D Flashcards
(38 cards)
Decree
v. to declare formally and with authority
The president decreed that Halloween would henceforth be a national holiday.
Deference
n. respect; regard
Her deference to the elderly makes her the perfect candidate for an internship at the retirement center.
Deficient
adj. not enough in degree or amount
I feel as though the sources for my paper are deficient.
Demonstrate
v. to do as an example
v. gives evidence for
Could you demonstrate the dance move for me?
This book’s use of words such as “grim” and “bleak” demonstrates the author’s mournful tone.
Demur
v. to object to
She demurred at my request to transfer to a different department.
Deplete
v. to (over)use over time (usu. resources)
The lost campers quickly depleted their supply of food.
Desolate
adj. bare, barren, empty
The moon is one giant, desolate landscape.
Devise
v. to come up with (a plan)
Lana devised a plan to make herself famous.
Dilemma
n. a problem, usually requiring a choice between two options
The main dilemma is whether to pay for a commercial or not.
Diligence
n. conscientiousness; the quality of being committed to a task
Diligence and confidence will get you far in life.
Diminish
v. to become smaller in scope or degree
The itchiness of mosquito bites usually starts to diminish after a few days.
Dire
adj. hopeless and dangerous or fearful
When the police didn’t explain what was happening right away, Jane knew that the situation must be dire.
Discord
n. disagreement
Disputes over money caused intense discord in the family.
Disdain
n. a lack of respect and strong dislike (toward something or someone)
He looked at me with such disdain that I immediately knew the job wouldn’t work out.
Dismay
n. hopelessness, stress, or consternation
v. to fill with woe or apprehension
To Nick’s dismay, he got an F on the test.
Many were dismayed by the town’s implementation of metered parking.
Disparage
v. to belittle or speak down to
A good boss is stern but never disparages his or her employees.
Dispatch
v. to send off a message or messenger
The mother dispatched her daughter to their neighbor’s house.
Diversification
n. the act of becoming diverse
Lately, there’s been noticeable diversification of students at higher institutions.
Doctrine
n. a principle, theory, or position, usu. advocated by a religion or gov’t
Devoutly religious people often live their lives according to their doctrines.
Dominion
n. power and authority (usu. over a territory)
n. a legal territory
The country claimed to have dominion over parts of Russia.
Puerto Rico is a dominion of the US.
Dreary
adj. sad, gloomy, dull
The gray clouds in the sky made the day feel dreary.
Dubious
adj. doubtful, questionable
The man’s claims to the throne were dubious since nobody knew where he’d come from.M,
Dessicate
desiccate
verb
remove the moisture from (something); cause to become completely dry.
“both the older growth and the new vegetation were desiccated by months of relentless sun”
Debilitate
debilitate
verb
verb: debilitate; 3rd person present: debilitates; past tense: debilitated; past participle: debilitated; gerund or present participle: debilitating
make (someone) very weak and infirm.
“he was severely debilitated by a stomach upset”
hinder, delay, or weaken.
“hard drugs destroy families and debilitate communities”