Adjective
distinctive
IPA /dɪˈstɪŋktɪv/
Having a noticeable feature that makes a person or thing easy to recognise among others.
See example sentence: distinctive
I recognised her distinctive laugh before I saw her face.
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Verb
disseminate
IPA /dɪˈsemɪneɪt/
To distribute information or knowledge widely so that many people can receive or learn it.
See example sentence: disseminate
The community group uses its newsletter to disseminate local news.
Noun
disparity
IPA /dɪˈspærəti/
A noticeable difference between people or things, especially one that suggests an unfair gap.
See example sentence: disparity
There is a large disparity between rents in these two neighbourhoods.
Noun
discretion
IPA /dɪˈskreʃn/
Care in what you say or do so that private information stays private and nobody is unnecessarily embarrassed.
See example sentence: discretion
Please use discretion when discussing our friend's personal news.
Verb
deviate
IPA /ˈdiːvieɪt/
To move away from an expected route, plan or usual way of doing something.
See example sentence: deviate
We had to deviate from our planned route when the bridge closed.
Noun
detriment
IPA /ˈdetrɪmənt/
Harm or damage caused to a person, activity or thing by a particular action or situation.
See example sentence: detriment
He stayed up late every night, to the detriment of his health.
Verb
deplore
IPA /dɪˈplɔː(r)/
To express strong disapproval of something because you believe it is seriously wrong or unacceptable.
See example sentence: deplore
Our neighbours deplore the damage done to the community garden.
Noun
demeanour
IPA /dɪˈmiːnə(r)/
The outward manner in which a person behaves or presents themselves to other people.
See example sentence: demeanour
Her calm demeanour reassured everyone waiting at the station.
Verb
delineate
IPA /dɪˈlɪnieɪt/
To describe or show the details and boundaries of something clearly and precisely.
See example sentence: delineate
The guide used a map to delineate the route through the village.
Verb
defuse
IPA /diːˈfjuːz/
To make a tense or difficult situation calmer so that it is less likely to lead to trouble.
See example sentence: defuse
A sincere apology helped defuse the argument at the family dinner.
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