treat.

Delicious food or drink tastes very good and gives great pleasure. People also use it for something very enjoyable, not just food.

A feeling of great pleasure or happiness. It can also mean something that gives you this feeling.

Very pleased and happy about something. It is stronger than "happy" and often sounds warm, polite, or formal.

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

Delish means very delicious. It is informal and often sounds playful or friendly.

The act of taking something to a person or place. It often means a parcel, food, or goods arriving.

The planned date when something should arrive or be given to someone. It is often used for parcels, products, orders, or documents.

To remove the modulation from a radio or digital signal so the original information can be read or heard. It is the opposite of modulate.

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

to show active support for your community or country through public action, voting, volunteering, or peaceful participation. It means doing something visible, not only saying you care.

To change the natural form or properties of a substance, especially a protein, so it no longer works normally. Heat, acid, or chemicals can denature it.

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.

Related to a moral theory that judges actions by rules, duties, or rights, not by results. A deontological view says some actions are right or wrong on principle.

A moral theory that says actions are right or wrong based on duties and rules, not only on results. It focuses on what people should do.

A department is one of the main parts of a large organization, company, school, or government. It has a special job or area of responsibility.

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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To say that you do not approve of something or think it is bad. It is often used in formal writing or speech.

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.

To remove the water from something, or to make it very dry. It is often used in scientific, technical, or formal writing.

To plan and make a drawing, model, or plan for something before it is built or made. It often means thinking carefully about how it should look or work.

Used to describe a computer or computer use that stays on a desk, not a laptop or mobile device. It is often used before a noun, like in "desktop computer".

A feeling of low hope and deep sadness, especially when something goes wrong. It is stronger and more lasting than simple disappointment.

Without money, food, or shelter; extremely poor.

Including many facts, parts, or small points. A detailed report gives a full picture, not just a summary.

The idea that every event is caused by earlier events and conditions, so outcomes are fixed in advance. In philosophy, it means free choice may be limited or impossible.

Deterministic describes a system, process, or idea where the result is fixed by earlier conditions or rules. If you know the starting point, you can predict the outcome.

Causing harm or damage; reducing success or value.

Very upset, shocked, or emotionally hurt. It often means the feeling is very strong and difficult to recover from quickly.

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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.

A way of thinking or discussing ideas by comparing opposite views. It often means a process where one idea meets another and a clearer answer appears.

Based on discussion between opposing ideas or opinions. It often describes an argument, method, or way of thinking that examines both sides before reaching a conclusion.

Very focused, well prepared, and fully tuned to a goal, task, or situation. It can also mean perfectly adjusted or working very well.

Diaphanous means very light, thin, and almost transparent. It often describes cloth, fabric, or something that looks delicate and see-through.

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

The part of a story or film that belongs to the story world itself. It includes events, sounds, and details that characters can see or hear.

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.

If something diffracts light, sound, or other waves, it makes them spread out after passing an edge, gap, or obstacle. In science, it often describes how waves bend and spread.

To break up, move, or remove earth with a tool or with your hands. It can also mean to make a hole or tunnel by doing this.

Using computers or electronic devices, especially to store, process, or send information. It can also mean shown as numbers on a screen instead of moving hands or paper.

A computer-based model that copies a real object, machine, process, or system and shows how it may behave. It helps people test changes and predict results without touching the real thing.

Slow to act or do something, often in a way that causes delay. It is a formal word, often used in writing.

Hard-working and careful in your work or studies.

Causing a reduction in value, strength, or ownership by adding more of something. In finance, it often means new shares reduce each existing share's value or control.

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.

Loose earth, soil, or mud on a surface. It often means the dry or wet matter found on the ground, clothes, or objects.

Covered with dust, mud, stains, or other unwanted substances. It is not clean.

To break a group, total, or set of data into smaller parts. It is often used in business, research, and statistics.

Disappointment is the feeling you get when something is not as good as you hoped or expected. It can also mean a person, event, or thing that does not meet expectations.

To make someone feel worried, confused, or less confident. It often happens when a situation suddenly feels awkward or unexpected.

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

A reduction in the normal price of something. It can also mean a lower amount or value than expected.

A conversation or written discussion on a topic.

Careful not to attract attention, especially about private, sensitive, or embarrassing matters. A discreet person keeps things quiet and handles them tactfully.

Careful judgment about what to do or say, especially in a sensitive situation. It also means the freedom to decide something for yourself.

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/.

To separate things that are twisted, tied, or mixed together. It can also mean to make a complicated situation easier to understand or solve.

A strong feeling of dislike or revulsion. It can happen when something seems dirty, unpleasant, cruel, or morally wrong.

The removal of middlemen or intermediaries from a process, business, or supply chain. It often means buyers and sellers deal more directly with each other.

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.

A display is an arrangement of things that is made to be seen. It can be in a shop, museum, screen, or public place.

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

Causing trouble, interruption, or a break in normal order. It can also describe a person or idea that changes an old system in a strong way.

A new product, service, or technology that changes an existing market or industry. It often starts small, then makes old ways less useful.

To spread or share information so many people know it.

Dissemination is the spread of information, ideas, or something physical to many people or places. It is often used in formal, academic, or public-information contexts.

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

To separate one thing from another, or to stop them being linked. In psychology, it can mean to become mentally separate from feelings, memories, or identity.

To remove liquid from a mixture by heating it and then cooling the vapor. This makes a purer liquid, often alcohol or water.

To make a liquid pure by heating it and then cooling the vapor back into liquid. This is often done to clean water or make alcohol.

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.

The systems, tools, and networks that support a distributed ledger. It lets many computers share and update the same record together.

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 make something include more different types, people, products, or activities. It is often used in business, investing, farming, and education.

To remove ownership, control, or money from something or someone. In business, it often means selling assets or shares. It can also mean getting rid of a quality or feature.

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.

A dog is a common domestic animal kept as a pet, for work, or for protection. It is a mammal with four legs and a tail.

The practice of using your own product or service before giving it to customers. It shows whether the product works well in real life.

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.

Relating to home, family, or life inside a country. It can also mean made or used in a person's own country, not imported.

Domesticity is the state or quality of being focused on home life, family, and everyday household routines. It can also mean comfort and ease in a home setting.

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.

To draw simple shapes, lines, or pictures absent-mindedly, often while thinking or talking. It can also mean to write or make something in a careless, unplanned way.

Describes a style, design, or online aesthetic that looks playful, hand-drawn, and full of doodles. It often feels messy in a fun, creative way.

A feeling of not being sure if something is true, right, or possible. It can also mean a question or worry about someone or something.

Very desperate for attention, affection, or sex. It is informal slang and often sounds humorous or self-aware.

Very sad, unhappy, or in a low mood. People use it for a temporary emotional state, often from worry, disappointment, or tiredness.

to copy data, files, or software from the internet or another computer onto your device. It is the opposite of upload.

A drama club is a school or community group where people act, rehearse plays, and learn performance skills.

Something dramatic is very noticeable, exciting, or emotional. It can also mean sudden and extreme.

To make a picture or line with a pen, pencil, or similar tool. It can also mean to pull something toward you.

A drawing-book is a book with blank or partly blank pages for drawing or sketching. People use it for art practice, school work, or personal sketches.

To swallow a liquid. It also means to take a liquid into your body by mouth, usually slowly or in a certain amount.

Believing an idea, person, or group too strongly, often without questioning it. It usually suggests blind loyalty or accepting something harmful as good.

to control a vehicle and make it move. It can also mean to take someone somewhere by car.

Very attractive, appealing, or impressive, especially in a way that makes people strongly want it. It is often used informally for food, clothes, cars, or other desirable things.

To let something fall, or to fall by accident from your hand or another place. It can also mean to make something go down.

a long period with little or no rain, causing water shortage and dry land. It can also mean a shortage of something useful or needed.

Hard, boring work that feels tiring and never-ending. It often means work you do again and again without pleasure.

Informal food eaten late at night, usually after drinking alcohol. It is often greasy, salty, or very filling.

Containing little or no water or liquid. Something dry is not wet. It can also describe weather, soil, clothes, or skin.

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.