Term
cataclysm /ˈkæt.ə.klɪ.z ə m/ /ˈkæt ̬-/ noun [ C ] literary
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Definition
a great destructive event or sudden violent change
cataclysmic /ˌkæt.əˈklɪz.mɪk/ /ˌkæt ̬-/ adjective
These countries are on the brink of cataclysmic famine.
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Term
*catalyst /ˈkæt. ə l.ɪst/ /ˈkæt ̬-/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
1. specialized something that makes a chemical reaction happen more quickly without itself being changed
2. an event or person that causes great change
The high suicide rate acted as a catalyst for change in the prison system.
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Term
categorical /ˌkæt.əˈgɒr.ɪ.k ə l/ /ˌkæt ̬.əˈgɑːr-/ adjective
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Definition
without any doubt or possibility of being changed; certain
a categorical statement/reply/assurance
categorically /ˌkæt.əˈgɒr.ɪ.kli/ /ˌkæt ̬.əˈgɑː.rɪ-/ adverb
He categorically refused to take part in the project.
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Term
caucus /ˈkɔː.kəs/ /ˈkɑː-/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
1. (a meeting of) a small group of people in a political party or organization who have a lot of influence, or who have similar interests
2. in the US, a meeting held to decide which candidate a political group will support in an election |
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Term
causal /ˈkɔː.z ə l/ /ˈkɑː-/ adjective formal
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Definition
causal relationship/link etc.
a relationship, link, etc. between two things in which one causes the other
Is there a causal relationship between violence on television and violent behaviour?
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Term
caustic /ˈkɔː.stɪk/ /ˈkɑː-/ adjective
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Definition
CHEMICAL
1. describes a chemical that burns or destroys things, especially anything made of living cells
a caustic substance
caustic /ˈkɔː.stɪk/ /ˈkɑː-/ adjective WORDS
2. describes a remark or way of speaking that is hurtful , critical or intentionally unkind
caustic comments
She's famous in the office for her caustic wit.
caustically /ˈkɔː.stɪ.kli/ /ˈkɑː-/ adverb |
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Term
celestial /sɪˈles.ti. ə l/ /-tʃ ə l/ adjective formal
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Definition
of or from the sky or outside this world
The moon is a celestial body.
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Term
centrifugal /ˌsen.trɪˈfjuː.g ə l/ adjective
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Definition
(of a turning object) moving away from the point around which it is turning
centrifugal force
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Term
centripetal /ˌsen.trɪˈpiː.t ə l/ /-t ̬ ə l/ adjective specialized
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Definition
(of a turning object) moving towards the point around which it is turning
centripetal force
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Term
champion /ˈtʃæm.pi.ən/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
WINNER
1. ( informal champ ) someone or something, especially a person or animal, that has beaten all other competitors in a competition
an Olympic champion
She is the world champion for the third year in succession.
The defending champion will play his first match of the tournament tomorrow.
Who are the reigning European football champions?
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Term
champion /ˈtʃæm.pi.ən/ verb [ T ] noun [ C ] adjective
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Definition
to support, defend or fight for a person, belief, right or principle enthusiastically
He has championed constitutional reform for many years.
champion /ˈtʃæm.pi.ən/ adjective , exclamation mainly Northern informal
excellentnoun [ C ] SUPPORTER
2. a person who enthusiastically supports, defends or fights for a person, belief, right or principle
She has long been a champion of prisoners' rights/the disabled/free speech.
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Term
chasten /ˈtʃeɪ.s ə n/ verb [ T usually passive ] formal
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Definition
to make someone understand that they have failed or done something wrong and make them want to improve
He was chastened by the defeat and determined to work harder.
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Term
*chicanery /ʃɪˈkeɪ.n ə r.i/ /-nɚ-/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
clever, dishonest talk or behaviour which is used to deceive people
The investigation revealed political chicanery and corruption at the highest levels.
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Term
chivalry /ˈʃɪv. ə l.ri/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
1. very polite, honest and fair behaviour, especially shown by men towards women
2. the system of behaviour followed by knights in the medieval period of history, that put a high value on purity, honour, kindness and bravery
the age of chivalry
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Term
churlish /ˈtʃɜː.lɪʃ/ /ˈtʃɝː-/ adjective
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Definition
rude, unfriendly and unpleasant
They invited me to dinner and I thought it would be churlish to refuse.
churlishly /ˈtʃɜː.lɪʃ.li/ /ˈtʃɝː-/ adverb
churlishness /ˈtʃɜː.lɪʃ.nəs/ , /ˈtʃɜːr-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
circuitous /sɜːˈkjuː.ɪ.təs/ /sɝːˈkjuː.ɪ.t ̬əs/ adjective formal
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Definition
not straight or direct
a circuitous route/path
a circuitous (= long and indirect) explanation
circuitously /sɜːˈkjuː.ɪ.tə.sli/ /sɝːˈkjuː.ɪ.t ̬ə-/ adverb |
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Term
clairvoyant /ˌkleəˈvɔɪ.ənt/ /ˌkler-/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
a person who says they have powers to see the future or see things which other people cannot see
She went to see a clairvoyant who said he could communicate with her dead husband.
clairvoyance /ˌkleəˈvɔɪ.ən t s/ /ˌkler-/ noun [ U ]
clairvoyant adjective |
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Term
clamour UK , US clamor /ˈklæm.ə r / /-ɚ/ verb [ I ] noun [ S or U ]
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Definition
to make a loud complaint or demand
The children were all clamouring for attention.
[ + to infinitive ] She clamours to go home as soon as she gets to school.
clamour UK , US clamor /ˈklæm.ə r / /-ɚ/ noun [ S or U ]
1. a loud complaint about something or a demand for something
After the bombing, there was a public clamour for vengeance.
2. formal loud noise, especially made by people's voices
the clamour of the city
a clamour of voices
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Term
clique /kliːk/ /klɪk/ noun [ C + sing/pl verb ] disapproving
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Definition
a small group of people who spend their time together and do not welcome other people into that group
Our golf club is run by a very unfriendly clique ( of people).
There's a clique at work that never talks/who never talk to anyone else.
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Term
cloister /ˈklɔɪ.stə r / /-stɚ/ noun [ C usually plural ]
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Definition
a covered stone passage around the four sides of a courtyard (= a square or rectangular space) especially in a religious building such as a church or monastery |
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Term
*coagulate /kəʊˈæg.jʊ.leɪt/ /koʊ-/ verb [ I or T ]
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Definition
to change from liquid to a more solid state, or to cause something to do this
The sauce coagulated as it cooled down.
The venom of this snake coagulates the blood.
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Term
coalesce /kəʊ.əˈles/ /koʊ-/ verb [ I ] formal
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Definition
If two or more things coalesce, they come or grow together to form one thing or system.
coalescence /kəʊ.əˈles. ə n t s/ /koʊ-/ formal
[ U ] the process of coalescing |
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Term
coda /ˈkəʊ.də/ /ˈkoʊ-/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
1. specialized a piece of music at the end of a longer piece of music, which is usually separate from the basic structure
The coda is often more technically difficult than the rest of the piece.
2. formal the final or extra part of a speech, event or piece of writing
In a coda to the main exhibition are various works which were once attributed to Rembrandt.
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Term
codify /ˈkəʊ.dɪ.faɪ/ /ˈkɑː-/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to arrange something, such as laws or rules, into a system |
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Term
cognizance /ˈkɒg.nɪ.z ə n t s/ /ˈkɑːg-/ noun formal or legal
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Definition
take cognizance of sth
to take notice of and consider something, especially when judging
The lawyer asked the jury to take cognizance of the defendant's generosity in giving to charity.
cognizant /ˈkɒg.nɪ.z ə nt/ /ˈkɑːg-/ adjective formal
Unfortunately, we were not cognizant of (= did not know about) the full facts.
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Term
collage /ˈkɒl.ɑːʒ/ /ˈkɑː.lɑːʒ/ noun [ C or U ]
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Definition
(the art of making) a picture in which various materials or objects, for example paper, cloth or photographs, are stuck onto a larger surface
The children made a collage of postcards.
Compare assemblage
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Term
*commensurate /kəˈmen t .sj ə r.ət/ /-sjɚ-/ adjective formal
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Definition
in a correct and suitable amount compared to something else
a salary that is commensurate with skills and experience
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Term
*compendium /kəmˈpen.di.əm/ noun [ C ] plural compendiums or compendia
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Definition
a short but complete account of a particular subject, especially in the form of a book
the Gardener's Compendium
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Term
complacent /kəmˈplei.s ə nt/ adjective disapproving
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Definition
feeling so satisfied with your own abilities or situation that you feel you do not need to try any harder
a complacent smile/attitude
We can't afford to become complacent about any of our products.
complacently /kəmˈpleɪ.s ə nt.li/ adverb |
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Term
*complaisance /kəmˈpleɪ.z ə n t s/ /-s ə n t s/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
a willingness to please others by being polite and fitting in with plans
complaisant /kəmˈpleɪ.z ə nt/ /-s ə nt/ adjective |
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Term
complement /ˈkɒm.plɪ.ment/ /ˈkɑːm-/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to make something else seem better or more attractive when combining with it
Strawberries and cream complement each other perfectly.
The music complements her voice perfectly.
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Term
compliant /kəmˈplɑɪ.ənt/ adjective
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Definition
formal willing to do what other people want you to do
a compliant child
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Term
compunction /kəmˈpʌŋ k .ʃ ə n/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
when you feel slightly guilty for something you have done or might do
I wouldn't have any compunction about telling him to leave.
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Term
concave /ˈkɒŋ.keɪv/ /ˈkɑːn-/ adjective
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Definition
curving in
a concave lens
Compare convex
concavity /ˌkɒnˈkæv.ɪ.ti/ /ˌkɑːn.kæv.ə.t ̬i/ noun [ C or U ] specialized |
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Term
*conciliate /kənˈsɪl.i.eɪt/ verb [ I or T ]
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Definition
to end a disagreement or someone's anger by acting in a friendly way or slightly changing your opinions, or to satisfy someone who disagrees with you by acting in this way
An independent adviser has been brought in to conciliate between the two sides involved in the conflict.
These changes have been made in an attempt to conciliate critics of the plan.
conciliation /kənˌsɪl.iˈeɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ U ] formal
All attempts at conciliation failed and the dispute continued.
conciliatory /kənˈsɪl.i.ə.tri/ /-tɔːr.i/ adjective
a conciliatory gesture/remark
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Term
concoct /kənˈkɒkt/ /-ˈkɑːkt/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
1. to make something, usually food, by adding several different parts together, often in a way that is original or not planned
He concocted the most amazing dish from all sorts of unlikely ingredients.
2. to invent an excuse, explanation or story in order to deceive someone
He concocted a story about working late at the office.
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Term
*concomitant /kənˈkɒm.ɪ.t ə nt/ /-ˈkɑː.mə.t ̬ ə nt/ noun [ C ] adjective formal
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Definition
something that happens with something else and is connected with it
Loss of memory is a natural concomitant of old age.
concomitant /kənˈkɒm.ɪ.t ə nt/ /-ˈkɑː.mə.t ̬ ə nt/ adjective formal
happening and connected with another thing
Any increase in students meant a concomitant increase in funding.
concomitantly /kənˈkɒm.ɪ.t ə nt.li/ /-ˈkɑː.mə.t ̬ ə nt-/ adverb |
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Term
condone /kənˈdəʊn/ /-ˈdoʊn/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to accept or allow behaviour that is wrong
If the government is seen to condone violence , the bloodshed will never stop.
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Term
*confound /kənˈfaʊnd/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to confuse and very much surprise someone, so that they are unable to explain or deal with a situation
An elderly man from Hull has confounded doctors by recovering after he was officially declared dead.
The singer confounded her critics with a remarkable follow-up album.
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Term
congenial /kənˈdʒiː.ni.əl/ adjective
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Definition
Similar in tastes and habits
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Term
conjugal /ˈkɒn.dʒʊ.g ə l/ /ˈkɑːn-/ adjective formal
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Definition
connected with marriage or the relationship between husband and wife, especially their sexual relationship
conjugal happiness
Some prisoners who want to start a family are to be permitted conjugal visits .
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Term
connoisseur /ˌkɒn.əˈsɜː r / /ˌkɑː.nəˈsɝː/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
a person who knows a lot about and enjoys one of the arts, or food, drink, etc. and can judge quality and skill in that subject
a wine/art connoisseur
a connoisseur of ballet/cigars
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Term
conscript /kənˈskrɪpt/ verb [ T ] ( US usually draft )
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Definition
to force someone by law to serve in one of the armed forces
He was conscripted into the army at the age of 18.
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Term
conscript /ˈkɒn.skript/ /ˈkɑːn-/ noun [ C ] ( US usually draftee ) |
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a person compulsorily enrolled for military service
Over half the army was composed of conscripts.
conscript /ˈkɒn.skript/ /ˈkɑːn-/ adjective [ before noun ]
conscription /kənˈskrɪp.ʃ ə n/ noun [ U ]
He's been worried that the government will introduce conscription ever since the war began.
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Term
consecrate /ˈkɒn t .sɪ.kreɪt/ /ˈkɑːn t -/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
1. to officially make something holy and able to be used for religious ceremonies
The new cathedral was completed and consecrated in 1962.
2. to officially give someone the title of bishop in the Christian Church in a religious ceremony
consecrated /ˈkɒn t .sɪ.kreɪ.tɪd/ /ˈkɑːn t .sɪ.kreɪ.t ̬ɪd/ adjective
consecrated bread/wine/ground
consecration /ˌkɒn t .sɪˈkreɪ.ʃ ə n/ /ˌkɑːn t -/ noun [ U ]
the consecration of the new bishop
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Term
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Definition
COMPETE
1. [ I ] to compete in order to win something
There are three world-class tennis players contending for this title.
He's contending against someone with twice his experience.
contend /kənˈtend/ verb CLAIM
2. [ T + ( that ) ] formal to state that something is true or is a fact
The lawyer contended (that) her client had never been near the scene of the crime.
contend with sth phrasal verb
to have to deal with a difficult or unpleasant situation
At the age of nine, he had the death of both parents to contend with.
We don't need a computer failure to contend with as well as all our other problems.
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Term
| contention /kənˈten t .ʃ ə n/ noun |
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Definition
OPINION
2. [ C ] slightly formal an opinion expressed in an argument
[ + that ] It is her contention that exercise is more important than diet if you want to lose weight.
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Term
*contentious /kənˈten t .ʃəs/ adjective
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Definition
causing or likely to cause disagreement
a contentious decision/policy/issue/subject
She has some rather contentious views on education.
contentiousness /kənˈten t .ʃə.snəs/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
contiguous /kənˈtɪg.ju.əs/ adjective formal
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Definition
next to or touching another, usually similar, thing
The two states are contiguous with/to each other, but the laws are quite different.
contiguity /ˌkɒn.tɪˈgjuː.ɪ.ti/ /ˌkɑːn.t ̬əˈgjuː.ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
continent /ˈkɒn.tɪ.nənt/ /ˈkɑːn.t ̬ ə n.ənt/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
one of the seven large land masses on the Earth's surface, surrounded, or mainly surrounded, by sea and usually consisting of various countries
the North American continent
the continents of Asia and Africa
continental /ˌkɒn.tɪˈnen.t ə l/ /ˌkɑːn.t ̬ ə nˈen.t ̬ ə l/ adjective
continent /ˈkɒn.tɪ.nənt/ /ˈkɑːn.t ̬ ə n.ənt/ adjective
1. specialized able to control when you urinate and empty your bowels
2. old use able to control your sexual desires
continence /ˈkɒn.tɪ.nən t s/ /ˈkɑːn.t ̬ ə n.ən t s/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
contrite /ˈkən.traɪt/ /ˈkɑːn-/ adjective formal
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Definition
feeling very sorry and guilty for something bad that you have done
a contrite apology/expression
contritely /kənˈtraɪt.li/ adverb
contrition /kənˈtrɪʃ. ə n/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
contumacious adjectiveoun
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Definition
disobedient /ˌdɪs.ə ʊ ˈbiː.di.ənt/ /-ə-/ adjective
refusing to do what someone in authority tells you to do
a disobedient child
rebellious /rɪˈbel.i.əs/ adjective
1. If a group of people are rebellious, they oppose the ideas of the people in authority and plan to change the system, often using force
rebellious groups of southern tribespeople
2. If someone is rebellious, they are difficult to control and do not behave in the way they are expected to
Her teachers regard her as a rebellious, trouble-making girl.
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Term
*conundrum /kəˈnʌn.drəm/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
1. a problem that is difficult to deal with
Arranging childcare over the school holidays can be quite a conundrum for working parents.
2. a trick question, often involving a humorous use of words that have two meanings |
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Term
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Definition
1. statements on especially religious or moral subjects which are not sincerely believed by the person making them
Shelley's friendship with Byron was rooted in their shared contempt for cant and hypocrisy.
2. special words used by a particular group of people such as thieves, lawyers or priests, often in order to keep things secret |
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Term
convention /kənˈven t .ʃ ə n/ noun
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Definition
MEETING 1. [ C ] a large formal meeting of people who do a particular job or have a similar interest, or a large meeting for a political party
the national Democratic convention
Where are they holding their party convention?
convention /kənˈven t .ʃ ə n/ noun AGREEMENT
4. [ C ] a formal agreement between country leaders, politicians and states on a matter which involves them all
the Geneva Convention
a convention on human rights
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Term
| convention /kənˈven t .ʃ ə n/ noun |
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Definition
CUSTOM 2. [ C or U ] (an example of) a usual or accepted way of behaving, especially in social situations, often following an old way of thinking or a custom in one particular society
They defied/flouted/broke with convention by giving up their jobs and becoming self-sufficient.
Convention dictates that it is the man who asks the woman to marry him and not the reverse.
In many countries, it is the/a convention to wear black at funerals.
3. [ C ] a common way of showing something in art or writing
an artistic convention
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Term
conventional /kənˈven t .ʃ ə n. ə l/ adjective
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Definition
1. traditional and ordinary
conventional behaviour/attitudes/clothes
conventional medicine/farming
a conventional wedding
disapproving I find his art rather dull and conventional.
Opposite unconventional
2. describes weapons which are not nuclear, or methods of fighting a war that do not involve nuclear weapons
conventional weapons/bombs
conventionality /kənˌven t .ʃ ə nˈæl.ɪ.ti/ /-ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ]
conventionally /kənˈven t .ʃ ə n. ə l.i/ adverb |
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Term
converge /kənˈvɜːdʒ/ /-ˈvɝːdʒ/ verb [ I ]
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Definition
1. If lines, roads or paths converge, they move towards the same point where they join or meet
The paths all converge at the main gate of the park.
Due to roadworks, three lanes of traffic have to converge into two.
Compare diverge
2. If ideas and opinions converge, they gradually become similar.
3. to come from other places to meet in a particular place
Ambulances, police cars and fire engines all converged on the scene.
100,000 people are expected to converge on the town for the festival.
convergence /kənˈvɜː.dʒ ə n t s/ /-ˈvɝː-/ noun [ C or U ]
a convergence of interests/opinions/ideas
convergent /kənˈvɜː.dʒ ə nt/ /-ˈvɝː-/ adjective
convergent lines/opinions
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Term
convex /ˈkɒn.veks/ /ˈkɑːn-/ , /kənˈveks/ adjective
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Definition
curved or swelling out
a convex lens/mirror
Compare concave
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Term
convivial /kənˈvɪv.i.əl/ adjective
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Definition
friendly and making you feel happy and welcome
a convivial atmosphere/host
conviviality /kənˌvɪv.iˈæl.ɪ.ti/ /-ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ]
convivially /kənˈvɪv.i.ə.li/ adverb |
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Term
*convoluted /ˈkɒn.və.luː.tɪd/ /ˈkɑːn.və.luː.t ̬ɪd/ adjective
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Definition
1. very twisted
a very convoluted route/knot
2. describes sentences, explanations and arguments, etc. that are unreasonably long and difficult to understand
His grammar explanations are terribly convoluted.
Her book is full of long, convoluted sentences.
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Term
copious /ˈkəʊ.pi.əs/ /ˈkoʊ-/ adjective
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Definition
in large amounts; more than enough
They drank copious amounts of wine.
He took copious notes during the lecture.
copiously /ˈkəʊ.pi.ə.sli/ /ˈkoʊ-/ adverb
We ate and drank copiously at the party.
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Term
coquette /kɒkˈet/ /koʊˈket/ noun [ C ] literary
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Definition
a woman whose behaviour is intended to attract sexual attention by being playful and charming (= pleasant)
coquetry /ˈkɒk.ɪ.tri/ /ˈkoʊ.kə-/ noun [ U ]
coquettish /kɒkˈet.ɪʃ/ /koʊˈket ̬-/ adjective
She greeted him with a coquettish smile.
coquettishly /kɒkˈet.ɪʃ.li/ /koʊˈket ̬-/ adverb |
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Term
cornucopia /ˌkɔː.njʊˈkəʊ.pi.ə/ /ˌkɔːr.njəˈkoʊ-/ noun [ S ] formal
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Definition
a large amount of something; a great supply
The table held a veritable cornucopia of every kind of food or drink you could want.
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Term
*cosmology /kɒzˈmɒl.ə.dʒi/ /kɑːzˈmɑː.lə-/ noun [ C or U ]
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Definition
the study of the nature and origin of the universe, or a theory about it
cosmological /ˌkɒz.məˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.k ə l/ /ˌkɑːz.məˈlɑː.dʒɪ-/ adjective ( also cosmologic )
Caltech in the fifties was becoming an international centre of cosmological discovery.
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Term
*the cosmos /ðəˈkɒz.mɒs/ /-ˈkɑːz.moʊs/ noun [ S ]
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Definition
the universe considered as a system with an order and pattern |
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Term
*cosmic /ˈkɒz.mɪk/ /ˈkɑːz-/ adjective
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Definition
1. relating to the universe and the natural processes that happen in it
cosmic dust/radiation
2. informal very great
The earthquake was a disaster of cosmic proportions/scale .
cosmically /ˈkɒz.mɪ.kli/ /ˈkɑːz-/ adverb |
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Term
covert /ˈkəʊ.vɜːt/ /ˈkoʊ.vɝːt/ , /-ˈ-/ adjective
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Definition
hidden or secret
covert actions
The government was accused of covert military operations against the regime.
Compare overt
covert /ˈkʌv.ət/ /-ɚt/ noun [ C ]
a group of bushes and small trees growing close together in which animals can hide, especially from hunters |
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Term
covetous /ˈkʌv.ɪ.təs/ /-t ̬əs/ adjective formal disapproving
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Definition
wanting to have something too much, especially something that belongs to someone else
Western companies are casting covetous eyes on the bargain-priced companies of eastern Europe.
covetously /ˈkʌv.ɪ.tə.sli/ /-t ̬ə-/ adverb
The boys looked covetously at the shiny new motorcycles.
covetousness /ˈkʌv.ɪ.tə.snəs/ /-t ̬ə-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
covet /ˈkʌv.ɪt/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to want to have something very much, especially something which belongs to someone else
She always coveted power but never quite achieved it.
The Booker Prize is the most coveted British literary award.
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Term
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Definition
to mislead by trick or fraud; deceive |
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Term
*craven /ˈkreɪ.v ə n/ adjective formal
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Definition
extremely cowardly (= not brave)
a craven act of terrorism
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Term
*credence /ˈkriː.d ə n t s/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
the belief that something is true
I'm not prepared to give credence to anonymous complaints.
His bruises added/lent credence to his statement that he had been beaten.
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Term
creed /kriːd/ noun [ C ] ( also credo ) formal
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Definition
a set of beliefs which expresses a particular opinion and influences the way you live |
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Term
daunt /dɔːnt/ /dɑːnt/ verb [ T often passive ]
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Definition
to make someone feel slightly frightened or worried about their ability to achieve something; to discourage
She was not at all daunted by the size of the problem.
nothing daunted mainly UK
still confident and enthusiastic despite a failure or problem
She was rejected the first time she applied to the university, but, nothing daunted, reapplied the following year and was accepted.
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Term
dearth /dɜːθ/ /dɝːθ/ noun [ S ] formal
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Definition
an amount or supply which is not large enough; a lack
a dearth of new homes in the region
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Term
debauchery /dɪˈbɔː.tʃ ə r.i/ /-ˈbɑː.tʃɚ-/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
bad sexual behaviour, drinking too much alcohol, taking drugs, etc.
a life of debauchery
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Term
*decorum /dɪˈkɔː.rəm/ /-ˈkɔːr.əm/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
behaviour that is controlled, calm and polite
As young ladies we were expected to act/behave with proper decorum.
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Term
defame /dɪˈfeɪm/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to damage the reputation of a person or group by saying or writing bad things about them which are not true
Mr Turnock claimed the editorial had defamed him.
Compare libel ; slander
defamation /ˌdef.əˈmeɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ U ]
He is suing for defamation of character .
defamatory /dɪˈfæm.ə.t ə r.i/ /-tɔːr-/ adjective
He claims the remarks were highly defamatory.
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Term
default /dɪˈfɒlt/ /-ˈfɑːlt/ verb [ I ]
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Definition
to fail to do something, such as pay a debt, that you legally have to do
People who default on their mortgage repayments may have their home repossessed.
default to sth phrasal verb
If a computer defaults to a way of operating, it automatically uses it, unless you intentionally change it.
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Term
*deference /ˈdef. ə r. ə n t s/ /-ɚ-/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
respect and politeness
He treats her with such deference.
She covered her head out of/in deference to (= because of a polite respect for) Muslim custom.
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Term
*defer /dɪˈfɜː r / /-ˈfɝː/ verb [ T ] -rr-
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Definition
to delay something until a later time; to postpone
My bank has agreed to defer the repayments on my loan while I'm still a student.
[ + -ing verb ] Can we defer mak ing a decision until next week
deferment /dɪˈfɜː.mənt/ /-ˈfɝː-/ noun [ C or U ] ( also deferral )
defer to sb/sth phrasal verb formal
to allow someone or something to make decisions for you or tell you what to do, even if you disagree with them, because of your respect for them or because of their higher rank, authority, knowledge, etc.
I have to defer to my boss on important decisions.
I defer to (= accept) your judgment.
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Term
defunct /dɪˈfʌŋkt/ adjective formal
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Definition
no longer existing, living, or working correctly
members of a now defunct communist organization
humorous I think this kettle is defunct!
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Term
*delineate /dɪˈlɪn.i.eɪt/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to describe or mark the edge of something
The main characters are clearly delineated in the first chapter.
The boundary of the car park is delineated (= its edges are marked) by a low brick wall.
delineation /dɪˌlɪn.iˈeɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ C or U ] |
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Term
demography /dɪˈmɒg.rə.fi/ /-ˈmɑː.grə-/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
1. the study of changes in the number of births, marriages, deaths, etc. in a particular area during a period of time
historical demography
2. The demography of an area is the number and characteristics of the people who live in an area, in relation to their age, sex, whether they are married or not, etc.
The increase in the number of young people leaving to work in the cities has had a dramatic impact on the demography of the villages.
demographic /ˌdem.əˈgræf.ɪk/ adjective
There have been monumental social and demographic changes in the country.
Current demographic trends suggest that there will be fewer school leavers coming into the workforce in ten years' time.
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Term
*demotic /dɪˈmɒt.ɪk/ /-ˈmɑː.t ̬ɪk/ adjective formal
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Definition
(of or in a form of language) used by ordinary people |
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Term
*demur /dɪˈmɜː r / /-ˈmɝː/ verb [ I ] -rr- formal
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Definition
to express disagreement or refuse to do something
The lawyer requested a break in the court case, but the judge demurred.
demur noun [ U ]
She agreed to his request without demur.
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Term
*denigrate /ˈden.ɪ.greɪt/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to say that someone or something is not good or important
You shouldn't denigrate people just because they have different beliefs from you.
denigration /ˌden.ɪˈgreɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
denizen /ˈden.ɪ.z ə n/ noun [ C ] literary
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Definition
an animal, plant or person that lives in or is often in a particular place
Deer, foxes and squirrels are among the denizens of the forest.
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Term
*denouement /deɪˈnuː.mɒ/ /-mɑ͂ː/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
the end of a story, in which everything is explained, or the end result of a situation |
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Term
deride /dɪˈraɪd/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to laugh at someone or something in a way which shows you think they are stupid or of no value
He derided my singing as pathetic.
This building, once derided by critics, is now a major tourist attraction.
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Term
*derivative /dɪˈrɪv.ə.tɪv/ /-t ̬ɪv/ noun [ C ] specialized
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Definition
a form of something, such as a word, made or developed from another form
'Detestable' is a derivative of 'detest'.
derivative /dɪˈrɪv.ɪ.tɪv/ /-ə.t ̬ɪv/ adjective disapproving
If something is derivative, it is not the result of new ideas, but has been developed from something else
His painting/style is terribly derivative.
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Term
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Definition
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Term
*desultory /ˈdes. ə l.t ə r.i/ /-tɔːr-/ adjective formal
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Definition
without a clear plan or purpose and showing little effort or interest
She made a desultory attempt at conversation.
He wandered around, clearing up in a desultory way.
desultorily /ˈdes. ə l.t ə r. ə l.i/ /-tɔːr-/ adverb |
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Term
deterrent /dɪˈter. ə nt/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
something which deters people from doing something
a nuclear deterrent
Tougher prison sentences may act/serve as (= be) a deterrent to other would-be offenders.
deterrent adjective
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Term
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Definition
the act of taking away; derogatory comment on a person's character
detract from sth phrasal verb [ not continuous ]
to make something seem less valuable or less deserving of admiration than it really is or was thought to be
All that make-up she wears actually detracts from her beauty, I think.
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Term
diaphanous /daɪˈæf. ə n.əs/ adjective literary
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Definition
describes a substance, especially cloth, which is so delicate and thin that you can see through it
a diaphanous silk veil
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Term
*diatribe /ˈdaɪ.ə.traɪb/ noun [ C ] formal
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Definition
an angry speech or piece of writing which severely criticizes something or someone
He launched into a long diatribe against the government's policies.
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Term
*dichotomy /daɪˈkɒt.ə.mi/ /-ˈkɑː.t ̬ə-/ noun [ C usually singular ] formal
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Definition
a difference between two completely opposite ideas or things
There is often a dichotomy between what politicians say and what they do.
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Term
*diffident /ˈdɪf.ɪ.d ə nt/ adjective
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Definition
shy and not confident of your abilities
a diffident manner
You shouldn't be so diffident about your achievements - you've done really well!
diffidence /ˈdɪf.ɪ.d ə n t s/ noun [ U ]
diffidently /ˈdɪf.ɪ.d ə nt.li/ adverb |
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Term
*diffuse /dɪˈfjuːz/ verb [ I or T ]
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Definition
1. to (cause something to) spread in many directions
Television is a powerful means of diffusing knowledge.
2. to (cause a gas or liquid to) spread through or into a surrounding substance by mixing with it
Oxygen diffuses from the lungs into the bloodstream.
The drop of red dye diffused slowly in the water.
diffusion /dɪˈfjuː.ʒ ə n/ noun [ U ] the process of diffusion in gases/liquids/solids
diffuse /dɪˈfjuːs/ adjective SPREAD
1. spread out and not directed in one place
a diffuse light; The company has become large and diffuse.
diffuse /dɪˈfjuːs/ adjective NOT CLEAR
2. disapproving not clear or easy to understand
a diffuse literary style diffusely /dɪˈfjuː.sli/ adverb
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Term
digress /daɪˈgres/ verb [ I ]
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Definition
to move away from the main subject you are writing or talking about and to write or talk about something else
But I digress. To get back to what I was saying, this poem reflects the poet's love of nature and his religious beliefs.
The lecturer temporarily digressed from her subject to deal with a related theory.
digression /daɪˈgreʃ. ə n/ noun [ C or U ]
Talking about money now would be a digression from the main purpose of this meeting.
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Term
dirge /dɜːdʒ/ /dɝːdʒ/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
a slow sad song or piece of music, sometimes played because someone has died |
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Term
*disabuse /ˌdɪs.əˈbjuːz/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to cause someone no longer to have a wrong idea
He thought that all women liked children, but she soon disabused him of that (idea/notion).
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Term
discerning /dɪˈsɜː.nɪŋ/ /-ˈsɝː-/ adjective formal approving
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Definition
showing good judgment, especially about style and quality
a discerning customer
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Term
discomfit /dɪˈskʌm p .fɪt/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to make someone feel uncomfortable, especially mentally
discomfiture /dɪˈskʌm p .fɪ.tʃə r / /-tʃɚ/ noun [ U ]
She turned away to hide her discomfiture.
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Term
*discordant /dɪˈskɔː.d ə nt/ /-ˈskɔːr-/ adjective
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Definition
1. producing an unpleasant sound
2. strike a discordant note formal
to look or sound different or wrong compared with everything else
The contemporary dialogue for me struck a slightly discordant note.
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Term
discredit /dɪˈskred.ɪt/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to cause people to stop respecting someone or believing in an idea or person
Evidence of links with drug dealers has discredited the President. discredited theories
discreditable /dɪˈskred.ɪ.tə.bl ̩/ /-ə.t ̬ə-/ adjective
discreditably /dɪˈskred.ɪ.tə.bli/ /-ə.t ̬ə-/ adverb
discredit /dɪˈskred.ɪt/ noun [ U ] formal
loss of respect for or belief in someone or something
The stupid behaviour of one pupil has brought discredit on the whole school.
To her discredit, she never admitted her role in the scandal.
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Term
*discrepancy /dɪˈskrep. ə n t .si/ noun [ C or U ] formal
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Definition
(a) difference between two things that should be the same
There is some discrepancy between the two accounts.
The committee is reportedly unhappy about the discrepancy in numbers.
discrepant /dɪˈskrep. ə nt/ adjective
discrepant figures
discrepant opinions/views
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