Gre Wordlist 14 : derogatory - disgruntle

1.derogatory	expressing a low opinion; disparaging; V. derogate: detract; disparage	Function: adjective 1 : detracting from the character or standing of something -- often used with to, of, or from 2 : expressive of a low opinion : DISPARAGING <derogatory remarks> - de·rog·a·to·ri·ly /-"rä-g&-'tOr-&-lE, -'tor-/ adverb
2.descry	catch sight of (something distant)	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): de·scried; de·scry·ing Etymology: Middle English descrien, from Middle French descrier to proclaim, decry 1 a : to catch sight of b : FIND OUT, DISCOVER 2 obsolete : to make known : REVEAL
3.desecrate	profane; violate the sanctity of	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -crat·ed; -crat·ing Etymology: de- + -secrate (as in consecrate) 1 : to violate the sanctity of : PROFANE 2 : to treat disrespectfully, irreverently, or outrageously <the kind of shore development ... that has desecrated so many waterfronts -- John Fischer> - des·e·crat·er or des·e·cra·tor /-"krA-t&r/ noun
4.desiccate	dry up	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -cat·ed; -cat·ing Etymology: Latin desiccatus, past participle of desiccare to dry up, from de- + siccare to dry, from siccus dry -- more at SACK transitive senses 1 : to dry up 2 : to preserve (a food) by drying : DEHYDRATE 3 : to drain of emotional or intellectual vitality intransitive senses : to become dried up - des·ic·ca·tion /"de-si-'kA-sh&n/ noun - de·sic·ca·tive /'de-si-"kA-tiv/ adjective - des·ic·ca·tor /'de-si-"kA-t&r/ noun
5.desolate	(of a place) deserted; unpopulated; (of a person) lonely; forlorn; joyless	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English desolat, from Latin desolatus, past participle of desolare to abandon, from de- + solus alone 1 : devoid of inhabitants and visitors : DESERTED 2 : joyless, disconsolate, and sorrowful through or as if through separation from a loved one 3 a : showing the effects of abandonment and neglect : DILAPIDATED b : BARREN, LIFELESS <a desolate landscape> c : devoid of warmth, comfort, or hope : GLOOMY <desolate memories> synonym see ALONE - des·o·late·ly adverb - des·o·late·ness noun
6.desolate	make desolate; forsake; abandon and desert	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English desolat, from Latin desolatus, past participle of desolare to abandon, from de- + solus alone 1 : devoid of inhabitants and visitors : DESERTED 2 : joyless, disconsolate, and sorrowful through or as if through separation from a loved one 3 a : showing the effects of abandonment and neglect : DILAPIDATED b : BARREN, LIFELESS <a desolate landscape> c : devoid of warmth, comfort, or hope : GLOOMY <desolate memories> synonym see ALONE - des·o·late·ly adverb - des·o·late·ness noun
7.desperado	reckless, desperate outlaw	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -does or -dos Etymology: probably alteration of obsolete desperate desperado, from desperate, adjective : a bold or violent criminal; especially : a bandit of the western U.S. in the 19th century
8.despise	look on with scorn; regard as worthless or distasteful; ADJ. despicable: contemptible	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): de·spised; de·spis·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Old French despis-, stem of despire, from Latin despicere, from de- + specere to look -- more at SPY 1 : to look down on with contempt or aversion <despised the weak> 2 : to regard as negligible, worthless, or distasteful - de·spise·ment /-'spIz-m&nt/ noun - de·spis·er /-'spI-z&r/ noun synonyms DESPISE, CONTEMN, SCORN, DISDAIN mean to regard as unworthy of one's notice or consideration. DESPISE may suggest an emotional response ranging from strong dislike to loathing <despises cowards>. CONTEMN implies a vehement condemnation of a person or thing as low, vile, feeble, or ignominious <contemns the image of women promoted by advertisers>. SCORN implies a ready or indignant contempt <scorns the very thought of retirement>. DISDAIN implies an arrogant or supercilious aversion to what is regarded as unworthy <disdained popular music>.
9.despoil	plunder; sack; Ex. despoil the village	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English despoylen, from Middle French despoillier, from Latin despoliare, from de- + spoliare to strip, rob -- more at SPOIL : to strip of belongings, possessions, or value : PILLAGE synonym see RAVAGE - de·spoil·er noun - de·spoil·ment /-m&nt/ noun
10.despondent	without hope and courage; depressed; gloomy; N. despondency: loss of hope with gloom; dejection	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin despondent-, despondens, present participle of despondEre : feeling or showing extreme discouragement, dejection, or depression <despondent about his health> - de·spon·dent·ly adverb synonyms DESPONDENT, DESPAIRING, DESPERATE, HOPELESS mean having lost all or nearly all hope. DESPONDENT implies a deep dejection arising from a conviction of the uselessness of further effort <despondent about yet another rejection>. DESPAIRING suggests the slipping away of all hope and often despondency <despairing appeals for the return of the kidnapped child>. DESPERATE implies despair that prompts reckless action or violence in the face of defeat or frustration <one last desperate attempt to turn the tide of battle>. HOPELESS suggests despair and the cessation of effort or resistance and often implies acceptance or resignation <the situation of the trapped miners is hopeless>.
11.despot	tyrant; harsh, authoritarian ruler; CF. despotism	Function: noun Etymology: Middle French despote, from Greek despotEs master, lord, autocrat, from des- (akin to domos house) + -potEs (akin to posis husband); akin to Sanskrit dampati lord of the house -- more at DOME, POTENT 1 a : a Byzantine emperor or prince b : a bishop or patriarch of the Eastern Orthodox Church c : an Italian hereditary prince or military leader during the Renaissance 2 a : a ruler with absolute power and authority b : a person exercising power tyrannically
12.destitute	extremely poor; lacking means of subsistence; utterly lacking; devoid; Ex. destitute of any experience	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Latin destitutus, past participle of destituere to abandon, deprive, from de- + statuere to set up -- more at STATUTE 1 : lacking something needed or desirable <a lake destitute of fish> 2 : lacking possessions and resources; especially : suffering extreme poverty <a destitute old man> - des·ti·tute·ness noun
13.desultory	aimless; haphazard; digressing at random	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin desultorius, literally, of a circus rider who leaps from horse to horse, from desilire to leap down, from de- + salire to leap -- more at SALLY 1 : marked by lack of definite plan, regularity, or purpose <a dragged-out ordeal of ... desultory shopping -- Herman Wouk> 2 : not connected with the main subject 3 : disappointing in progress or performance : SLUGGISH - des·ul·to·ri·ly /"de-s&l-'tOr-&-lE, -'tor-/ adverb - des·ul·to·ri·ness /'de-s&l-"tOr-E-n&s, -"tor-/ noun
14.detached	emotionally removed; free from emotional involvement; calm and objective; physically separate; N. detachment; CF. attachment	Function: transitive verb Etymology: French détacher, from Old French destachier, from des- de- + -tachier (as in atachier to attach) 1 : to separate especially from a larger mass and usually without violence or damage 2 : DISENGAGE, WITHDRAW - de·tach·abil·i·ty /-"ta-ch&-'bi-l&-tE/ noun - de·tach·able /-'ta-ch&-b&l/ adjective - de·tach·ably /-blE/ adverb
15.determinate	having a fixed order of procedure; precisely defined; invariable; fixed; conclusive; final	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Latin determinatus, past participle of determinare 1 : having defined limits 2 : definitely settled 3 : conclusively determined : DEFINITIVE 4 : characterized by sequential flowering from the central or uppermost bud to the lateral or basal buds; also : characterized by growth in which the main stem ends in an inflorescence and stops growing with only branches from the main stem having further and similarly restricted growth <determinate tomato plants> -- compare INDETERMINATE 4 5 : relating to, being, or undergoing egg cleavage in which each division irreversibly separates portions of the zygote with specific potencies for further development - de·ter·mi·nate·ly adverb - de·ter·mi·nate·ness noun
16.determination	resolve; firmness of purpose; measurement or calculation; decision	Function: noun 1 a : a judicial decision settling and ending a controversy b : the resolving of a question by argument or reasoning 2 archaic : TERMINATION 3 a : the act of deciding definitely and firmly; also : the result of such an act of decision b : the power or habit of deciding definitely and firmly 4 : a fixing or finding of the position, magnitude, value, or character of something: as a : the act, process, or result of an accurate measurement b : an identification of the taxonomic position of a plant or animal 5 a : the definition of a concept in logic by its essential constituents b : the addition of a differentia to a concept to limit its denotation 6 : direction or tendency to a certain end : IMPULSION 7 : the fixation of the destiny of undifferentiated embryonic tissue
17.deterrent	something that discourages or deters	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin deterrent-, deterrens, present participle of deterrEre to deter 1 : serving to deter 2 : relating to deterrence - deterrent noun - de·ter·rent·ly adverb
18.detonation	explosion	Function: noun 1 : the action or process of detonating 2 : rapid combustion in an internal combustion engine that results in knocking
19.detraction	slandering; aspersion; detracting; CF. detractor	Function: noun 1 : a lessening of reputation or esteem especially by envious, malicious, or petty criticism : BELITTLING, DISPARAGEMENT 2 : a taking away <it is no detraction from its dignity or prestige -- J. F. Golay> - de·trac·tive /-'trak-tiv/ adjective - de·trac·tive·ly adverb
20.detrimental	harmful; damaging; N. detriment	Function: adjective : obviously harmful : DAMAGING <the detrimental effects of pollution> synonym see PERNICIOUS - det·ri·men·tal·ly /-t&l-E/ adverb
21.deviate	turn away from (a principle, norm); move away from an accepted standard; swerve; depart; diverge; N. deviation; Ex. deviation of the path of light by a prism	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -at·ed; -at·ing Etymology: Late Latin deviatus, past participle of deviare, from Latin de- + via way -- more at WAY intransitive senses 1 : to stray especially from a standard, principle, or topic 2 : to depart from an established course or norm transitive senses : to cause to turn out of a previous course synonym see SWERVE - de·vi·a·tor /-"A-t&r/ noun - de·vi·a·to·ry /-&-"tOr-E, -"tor-/ adjective
22.devious	roundabout; erratic; deviating from the straight course; not straightforward; not completely honest; Ex. devious route	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin devius, from de from + via way -- more at DE-, WAY 1 : OUT-OF-THE-WAY, REMOTE 2 a : WANDERING, ROUNDABOUT <a devious path> b : moving without a fixed course : ERRANT <devious breezes> 3 a : deviating from a right, accepted, or common course b : not straightforward : CUNNING; also : DECEPTIVE - de·vi·ous·ly adverb - de·vi·ous·ness noun
23.devise	think up; invent; plan; bequeath; N: bequest	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): de·vised; de·vis·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Old French deviser to divide, regulate, tell, modification of (assumed) Vulgar Latin divisare, frequentative of Latin dividere to divide 1 a : to form in the mind by new combinations or applications of ideas or principles : INVENT b archaic : CONCEIVE, IMAGINE c : to plan to obtain or bring about : PLOT 2 : to give (real estate) by will -- compare BEQUEATH - de·vis·able /-'vI-z&-b&l/ adjective - de·vis·er noun
24.devoid	empty; lacking	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, past participle of devoiden to dispel, from Middle French desvuidier to empty, from Old French, from des- dis- + vuidier to empty -- more at VOID : being without a usual, typical, or expected attribute or accompaniment <an argument devoid of sense>
25.devolve	deputize; pass or be passed to others (power, work, or property); Ex. devolve on/upon/to	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): de·volved; de·volv·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Latin devolvere, from de- + volvere to roll -- more at VOLUBLE transitive senses : to pass on (as responsibility, rights, or powers) from one person or entity to another <devolving to western Europe full responsibility for its own defense -- Christopher Lane> intransitive senses 1 a : to pass by transmission or succession <the estate devolved on a distant cousin> b : to fall or be passed usually as a responsibility or obligation <the responsibility for breadwinning has devolved increasingly upon women -- Barbara Ehrenreich> 2 : to come by or as if by flowing down <his allegedly subversive campaigns ... devolve from his belief in basic American rights -- Frank Deford> 3 : to degenerate through a gradual change or evolution <where order devolves into chaos -- Johns Hopkins Magazine>
26.devotee	enthusiastic follower; enthusiast; Ex. devotee of Bach	Function: noun : an ardent follower, supporter, or enthusiast (as of a religion, art form, or sport)
27.devout	pious; deeply religious; sincere; earnest; Ex. my devout hope	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English devot, from Old French, from Late Latin devotus, from Latin, past participle of devovEre 1 : devoted to religion or to religious duties or exercises 2 : expressing devotion or piety <a devout attitude> 3 : devoted to a pursuit, belief, or mode of behavior : SERIOUS, EARNEST <a devout baseball fan> <born a devout coward -- G. B. Shaw> - de·vout·ly adverb - de·vout·ness noun
28.dexterous	skillful; skill in using hands or mind; N. dexterity	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin dextr-, dexter on the right side, skillful 1 : mentally adroit and skillful : CLEVER 2 : done with dexterity : ARTFUL 3 : skillful and competent with the hands - dex·ter·ous·ly adverb - dex·ter·ous·ness noun synonyms DEXTEROUS, ADROIT, DEFT mean ready and skilled in physical movement. DEXTEROUS implies expertness with consequent facility and quickness in manipulation <unrolled the sleeping bag with a dexterous toss>. ADROIT implies dexterity but usually also stresses resourcefulness or artfulness or inventiveness <the magician's adroit response to the failure of her prop won applause>. DEFT emphasizes lightness, neatness, and sureness of touch or handling <a surgeon's deft manipulation of the scalpel>.
29.diabolical	diabolic; devilish; fiendish	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English deabolik, from Middle French diabolique, from Late Latin diabolicus, from diabolus : of, relating to, or characteristic of the devil : DEVILISH - di·a·bol·i·cal·ly /-li-k(&-)lE/ adverb - di·a·bol·i·cal·ness /-li-k&l-n&s/ noun
30.diadem	crown	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English diademe, from Old French, from Latin diadema, from Greek diadEma, from diadein to bind around, from dia- + dein to bind; akin to Sanskrit dAman rope 1 a : CROWN 2; specifically : a royal headband b : CROWN 6a(1) 2 : something that adorns like a crown
31.dialectical	relating to the art of debate; mutual or reciprocal; Ex. dialectical situation; N. dialectic: art of arriving at the truth by the exchange of logical arguments	Function: adjective 1 a : of, relating to, or in accordance with dialectic <dialectical method> b : practicing, devoted to, or employing dialectic <a dialectical philosopher> 2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a dialect - di·a·lec·ti·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb
32.diaphanous	sheer; transparent	Function: adjective Etymology: Medieval Latin diaphanus, from Greek diaphanEs, from diaphainein to show through, from dia- + phainein to show -- more at FANCY 1 : characterized by such fineness of texture as to permit seeing through 2 : characterized by extreme delicacy of form : ETHEREAL <painted diaphanous landscapes> 3 : INSUBSTANTIAL, VAGUE <had only a diaphanous hope of success> - di·aph·a·nous·ly adverb - di·aph·a·nous·ness noun
33.diatribe	bitter scolding or denunciation; invective; abuse	Function: noun Etymology: Latin diatriba, from Greek diatribE pastime, discourse, from diatribein to spend (time), wear away, from dia- + tribein to rub -- more at THROW 1 archaic : a prolonged discourse 2 : a bitter and abusive speech or writing 3 : ironical or satirical criticism
34.dichotomy	division into two opposite parts; split; branching into two parts (especially contradictory ones)	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -mies Etymology: Greek dichotomia, from dichotomos 1 : a division or the process of dividing into two especially mutually exclusive or contradictory groups or entities 2 : the phase of the moon or an inferior planet in which half its disk appears illuminated 3 a : BIFURCATION; especially : repeated bifurcation (as of a plant's stem) b : a system of branching in which the main axis forks repeatedly into two branches c : branching of an ancestral line into two equal diverging branches 4 : something with seemingly contradictory qualities
35.dictum	authoritative and weighty statement (made by a judge in court); saying; maxim; CF. obiter dictum: incidental, nonbinding remark (something said in passing)	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural dic·ta /-t&/; also dictums Etymology: Latin, from neuter of dictus, past participle of dicere 1 : a noteworthy statement: as a : a formal pronouncement of a principle, proposition, or opinion b : an observation intended or regarded as authoritative 2 : a judge's expression of opinion on a point other than the precise issue involved in determining a case
36.didactic	(of speech or writing) intended to teach a moral lesson; teaching; instructional; N. didacticism	Function: adjective Etymology: Greek didaktikos, from didaskein to teach 1 a : designed or intended to teach b : intended to convey instruction and information as well as pleasure and entertainment 2 : making moral observations - di·dac·ti·cal /-ti-k&l/ adjective - di·dac·ti·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb - di·dac·ti·cism /-t&-"si-z&m/ noun
37.die	metal block used for shaping metal or plastic; device for stamping or impressing; mold; CF. dice	Function: intransitive verb Inflected Form(s): died; dy·ing /'dI-i[ng]/ Etymology: Middle English dien, from or akin to Old Norse deyja to die; akin to Old High German touwen to die 1 : to pass from physical life : EXPIRE 2 a : to pass out of existence : CEASE <their anger died at these words> b : to disappear or subside gradually -- often used with away, down, or out <the storm died down> 3 a : SINK, LANGUISH <dying from fatigue> b : to long keenly or desperately <dying to go> c : to be overwhelmed by emotion <die of embarrassment> 4 a : to cease functioning : STOP <the motor died> b : to end in failure <the bill died in committee> 5 : to become indifferent <die to worldly things> - die hard 1 : to be long in dying <such rumors die hard> 2 : to continue resistance against hopeless odds <hard-shell conservatism dies hard> - die on the vine : to fail especially at an early stage through lack of support or enthusiasm <let the proposal die on the vine>
38.diffidence	shyness; lack of self-confidence; timidity; ADJ. diffident	Function: noun : the quality or state of being diffident
39.diffuse	wordy; verbose; rambling; spread out (like a gas); V: spread out in all directions; disperse; N. diffusion; CF. suffuse	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Latin diffusus, past participle of diffundere to spread out, from dis- + fundere to pour -- more at FOUND 1 : being at once verbose and ill-organized 2 : not concentrated or localized <diffuse sclerosis> synonym see WORDY - dif·fuse·ly adverb - dif·fuse·ness noun
40.digression	wandering away from the subject; V. digress	Function: noun 1 : the act or an instance of digressing in a discourse or other usually organized literary work 2 archaic : a going aside - di·gres·sion·al /-'gresh-n&l, -&n-&l/ adjective - di·gres·sion·ary /-'gre-sh&-"ner-E/ adjective
41.dilapidated	falling to pieces; in a bad condition; ruined because of neglect; Ex. dilapidated old car/castle; N. dilapidation	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -dat·ed; -dat·ing Etymology: Latin dilapidatus, past participle of dilapidare to squander, destroy, from dis- + lapidare to pelt with stones, from lapid-, lapis stone transitive senses 1 : to bring into a condition of decay or partial ruin <furniture is dilapidated by use -- Janet Flanner> 2 archaic : SQUANDER intransitive senses : to become dilapidated - di·lap·i·da·tion /-"la-p&-'dA-sh&n/ noun
42.dilate	expand; dilate on/upon: speak or write at length on (a subject)	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): di·lat·ed; di·lat·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French dilater, from Latin dilatare, literally, to spread wide, from dis- + latus wide -- more at LAT. transitive senses 1 archaic : to describe or set forth at length or in detail 2 : to enlarge or expand in bulk or extent : DISTEND, WIDEN intransitive senses 1 : to comment at length : DISCOURSE -- usually used with on or upon 2 : to become wide : SWELL synonym see EXPAND - di·lat·abil·i·ty /(")dI-"lA-t&-'bi-l&-tE/ noun - di·lat·able /dI-'lA-t&-b&l, 'dI-"/ adjective - di·la·tor /dI-'lA-t&r, 'dI-"/ noun
43.dilatory	delaying; tending to delay	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin dilatorius, from Latin differre (past participle dilatus) to postpone, differ -- more at DIFFER, TOLERATE 1 : tending or intended to cause delay <dilatory tactics> 2 : characterized by procrastination : TARDY <dilatory in paying bills> - dil·a·to·ri·ly /"di-l&-'tOr-&-lE, -'tor-/ adverb - dil·a·to·ri·ness /'di-l&-"tOr-E-n&s, -"tor-/ noun
44.dilemma	situation that requires a choice between equally unfavorable options; problem; choice of two unsatisfactory alternatives	Function: noun Etymology: Late Latin, from Late Greek dilEmmat-, dilEmma, probably back-formation from Greek dilEmmatos involving two assumptions, from di- + lEmmat-, lEmma assumption -- more at LEMMA 1 : an argument presenting two or more equally conclusive alternatives against an opponent 2 a : a usually undesirable or unpleasant choice <faces this dilemma: raise interest rates and slow the economy or lower them and risk serious inflation> b : a situation involving such a choice <here am I brought to a very pretty dilemma; I must commit murder or commit matrimony -- George Farquhar>; broadly : PREDICAMENT <lords and bailiffs were in a terrible dilemma -- G. M. Trevelyan> 3 a : a problem involving a difficult choice <the dilemma of "liberty versus order" -- J. M. Burns> b : a difficult or persistent problem <unemployment ... the great central dilemma of our advancing technology -- August Heckscher> - dil·em·mat·ic /"di-l&-'ma-tik also -"dI-/ adjective usage Although some commentators insist that dilemma be restricted to instances in which the alternatives to be chosen are equally unsatisfactory, their concern is misplaced; the unsatisfactoriness of the options is usually a matter of how the author presents them. What is distressing or painful about a dilemma is having to make a choice one does not want to make. The use of such adjectives as terrible, painful, and irreconcilable suggests that dilemma is losing some of its unpleasant force. There also seems to be a tendency especially in sense 3b toward applying the word to less weighty problems <solved their goaltending dilemma -- Pat Calabria>.
45.dilettante	aimless follower of an art or a field of knowledge (not taking it seriously); amateur; dabbler; CF. delight	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -tantes or dil·et·tan·ti /-'tän-tE, -'tan-tE/ Etymology: Italian, from present participle of dilettare to delight, from Latin dilectare -- more at DELIGHT 1 : an admirer or lover of the arts 2 : a person having a superficial interest in an art or a branch of knowledge : DABBLER synonym see AMATEUR - dilettante adjective - dil·et·tant·ish /-"tän-tish, -"tan-, "di-l&-'/ adjective - dil·et·tan·tism /-"tän-"ti-z&m, -"tan-, "di-l&-'/ noun
46.diligence	steadiness of effort; persistent hard work	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin diligentia, from diligent-, diligens 1 a : persevering application : ASSIDUITY b obsolete : SPEED, HASTE 2 : the attention and care legally expected or required of a person (as a party to a contract)
47.dilute	make (a liquid) less concentrated; reduce in strength; Ex. dilute the influence of the president	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): di·lut·ed; di·lut·ing Etymology: Latin dilutus, past participle of diluere to wash away, dilute, from di- + lavere to wash -- more at LYE 1 : ATTENUATE 2 : to make thinner or more liquid by admixture 3 : to diminish the strength, flavor, or brilliance of by admixture 4 : to decrease the per share value of (common stock) by increasing the total number of shares - di·lut·er or di·lu·tor /-'lü-t&r/ noun - di·lu·tive /-'lü-tiv/ adjective
48.diminution	lessening; reduction in size; V. diminish	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English diminucioun, from Middle French diminution, from Medieval Latin diminution-, diminutio, alteration of Latin deminution-, deminutio, from deminuere : the act, process, or an instance of diminishing : DECREASE
49.din	continued loud noise; V: make a din; instill by wearying repetition	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English dyne; akin to Old Norse dynr din, Sanskrit dhvanati it roars 1 : a loud continued noise; especially : a welter of discordant sounds 2 : a situation or condition resembling a din
50.dinghy	small boat (often ship's boat)	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural dinghies Etymology: Bengali dingi & Hindi dingI 1 : an East Indian rowboat or sailboat 2 a : a small boat carried on or towed behind a larger boat as a tender or a lifeboat b : a small sailboat 3 : a rubber life raft
51.dingy	(of things and place) dirty and dull; Ex. dingy street/curtain	Function: adjective Inflected Form(s): din·gi·er; -est Etymology: origin unknown 1 : DIRTY, DISCOLORED 2 : SHABBY, SQUALID - din·gi·ly /-j&-lE/ adverb - din·gi·ness /-jE-n&s/ noun
52.dint	means; effort; Ex. by dint of hard work	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English dynt; akin to Old Norse dyntr noise 1 archaic : BLOW, STROKE 2 : FORCE, POWER 3 : 2DENT - by dint of : by force of : BECAUSE OF
53.diorama	life-size, three-dimensional scene from nature or history; three-dimensional scene with modeled figures against a painted background	Function: noun Etymology: French, from dia- + -orama (as in panorama, from E) 1 : a scenic representation in which a partly translucent painting is seen from a distance through an opening 2 a : a scenic representation in which sculptured figures and lifelike details are displayed usually in miniature so as to blend indistinguishably with a realistic painted background b : a life-size exhibit (as of a wildlife specimen or scene) with realistic natural surroundings and a painted background - di·oram·ic /-'ra-mik/ adjective
54.dire	warning of disaster; disastrous; (of needs and dangers) very great; urgent; Ex. dire prediction/need of food	Function: adjective Inflected Form(s): dir·er; dir·est Etymology: Latin dirus; akin to Greek deinos terrifying, Sanskrit dvesti he hates 1 a : exciting horror <dire suffering> b : DISMAL, OPPRESSIVE <dire days> 2 : warning of disaster <a dire forecast> 3 a : desperately urgent <dire need> b : EXTREME <dire poverty> - dire·ly adverb - dire·ness noun
55.dirge	funeral song; slow mournful piece of music (sung over a dead person)	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English dirige, the Office of the Dead, from the first word of a Late Latin antiphon, from Latin, imperative of dirigere to direct -- more at DRESS 1 : a song or hymn of grief or lamentation; especially : one intended to accompany funeral or memorial rites 2 : a slow, solemn, and mournful piece of music 3 : something (as a poem) that has the qualities of a dirge - dirge·like /-"lIk/ adjective
56.disabuse	correct a false impression; undeceive; free from a wrong belief	Function: transitive verb Etymology: French désabuser, from dés- dis- + abuser to abuse : to free from error, fallacy, or misconception
57.disaffected	disloyal; lacking loyality; V. disaffect: cause to lose affection or loyalty	Function: transitive verb : to alienate the affection or loyalty of synonym see ESTRANGE - dis·af·fec·tion /-'fek-sh&n/ noun
58.disapprobation	disapproval; condemnation	Function: noun : the act or state of disapproving : the state of being disapproved : CONDEMNATION
59.disarray	state of disorder; a disorderly or untidy state; Ex. with her clothes in disarray	Function: noun 1 : a lack of order or sequence : CONFUSION, DISORDER 2 : disorderly dress : DISHABILLE
60.disavowal	denial; disclaiming; repudiating; disowning; V. disavow; CF. disclaim	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English desavowen, from Middle French desavouer, from Old French, from des- dis- + avouer to avow 1 : to deny responsibility for : REPUDIATE 2 : to refuse to acknowledge : DISCLAIM - dis·avow·able /-&-b&l/ adjective - dis·avow·al /-'vau(-&)l/ noun
61.disband	dissolve; disperse; (of a group) break up and separate; Ex. The club has disbanded.	Function: verb Etymology: Middle French desbander, from des- dis- + bande band transitive senses : to break up the organization of : DISSOLVE intransitive senses : to break up as an organization : DISPERSE - dis·band·ment /-'ban(d)-m&nt/ noun
62.disburse	pay out (as from a fund); N. disbursement; CF. purse	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): dis·bursed; dis·burs·ing Etymology: Middle French desbourser, from Old French desborser, from des- dis- + borser to get money, from borse burse 1 a : to pay out : expend especially from a fund b : to make a payment in settlement of 2 : DISTRIBUTE - dis·burs·er noun
63.discernible	distinguishable; perceivable; Ex. discernible improvement	Function: verb Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French discerner, from Latin discernere to separate, distinguish between, from dis- apart + cernere to sift -- more at DIS-, CERTAIN transitive senses 1 a : to detect with the eyes b : to detect with senses other than vision 2 : to recognize or identify as separate and distinct : DISCRIMINATE 3 : to come to know or recognize mentally intransitive senses : to see or understand the difference - dis·cern·er noun - dis·cern·ible also dis·cern·able /-'s&r-n&-b&l, -'z&r-/ adjective - dis·cern·ibly /-blE/ adverb
64.discerning	mentally quick and observant; having insight; perceptive; able to make good judgments; V. discern: perceive	Function: verb Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French discerner, from Latin discernere to separate, distinguish between, from dis- apart + cernere to sift -- more at DIS-, CERTAIN transitive senses 1 a : to detect with the eyes b : to detect with senses other than vision 2 : to recognize or identify as separate and distinct : DISCRIMINATE 3 : to come to know or recognize mentally intransitive senses : to see or understand the difference - dis·cern·er noun - dis·cern·ible also dis·cern·able /-'s&r-n&-b&l, -'z&r-/ adjective - dis·cern·ibly /-blE/ adverb
65.disclaim	disown; renounce claim to; deny; CF. disclaimer	Function: verb Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French disclaimer, from dis- + claimer to claim, from Old French clamer intransitive senses 1 : to make a disclaimer 2 a obsolete : to disavow all part or share b : to utter denial transitive senses 1 : to renounce a legal claim to 2 : DENY, DISAVOW <disclaimed any knowledge of the contents of the letter>
66.disclose	reveal; N. disclosure	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French desclos-, stem of desclore to disclose, from Medieval Latin disclaudere to open, from Latin dis- + claudere to close -- more at CLOSE 1 obsolete : to open up 2 a : to expose to view b archaic : HATCH c : to make known or public <demands that politicians disclose the sources of their income> synonym see REVEAL - dis·clos·er noun
67.discombobulated	discomposed; confused	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -lat·ed; -lat·ing Etymology: probably alteration of discompose : UPSET, CONFUSE <the offensive had discombobulated all the German defensive arrangements -- A. J. Liebling> - dis·com·bob·u·la·tion /-"bä-b(y)&-'lA-sh&n/ noun
68.discomfit	frustrate; put to rout; defeat; disconcert; embarrass; perturb	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English, from Old French desconfit, past participle of desconfire, from des- dis- + confire to prepare -- more at COMFIT 1 a archaic : to defeat in battle b : to frustrate the plans of : THWART 2 : to put into a state of perplexity and embarrassment : DISCONCERT synonym see EMBARRASS
69.disconcert	confuse; upset; embarrass; perturb	Function: transitive verb Etymology: obsolete French disconcerter, alteration of Middle French desconcerter, from des- dis- + concerter to concert 1 : to throw into confusion 2 : to disturb the composure of synonym see EMBARRASS - dis·con·cert·ing adjective - dis·con·cert·ing·ly /-ti[ng]-lE/ adverb - dis·con·cert·ment /-m&nt/ noun
70.disconsolate	hopelessly sad (at the loss of something)	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin disconsolatus, from Latin dis- + consolatus, past participle of consolari to console 1 : CHEERLESS <a clutch of disconsolate houses -- D. H. Lawrence> 2 : DEJECTED, DOWNCAST <the team returned disconsolate from three losses> - dis·con·so·late·ly adverb - dis·con·so·late·ness noun - dis·con·so·la·tion /(")dis-"kän(t)-s&-'lA-sh&n/ noun
71.discord	conflict; lack of harmony; dissonance (when musical notes are played)	Function: noun 1 a : lack of agreement or harmony (as between persons, things, or ideas) b : active quarreling or conflict resulting from discord among persons or factions : STRIFE 2 a (1) : a combination of musical sounds that strikes the ear harshly (2) : DISSONANCE b : a harsh or unpleasant sound synonyms DISCORD, STRIFE, CONFLICT, CONTENTION, DISSENSION, VARIANCE mean a state or condition marked by a lack of agreement or harmony. DISCORD implies an intrinsic or essential lack of harmony producing quarreling, factiousness, or antagonism <a political party long racked by discord>. STRIFE emphasizes a struggle for superiority rather than the incongruity or incompatibility of the persons or things involved <during his brief reign the empire was never free of civil strife>. CONFLICT usually stresses the action of forces in opposition but in static applications implies an irreconcilability as of duties or desires <the conflict of freedom and responsibility>. CONTENTION applies to strife or competition that shows itself in quarreling, disputing, or controversy <several points of contention about the new zoning law>. DISSENSION implies strife or discord and stresses a division into factions <religious dissension threatened to split the colony>. VARIANCE implies a clash between persons or things owing to a difference in nature, opinion, or interest <cultural variances that work against a national identity>.
72.discordant	not harmonious; conflicting	Function: adjective 1 a : being at variance : DISAGREEING b : QUARRELSOME 2 : relating to a discord - dis·cor·dant·ly adverb
73.discount	disregard; regard (a story or news) as unimportant; deduct from a cost	Function: noun 1 : a reduction made from the gross amount or value of something: as a (1) : a reduction made from a regular or list price (2) : a proportionate deduction from a debt account usually made for cash or prompt payment b : a deduction made for interest in advancing money upon or purchasing a bill or note not due 2 : the act or practice of discounting 3 : a deduction taken or allowance made
74.discourse	serious speech, writing, or conversation; formal discussion (either written or spoken); conversation; V.	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English discours, from Medieval Latin & Late Latin discursus; Medieval Latin, argument, from Late Latin, conversation, from Latin, act of running about, from discurrere to run about, from dis- + currere to run -- more at CAR 1 archaic : the capacity of orderly thought or procedure : RATIONALITY 2 : verbal interchange of ideas; especially : CONVERSATION 3 a : formal and orderly and usually extended expression of thought on a subject b : connected speech or writing c : a linguistic unit (as a conversation or a story) larger than a sentence 4 obsolete : social familiarity
75.discredit	defame; disgrace; destroy confidence in; disbelieve; N. CF. discreditable: causing discredit; shameful	Function: transitive verb 1 : to refuse to accept as true or accurate : DISBELIEVE 2 : to cause disbelief in the accuracy or authority of 3 : to deprive of good repute : DISGRACE
76.discrepancy	lack of consistency or agreement as between facts; difference; Ex. discrepancy between two descriptions	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -cies 1 : the quality or state of being discrepant 2 : an instance of being discrepant
77.discrete	separate; unconnected	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Latin discretus 1 : constituting a separate entity : individually distinct 2 a : consisting of distinct or unconnected elements : NONCONTINUOUS b : taking on or having a finite or countably infinite number of values <discrete probabilities> <a discrete random variable> synonym see DISTINCT - dis·crete·ly adverb - dis·crete·ness noun
78.discretion	prudence; ability to adjust actions to circumstances; freedom of action or judgment; ADJ. discreet; CF. discretionary	Function: noun 1 : the quality of being discreet : CIRCUMSPECTION; especially : cautious reserve in speech 2 : ability to make responsible decisions 3 a : individual choice or judgment <left the decision to his discretion> b : power of free decision or latitude of choice within certain legal bounds <reached the age of discretion> 4 : the result of separating or distinguishing
79.discriminating	able to see differences; discerning; prejudiced; N. discrimination	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -nat·ed; -nat·ing Etymology: Latin discriminatus, past participle of discriminare, from discrimin-, discrimen distinction, from discernere to distinguish between -- more at DISCERN transitive senses 1 a : to mark or perceive the distinguishing or peculiar features of b : DISTINGUISH, DIFFERENTIATE <discriminate hundreds of colors> 2 : to distinguish by discerning or exposing differences; especially : to distinguish from another like object intransitive senses 1 a : to make a distinction <discriminate among historical sources> b : to use good judgment 2 : to make a difference in treatment or favor on a basis other than individual merit <discriminate in favor of your friends> <discriminate against a certain nationality>
80.discursive	(of a person or writing) digressing; rambling (without any clear plan)	Function: adjective Etymology: Medieval Latin discursivus, from Latin discursus, past participle of discurrere to run about -- more at DISCOURSE 1 a : moving from topic to topic without order : RAMBLING b : proceeding coherently from topic to topic 2 : marked by analytical reasoning - dis·cur·sive·ly adverb - dis·cur·sive·ness noun
81.disdain	treat with scorn or contempt	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English desdeyne, from Old French desdeign, from desdeignier : a feeling of contempt for what is beneath one : SCORN
82.disembark	debark; go ashore (from a ship); unload cargo from a ship; CF. embark	Function: verb Etymology: Middle French desembarquer, from des- dis- + embarquer to embark transitive senses : to remove to shore from a ship intransitive senses 1 : to go ashore out of a ship 2 : to get out of a vehicle or craft - dis·em·bar·ka·tion /(")di-"sem-"bär-'kA-sh&n, -b&r-/ noun
83.disenfranchise	disfranchise; deprive of a civil right; OP. enfranchise	Function: transitive verb : DISFRANCHISE - dis·en·fran·chise·ment /-"chIz-m&nt, -ch&z-/ noun
84.disengage	uncouple; separate; disconnect; stop fighting; OP. engage	Function: verb Etymology: French désengager, from Middle French, from des- dis- + engager to engage transitive senses : to release from something that engages or involves intransitive senses : to release or detach oneself : WITHDRAW - dis·en·gage·ment /-m&nt/ noun
85.disfigure	mar the appearance of; spoil	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French desfigurer, from des- dis- + figure figure 1 : to impair (as in beauty) by deep and persistent injuries <a face disfigured by smallpox> 2 obsolete : DISGUISE - dis·fig·ure·ment /-m&nt/ noun
86.disgorge	surrender something (stolen); eject; vomit; OP. gorge	Function: verb Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French desgorger, from des- dis- + gorge gorge transitive senses 1 a : to discharge by the throat and mouth : VOMIT b : to discharge or let go of in a manner suggesting vomiting <the train disgorged its passengers> c : to give up on request or under pressure <refused to disgorge his ill-gotten gains> 2 : to discharge the contents of (as the stomach) intransitive senses : to discharge contents <where the river disgorges into the sea>
87.disgruntle	make discontented	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): dis·grun·tled; dis·grun·tling /-'gr&nt-li[ng], -'gr&n-t&l-i[ng]/ Etymology: dis- + gruntle (to grumble), from Middle English gruntlen, frequentative of grunten to grunt : to make ill-humored or discontented -- usually used as a participial adjective <they were a very disgruntled crew -- Flannery O'Connor> - dis·grun·tle·ment /-t&l-m&nt/ noun