Barron's Word List 14

Front 1

derogatory

Back 1

showing a critical/disrespectful attitude

Front 2

descry (v)

Back 2

catch sight of

"In the distance, we could barely descry the enemy vessels"

Front 3

desecrate (v)

Back 3

treat with (violent) disrespect, to violate

Front 4

desolate (adj)

Back 4

unpopulated, joyless

Front 5

desolate (v)

Back 5

basically, to make a place DESOLATE (deserted, bleak, empty, unhappy)

Front 6

desperado

Back 6

reckless outlaw

Front 7

despoil (v)

Back 7

strip of valuables, rob

Front 8

destitute (adj)

Back 8

extremely poor

Front 9

determinate (adj)

Back 9

having a fixed order of procedure; invariable

Front 10

detraction

Back 10

slandering, aspersion

Front 11

devious (adj)

Back 11

roundabout, erratic, not straightforward

Front 12

devolve

Back 12

be transferred to another; delegrate to another; gradually worsen

Front 13

devout (adj)

Back 13

pious

Front 14

diadem (n)

Back 14

crown

Front 15

dialectical (2)

Back 15

(1) relating to the art of debate

""the debate coach's students grew to develop great dialectical skill"

(2) concerned with or acting through opposing forces

"a dialectical opposition between social convention and individual libertarianism"

Front 16

diatribe

Back 16

bitter scolding

Front 17

dichotomy

Back 17

split; branching into two parts (especially contradicting ones)

Front 18

dictum (2)

Back 18

(1) a formal statement from an authoritative force

(2) maxim or saying

Front 19

die (n)

Back 19

a device for cutting or molding metal into a particular shape

(for stamping designs; like a mold)

Front 20

diffuse (adj) (2)

Back 20

spread out over a large area

not concentrated

wordy, rambling

Front 21

dilate (v)

Back 21

expand

Front 22

dilatory

Back 22

tending to delay; intentionally delaying

"Dont be dilatory in paying your bills"

Front 23

dilettante

Back 23

aimless follower of the arts; amateur; dabbler

Front 24

diligence (n)

Back 24

steadiness of effort; persistent hard work

Front 25

dilute (v)

Back 25

to make less concentrated; reduce in strength

Front 26

din (n)

Back 26

continued loud noise

"the din of the jackhammers outside the classroom"

Front 27

dinghy (n)

Back 27

small boat (often ship's boat)

Front 28

dire

Back 28

disastrous

Front 29

disabuse

Back 29

correct a false impression; undeceive

persuade someone that an idea/belief is mistaken

Front 30

disaffected (adj)

Back 30

disloyal

(dissatisfied with the people in authority and no longer willing to support them)

Front 31

disapprobation (n)

Back 31

disapproval; condemnation

Front 32

disarray (n)

Back 32

a disorderly or untidy state

Front 33

disavowal (n)

Back 33

denial; disclaiming, rejection

"disavowing responsibility"

Front 34

disband (v)

Back 34

dissolve; disperse

Front 35

disburse (v)

Back 35

pay out

Front 36

discernible (adj)

Back 36

distinguishable; perceivable

Front 37

discerning

Back 37

mentally quick and observant, having insight

Front 38

disclaim

Back 38

disown, renounce claim to

Front 39

disconcert (v)

Back 39

confuse; upset; embarrass

Front 40

disconsolate (adj)

Back 40

sad

Front 41

discount (v)

Back 41

disregard

Front 42

discourse (n)

Back 42

formal discussion, conversation

Front 43

discredit (v)

Back 43

defame, destroy confidence in, disbelieve

Front 44

discrepancy

Back 44

lack of consistency, difference

Front 45

discrete (adj)

Back 45

separate; unconnected; consisting of distinct parts

Front 46

discriminating (adj) (2)

Back 46

able to see differences; prejudiced

Front 47

discursive

Back 47

digressing, rambling

Front 48

disembark

Back 48

go ashore; unload cargo from a ship

to leave a vehicle or aircraft

Front 49

disenfranchise (v)

Back 49

deprive of a civil right

Front 50

disengage (v)

Back 50

uncouple; separate; disconnect

Front 51

disgorge (v)

Back 51

surrender something; eject; vomit

Front 52

disgruntle (v)

Back 52

make discontented