13 VERB To develop photographs means to make negatives or prints from a photographic film. SYNONYMS develop VERB


1


grow: The economy continues to grow.


progress: Were you surprised that his disease progressed so quickly?


evolve: As medical knowledge evolves, beliefs change.


advance: Medical technology has advanced considerably.


flourish: Business flourished and within six months they were earning 18,000 roubles a day.


2


result: Ignore the early warnings and illness could result.


arise: …if a problem arises later in the pregnancy.


ensue: A brief but embarrassing silence ensued.


come about: That came about when we went to Glastonbury last year.

de|vel|oped /d I ve ləpt/ ADJ If you talk about developed countries or the developed world, you mean the countries or the parts of the world that are wealthy and have many industries. □ This scarcity is inevitable in less developed countries.

de|vel|op|er /d I ve ləpə r / (developers )


1 N‑COUNT A developer is a person or a company that buys land and builds houses, offices, shops, or factories on it, or buys existing buildings and makes them more modern. [BUSINESS ] □ …common land which would have a high commercial value if sold to developers.


2 N‑COUNT A developer is someone who develops something such as an idea, a design, or a product. □ [+ of ] John Bardeen was also co-developer of the theory of superconductivity.

de|vel|op|ing /d I ve ləp I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you talk about developing countries or the developing world, you mean the countries or the parts of the world that are poor and have few industries. □ In the developing world cigarette consumption is increasing.

de|vel|op|ment ◆◆◆ /d I ve ləpmənt/ (developments )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Development is the gradual growth or formation of something. □ [+ of ] …an ideal system for studying the development of the embryo.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Development is the growth of something such as a business or an industry. [BUSINESS ] □ Education is central to a country's economic development. [Also + of ]


3 N‑VAR Development is the process or result of making a basic design gradually better and more advanced. □ We are spending $850m on research and development.


4 N‑UNCOUNT Development is the process of making an area of land or water more useful or profitable. □ [+ of ] The talks will focus on economic development of the region.


5 N‑COUNT A development is an event or incident which has recently happened and is likely to have an effect on the present situation. □ Police said there had been a significant development in the case.


6 N‑COUNT A development is an area of houses or buildings which have been built by property developers. COLLOCATIONS development NOUN


1


noun + development : career, character; language


adjective + development : personal, professional


2


noun + development : business, property


adjective + development : commercial, economic, sustainable


verb + development : encourage, promote, support


3


noun + development : product, software


adjective + development : industrial, technological; exciting


4


adjective + development : economic, rural, urban


5


adjective + development : interesting, major, recent, significant


6


noun + development : housing


adjective + development : residential SYNONYMS development NOUN


1


growth: The area has seen a rapid population growth.


increase: …a sharp increase in productivity.


expansion: The company has abandoned plans for further expansion.


5


event: …in the wake of recent events in Europe.


incident: These incidents were the latest in a series of disputes.


occurrence: The food queues have become a daily occurrence across the country.

de|vel|op|men|tal /d I ve ləpme nt ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Developmental means relating to the development of someone or something. □ …the emotional, educational, and developmental needs of the child.

de|ve l|op|ment ba nk (development banks ) N‑COUNT A development bank is a bank that provides money for projects in poor countries or areas. [BUSINESS ]

de|vi|ant /diː viənt/ (deviants )


1 ADJ Deviant behaviour or thinking is different from what people normally consider to be acceptable. □ …the social reactions to deviant and criminal behaviour. ● de|vi|ance /diː viəns/ N‑UNCOUNT □ …sexual deviance, including the abuse of children.


2 N‑COUNT A deviant is someone whose behaviour or beliefs are different from what people normally consider to be acceptable.

de|vi|ate /diː vie I t/ (deviates , deviating , deviated ) VERB To deviate from something means to start doing something different or not planned, especially in a way that causes problems for others. □ [V + from ] They stopped you as soon as you deviated from the script. [Also V ]

de|via|tion /diː vie I ʃ ə n/ (deviations ) N‑VAR Deviation means doing something that is different from what people consider to be normal or acceptable. □ [+ from ] Deviation from the norm is not tolerated.

de|vice ◆◇◇ /d I va I s/ (devices )


1 N‑COUNT A device is an object that has been invented for a particular purpose, for example for recording or measuring something. □ …an electronic device that protects your vehicle 24 hours a day.


2 N‑COUNT A device is a method of achieving something. □ [+ for ] They claim that military spending is used as a device for managing the economy.


3 PHRASE If you leave someone to their own devices , you leave them alone to do as they wish. □ Left to his own devices, Osborn is a fluent–and often original–guitarist. COLLOCATIONS device NOUN 1


noun + device : explosive, incendiary, safety, storage; listening, navigation, recording, tracking


adjective + device : electronic, mechanical, medical, nuclear; handheld, mobile, portable; high-tech, simple, sophisticated


verb + device : design, develop, test; detonate, install, plant SYNONYMS device NOUN 1


gadget: …kitchen gadgets including toasters, kettles and percolators.


tool: I find the best tool for the purpose is a pair of shears.


instrument: …instruments for cleaning and polishing teeth.


appliance: He learned to use the vacuum cleaner, washing machine and other household appliances.


implement: …knives and other useful implements.

dev|il /de v ə l/ (devils )


1 N‑PROPER In Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the Devil is the most powerful evil spirit.


2 N‑COUNT A devil is an evil spirit. □ …the idea of angels with wings and devils with horns and hoofs.


3 N‑COUNT You can use devil to emphasize the way you feel about someone. For example, if you call someone a poor devil , you are saying that you feel sorry for them. You can call someone you are fond of but who sometimes annoys or irritates you an old devil or a little devil . [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □ I felt sorry for Blake, poor devil.


4 PHRASE If you say that you are between the devil and the deep blue sea , you mean that you are in a difficult situation where you have to choose between two equally unpleasant courses of action.


5 PHRASE People say speak of the devil , or in British English talk of the devil , if someone they have just been talking about appears unexpectedly. □ Well, talk of the devil!


6 PHRASE When you want to emphasize how annoyed or surprised you are, you can use an expression such as what the devil , how the devil, or why the devil . [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ 'What the devil's the matter?'

dev|il|ish /de vəl I ʃ/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A devilish idea or action is cruel or unpleasant. □ …the devilish destructiveness of modern weapons.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use devilish to emphasize how extreme or difficult something is. [EMPHASIS ] □ …a devilish puzzle. ● dev|il|ish|ly ADV □ It is devilishly painful.

de vil-may-ca re ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that someone has a devil-may-care attitude, you mean that they seem relaxed and do not seem worried about the consequences of their actions. [APPROVAL ]

de v|il's a d|vo|cate N‑UNCOUNT [oft with det] If you play devil's advocate in a discussion or debate, you express an opinion which you may not agree with but which is very different to what other people have been saying, in order to make the argument more interesting.

de|vi|ous /diː viəs/ ADJ If you describe someone as devious you do not like them because you think they are dishonest and like to keep things secret, often in a complicated way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Newman was devious, prepared to say one thing in print and another in private. ● de|vi|ous|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ …the deviousness of drug traffickers.

de|vise /d I va I z/ (devises , devising , devised ) VERB If you devise a plan, system, or machine, you have the idea for it and design it. □ [V n] We devised a scheme to help him.

de|void /d I vɔ I d/ ADJ If you say that someone or something is devoid of a quality or thing, you are emphasizing that they have none of it. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ [+ of ] I have never looked on a face that was so devoid of feeling.

de|vo|lu|tion /diː vəluː ʃ ə n, de v-/ N‑UNCOUNT Devolution is the transfer of some authority or power from a central organization or government to smaller organizations or government departments. □ [+ of ] …the devolution of power to the regions.

de|volve /d I vɒ lv/ (devolves , devolving , devolved ) VERB If you devolve power, authority, or responsibility to a less powerful person or group, or if it devolves upon them, it is transferred to them. □ [V n + to ] …the need to decentralize and devolve power to regional governments. □ [V n] We have made a conscious effort to devolve responsibility. □ [V + upon/on ] A large portion of this cost devolves upon the patient.

de|vote /d I voʊ t/ (devotes , devoting , devoted )


1 VERB If you devote yourself, your time, or your energy to something, you spend all or most of your time or energy on it. □ [V n + to ] He decided to devote the rest of his life to scientific investigation. □ [V n + to ] Considerable resources have been devoted to proving him a liar. □ [V pron-refl + to ] She gladly gave up her part-time job to devote herself entirely to her art.


2 VERB If you devote a particular proportion of a piece of writing or a speech to a particular subject, you deal with the subject in that amount of space or time. □ [V n + to ] He devoted a major section of his massive report to an analysis of U.S. aircraft design.

de|vot|ed /d I voʊ t I d/


1 ADJ [ADJ n] Someone who is devoted to a person loves that person very much. □ …a loving and devoted husband. □ [+ to ] 50 years on, the couple are still devoted to one another.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you are devoted to something, you care about it a lot and are very enthusiastic about it. □ [+ to ] I have personally been devoted to this cause for many years. □ Joyce Bryt is a devoted Star Trek fan.


3 ADJ Something that is devoted to a particular thing deals only with that thing or contains only that thing. □ [+ to ] The shop is devoted to a new range of accessories.

devo|tee /de vətiː / (devotees ) N‑COUNT Someone who is a devotee of a subject or activity is very enthusiastic about it. □ [+ of ] Mr Carpenter is obviously a devotee of Britten's music.

de|vo|tion /d I voʊ ʃ ə n/


1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] Devotion is great love, affection, or admiration for someone. □ At first she was flattered by his devotion.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Devotion is commitment to a particular activity. □ [+ to ] …devotion to the cause of the people and to socialism.

de|vo|tion|al /d I voʊ ʃən ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Devotional activities, writings, or objects relate to religious worship. □ …devotional pictures.

de|vo|tions /d I voʊ ʃ ə nz/ N‑PLURAL [oft poss N ] Someone's devotions are the prayers that they say. □ Normally he performs his devotions twice a day.

de|vour /d I vaʊə r / (devours , devouring , devoured )


1 VERB If a person or animal devours something, they eat it quickly and eagerly. □ [V n] A medium-sized dog will devour at least one can of food per day.


2 VERB If you devour a book or magazine, for example, you read it quickly and with great enthusiasm. □ [V n] She began devouring newspapers when she was only 12.

de|vout /d I vaʊ t/


1 ADJ A devout person has deep religious beliefs. □ She was a devout Christian. ● N‑PLURAL The devout are people who are devout. □ …priests instructing the devout.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone as a devout supporter or a devout opponent of something, you mean that they support it enthusiastically or oppose it strongly. □ …devout Marxists.

de|vout|ly /d I vaʊ tli/


1 ADV [ADV with v] Devoutly is used to emphasize how sincerely or deeply you hope for something or believe in something. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ He devoutly hoped it was true.


2 ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] Devoutly is used to emphasize how deep someone's religious beliefs are, or to indicate that something is done in a devout way. [EMPHASIS ] □ …a devoutly Buddhist country.

dew /djuː , [AM ] duː / N‑UNCOUNT Dew is small drops of water that form on the ground and other surfaces outdoors during the night. □ The dew gathered on the leaves.

dewy /djuː i, [AM ] duː i/


1 ADJ Something that is dewy is wet with dew. [LITERARY ]


2 ADJ If your skin looks dewy , it looks soft and glows healthily.

de wy-e yed ADJ If you say that someone is dewy-eyed , you are criticizing them because you think that they are unrealistic and think events and situations are better than they really are. [DISAPPROVAL ]

dex|ter|ity /dekste r I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Dexterity is skill in using your hands, or sometimes your mind. □ …Reid's dexterity on the guitar.

dex|ter|ous /de kstrəs/ also dextrous ADJ Someone who is dexterous is very skilful and clever with their hands. □ As people grow older they generally become less dexterous.

dex|trose /de kstroʊz, [AM ] -roʊs/ N‑UNCOUNT Dextrose is a natural form of sugar that is found in fruits, honey, and in the blood of animals.

dia|be|tes /da I əbiː tiːz, [AM ] -t I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Diabetes is a medical condition in which someone has too much sugar in their blood.

dia|bet|ic /da I əbe t I k/ (diabetics )


1 N‑COUNT A diabetic is a person who suffers from diabetes. □ …an insulin-dependent diabetic. ● ADJ Diabetic is also an adjective. □ …diabetic patients.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] Diabetic means relating to diabetes. □ He found her in a diabetic coma.


3 ADJ [ADJ n] Diabetic foods are suitable for diabetics.

dia|bol|ic /da I əbɒ l I k/


1 ADJ [ADJ n] Diabolic is used to describe things that people think are caused by or belong to the Devil. [FORMAL ] □ …the diabolic forces which lurk in all violence.


2 ADJ If you describe something as diabolic , you are emphasizing that it is very bad, extreme, or unpleasant. [mainly AM , EMPHASIS ] □ Pitt's smile returned, and it was hideously diabolic.

dia|boli|cal /da I əbɒ l I k ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as diabolical , you are emphasizing that it is very bad, extreme, or unpleasant. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ It was a diabolical error, a schoolboy error. ● dia|boli|cal|ly /da I əbɒ l I kli/ ADV □ …diabolically difficult clues.

dia|dem /da I ədem/ (diadems ) N‑COUNT A diadem is a small crown with precious stones in it.

di|ag|nose /da I əgnoʊz, [AM ] -noʊs/ (diagnoses , diagnosing , diagnosed ) VERB If someone or something is diagnosed as having a particular illness or problem, their illness or problem is identified. If an illness or problem is diagnosed , it is identified. □ [be V -ed + as ] The soldiers were diagnosed as having flu. □ [be V -ed + with ] Susan had a mental breakdown and was diagnosed with schizophrenia. □ [be V -ed + as ] In 1894 her illness was diagnosed as cancer. □ [V n] He could diagnose an engine problem simply by listening. [Also be V -ed adj]

di|ag|no|sis /da I əgnoʊ s I s/ (diagnoses ) N‑VAR Diagnosis is the discovery and naming of what is wrong with someone who is ill or with something that is not working properly. □ I need to have a second test to confirm the diagnosis.

di|ag|nos|tic /da I əgnɒ st I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Diagnostic equipment, methods, or systems are used for discovering what is wrong with people who are ill or with things that do not work properly. □ …X-rays and other diagnostic tools.

di|ago|nal /da I æ gən ə l/ (diagonals )


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A diagonal line or movement goes in a sloping direction, for example, from one corner of a square across to the opposite corner. □ …a pattern of diagonal lines. ● di|ago|nal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Vaulting the stile, he headed diagonally across the paddock.


2 N‑COUNT A diagonal is a line that goes in a sloping direction. □ The bed linen is patterned in stylish checks, stripes, diagonals and triangles.


3 N‑COUNT In geometry, a diagonal is a straight line that joins two opposite corners in a flat four-sided shape such as a square. □ Mark five points an equal distance apart along the diagonals.

dia|gram /da I əgræm/ (diagrams ) N‑COUNT A diagram is a simple drawing which consists mainly of lines and is used, for example, to explain how a machine works. □ You can reduce long explanations to simple charts or diagrams.

dia|gram|mat|ic /da I əgrəmæ t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is in diagrammatic form is arranged or drawn as a diagram. □ This is the virus in very crude simple diagrammatic form.

dial /da I əl/ (dials , dialling , dialled ) in AM, use dialing , dialed 1 N‑COUNT A dial is the part of a machine or instrument such as a clock or watch which shows you the time or a measurement that has been recorded. □ The luminous dial on the clock showed five minutes to seven.


2 N‑COUNT A dial is a control on a device or piece of equipment which you can move in order to adjust the setting, for example to select or change the frequency on a radio or the temperature of a heater. □ He turned the dial on the radio.


3 N‑COUNT On some telephones, especially older ones, the dial is the disc on the front that you turn with your finger to choose the number that you want to call. The disc has holes in it, and numbers or letters behind the holes.


4 VERB If you dial or if you dial a number, you turn the dial or press the buttons on a telephone in order to phone someone. □ [V n] He lifted the phone and dialled her number. □ [V ] He dialled, and spoke briefly to the duty officer.

dia|lect /da I əlekt/ (dialects ) N‑VAR [oft in N ] A dialect is a form of a language that is spoken in a particular area. □ In the fifties, many Italians spoke only local dialect. □ They began to speak rapidly in dialect.

dia|lec|tic /da I əle kt I k/ (dialectics )


1 N‑COUNT People refer to the dialectic or dialectics of a situation when they are referring to the way in which two very different forces or factors work together, and the way in which their differences are resolved. [TECHNICAL , FORMAL ] □ …the dialectics of class struggle and of socio-economic change.


2 N‑UNCOUNT In philosophy, dialectics is a method of reasoning and reaching conclusions by considering theories and ideas together with ones that contradict them. [TECHNICAL ]

dia|lec|ti|cal /da I əle kt I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] In philosophy, Dialectical is used to describe situations, theories, and methods which depend on resolving opposing factors. □ The essence of dialectical thought is division.

di al|ling code (dialling codes ) N‑COUNT A dialling code for a particular city or region is the series of numbers that you have to dial before a particular telephone number if you are making a call to that place from a different area. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use area code

di al|ling tone (dialling tones ) N‑COUNT The dialling tone is the noise which you hear when you pick up a telephone receiver and which means that you can dial the number you want. [BRIT ] in AM, use dial tone

di a|log bo x (dialog boxes ) N‑COUNT A dialog box is a small area containing information or questions that appears on a computer screen when you are performing particular operations. [COMPUTING ]

dia|logue ◆◇◇ /da I əlɒg, [AM ] -lɔːg/ (dialogues ) in AM, also use dialog 1 N‑VAR Dialogue is communication or discussion between people or groups of people such as governments or political parties. □ People of all social standings should be given equal opportunities for dialogue.


2 N‑VAR A dialogue is a conversation between two people in a book, film, or play. □ The dialogue is amusing but the plot is weak. COLLOCATIONS dialogue NOUN


1


adjective + dialogue : constructive; interfaith, political


verb + dialogue : begin, establish, open, start; encourage, promote


2


adjective + dialogue : amusing, sharp, snappy, witty; contrived, stilted; spoken


verb + dialogue : improvise

di al tone (dial tones ) N‑COUNT The dial tone is the same as the dialling tone . [AM ]

di|aly|sis /da I æ l I s I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Dialysis or kidney dialysis is a method of treating kidney failure by using a machine to remove waste material from the kidneys. □ I was on dialysis for seven years before my first transplant.

dia|man|te /da I əmæ nti, [AM ] diː əmɑːnte I / also diamanté N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Diamante jewellery is made from small pieces of cut glass which look like diamonds. □ …diamante earrings.

di|am|eter /da I æ m I tə r / (diameters ) N‑VAR [oft in N ] The diameter of a round object is the length of a straight line that can be drawn across it, passing through the middle of it. □ …a tube less than a fifth of the diameter of a human hair.

dia|met|ri|cal|ly /da I əme tr I kli/ ADV [ADV adj] If you say that two things are diametrically opposed, you are emphasizing that they are completely different from each other. [EMPHASIS ]

dia|mond /da I əmənd/ (diamonds )


1 N‑VAR A diamond is a hard, bright, precious stone which is clear and colourless. Diamonds are used in jewellery and for cutting very hard substances. □ …a pair of diamond earrings.


2 N‑COUNT A diamond is a shape with four straight sides of equal length where the opposite angles are the same, but none of the angles is equal to 90°: ♦. □ He formed his hands into the shape of a diamond.


3 N‑UNCOUNT [with sing or pl verb] Diamonds is one of the four suits of cards in a pack of playing cards. Each card in the suit is marked with one or more red symbols in the shape of a diamond. □ He drew the seven of diamonds. ● N‑COUNT A diamond is a playing card of this suit.

di a|mond ju |bi|lee (diamond jubilees ) N‑COUNT A diamond jubilee is the sixtieth anniversary of an important event.

dia|per /da I əpə r / (diapers ) N‑COUNT A diaper is a piece of soft towel or paper, which you fasten round a baby's bottom in order to soak up its urine and faeces. [AM ] □ He never changed her diapers, never bathed her. in BRIT, use nappy

di|apha|nous /da I æ fənəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Diaphanous cloth is very thin and almost transparent. [LITERARY ] □ …a diaphanous dress of pale gold.

dia|phragm /da I əfræm/ (diaphragms )


1 N‑COUNT Your diaphragm is a muscle between your lungs and your stomach. It is used when you breathe.


2 N‑COUNT A diaphragm is a circular rubber contraceptive device that a woman places inside her vagina.

dia|rist /da I ər I st/ (diarists ) N‑COUNT A diarist is a person who records things in a diary which is later published.

di|ar|rhoea /da I əriː ə/ in AM, use diarrhea N‑UNCOUNT If someone has diarrhoea , a lot of liquid faeces comes out of their body because they are ill.

dia|ry ◆◇◇ /da I əri/ (diaries ) N‑COUNT A diary is a book which has a separate space for each day of the year. You use a diary to write down things you plan to do, or to record what happens in your life day by day.

di|as|po|ra /da I æ spərə/ N‑SING People who come from a particular nation, or whose ancestors came from it, but who now live in many different parts of the world are sometimes referred to as the diaspora . [FORMAL ] □ …the history of peoples from the African diaspora.

dia|tribe /da I ətra I b/ (diatribes ) N‑COUNT A diatribe is an angry speech or article which is extremely critical of someone's ideas or activities. □ The book is a diatribe against the academic left.

dice /da I s/ (dices , dicing , diced )


1 N‑COUNT A dice is a small cube which has between one and six spots or numbers on its sides, and which is used in games to provide random numbers. In old-fashioned English, 'dice' was used only as a plural form, and the singular was die , but now 'dice' is used as both the singular and the plural form.


2 VERB If you dice food, you cut it into small cubes. □ [V n] Dice the onion.

dicey /da I si/ (dicier , diciest ) ADJ Something that is dicey is slightly dangerous or uncertain. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ There was a dicey moment as one of our party made a risky climb up the cliff wall.

di|choto|my /da I kɒ təmi/ (dichotomies ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If there is a dichotomy between two things, there is a very great difference or opposition between them. [FORMAL ] □ [+ between ] There is a dichotomy between the academic world and the industrial world.

dick /d I k/ (dicks ) N‑COUNT A man's dick is his penis. [INFORMAL , VERY RUDE ]

dick|er /d I kə r / (dickers , dickering , dickered ) VERB If you say that people are dickering about something, you mean that they are arguing or disagreeing about it, often in a way that you think is foolish or unnecessary. [mainly AM , DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V + over/about ] Management and labor are dickering over pay, benefits and working conditions. □ [V ] He may be expecting us to dicker. Don't.

dick|head /d I khed/ (dickheads ) N‑COUNT If someone calls a man a dickhead , they are saying that they think he is very stupid. [INFORMAL , RUDE ]

dic|tate (dictates , dictating , dictated ) The verb is pronounced /d I kte I t, [AM ] d I kte I t/. The noun is pronounced /d I kte I t/. 1 VERB If you dictate something, you say or read it aloud for someone else to write down. □ [V n] Sheldon writes every day of the week, dictating his novels in the morning. [Also V ]


2 VERB If someone dictates to someone else, they tell them what they should do or can do. □ [V n] What right has one country to dictate the environmental standards of another? □ [V wh] He cannot be allowed to dictate what can and cannot be inspected. □ [V + to ] What gives them the right to dictate to us what we should eat? □ [V n + to ] The officers were more or less able to dictate terms to successive governments.


3 VERB If one thing dictates another, the first thing causes or influences the second thing. □ [V n] The film's budget dictated a tough schedule. □ [V wh] Of course, a number of factors will dictate how long an apple tree can survive. □ [V that] Circumstances dictated that they played a defensive rather than attacking game.


4 VERB You say that reason or common sense dictates that a particular thing is the case when you believe strongly that it is the case and that reason or common sense will cause other people to agree. □ [V that] Commonsense now dictates that it would be wise to sell a few shares.


5 N‑COUNT A dictate is an order which you have to obey. □ [+ of ] Their job is to ensure that the dictates of the Party are followed.


6 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Dictates are principles or rules which you consider to be extremely important. □ [+ of ] We have followed the dictates of our consciences and have done our duty.

dic|ta|tion /d I kte I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Dictation is the speaking or reading aloud of words for someone else to write down.

dic|ta|tor /d I kte I tə r , [AM ] d I kte I t-/ (dictators ) N‑COUNT A dictator is a ruler who has complete power in a country, especially power which was obtained by force and is used unfairly or cruelly.

dic|ta|tor|ial /d I ktətɔː riəl/


1 ADJ Dictatorial means controlled or used by a dictator. □ He suspended the constitution and assumed dictatorial powers.


2 ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour as dictatorial , you do not like the fact that they tell people what to do in a forceful and unfair way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …his dictatorial management style.

dic|ta|tor|ship /d I kte I tə r ʃ I p/ (dictatorships )


1 N‑VAR Dictatorship is government by a dictator. □ …a new era of democracy after a long period of military dictatorship in the country.


2 N‑COUNT A dictatorship is a country which is ruled by a dictator or by a very strict and harsh government. □ Every country in the region was a military dictatorship.

dic|tion /d I kʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Someone's diction is how clearly they speak or sing. □ His diction wasn't very good.

dic|tion|ary /d I kʃənri, [AM ] -neri/ (dictionaries ) N‑COUNT A dictionary is a book in which the words and phrases of a language are listed alphabetically, together with their meanings or their translations in another language. □ …a Welsh-English dictionary.

dic|tum /d I ktəm/ (dictums or dicta )


1 N‑COUNT [oft N that] A dictum is a saying that describes an aspect of life in an interesting or wise way. □ …the dictum that it is preferable to be roughly right than precisely wrong.


2 N‑COUNT [oft N that] A dictum is a formal statement made by someone who has authority. □ …Disraeli's dictum that the first priority of the government must be the health of the people.

did /d I d/ Did is the past tense of do .

di|dac|tic /da I dæ kt I k/


1 ADJ Something that is didactic is intended to teach people something, especially a moral lesson. [FORMAL ] □ In totalitarian societies, art exists for didactic purposes.


2 ADJ Someone who is didactic tells people things rather than letting them find things out or discussing things. [FORMAL ] □ He is more didactic in his approach to the learning process.

did|dle /d I d ə l/ (diddles , diddling , diddled )


1 VERB If someone diddles you, they take money from you dishonestly or unfairly. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ [V n] They diddled their insurance company by making a false claim.


2 VERB If someone diddles , they waste time and do not achieve anything. [AM , INFORMAL ] □ [V around ] …if Congress were to just diddle around and not take any action at all.

did|geri|doo /d I dʒəriduː / (didgeridoos ) N‑COUNT A didgeridoo is an Australian musical instrument that consists of a long pipe which makes a low sound when you blow into it.

didn't /d I d ə nt/ Didn't is the usual spoken form of 'did not'.

die ◆◆◆ /da I / (dies , dying , died )


1 VERB [no passive] When people, animals, and plants die , they stop living. □ [V ] A year later my dog died. □ [V + of/from ] Sadly, both he and my mother died of cancer. □ [V n] I would die a very happy person if I could stay in music my whole life. □ [V adj] …friends who died young.


2 VERB [only cont] If a person, animal, or plant is dying , they are so ill or so badly injured that they will not live very much longer. □ [V ] The elm trees are all dying. □ [V + of/from ] Every working day I treat people who are dying from lung diseases caused by smoking.


3 VERB [no passive] If someone dies a violent, unnatural, or painful death, they die in a violent, unnatural, or painful way. □ [V n] He watched helplessly as his mother died an agonizing death.


4 VERB If a machine or device dies , it stops completely, especially after a period of working more and more slowly or inefficiently. [WRITTEN ] □ [V ] Then suddenly, the engine coughed, spluttered and died.


5 VERB [only cont] You can say that you are dying of thirst, hunger, boredom, or curiosity to emphasize that you are very thirsty, hungry, bored, or curious. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ [V + of ] Order me a pot of tea, I'm dying of thirst.


6 VERB [only cont] You can say that you are dying for something or are dying to do something to emphasize that you very much want to have it or do it. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ [V + for ] I'm dying for a breath of fresh air. □ [V to-inf] She was dying to talk to Frank.


7 VERB You can use die in expressions such as ' I almost died ' or ' I'd die if anything happened ' where you are emphasizing your feelings about a situation, for example to say that it is very shocking, upsetting, embarrassing, or amusing. [INFORMAL , mainly SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □ [V ] I nearly died when I learned where I was ending up. □ [V + of ] I nearly died of shame. □ [V v-ing] I thought I'd die laughing.


8 N‑COUNT A die is a specially shaped or patterned block of metal which is used to press or cut other metal into a particular shape.


9 → see also dying


10 PHRASE You can say that the die is cast to draw attention to the importance of an event or decision which is going to affect your future and which cannot be changed or avoided.


11 PHRASE If you say that habits or attitudes die hard , you mean that they take a very long time to disappear or change, so that it may not be possible to get rid of them completely. □ Old habits die hard.


▸ die away PHRASAL VERB If a sound dies away , it gradually becomes weaker or fainter and finally disappears completely. □ [V P ] The firing finally began to die away in the late afternoon.


▸ die down PHRASAL VERB If something dies down , it becomes very much quieter or less intense. □ [V P ] The controversy is unlikely to die down.


▸ die out


1 PHRASAL VERB If something dies out , it becomes less and less common and eventually disappears completely. □ [V P ] We used to believe that capitalism would soon die out.


2 PHRASAL VERB If something such as a fire or wind dies out , it gradually stops burning or blowing. [AM ] □ [V P ] Once the fire has died out, the salvage team will move in.

die|hard /da I hɑː r d/ (diehards ) also die-hard N‑COUNT [oft N n] A diehard is someone who is very strongly opposed to change and new ideas, or who is a very strong supporter of a person or idea.

die|sel /diː z ə l/ (diesels )


1 N‑VAR Diesel or diesel oil is the heavy oil used in a diesel engine.


2 N‑COUNT A diesel is a vehicle which has a diesel engine.

die |sel en|gine (diesel engines ) N‑COUNT A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine in which oil is burnt by very hot air. Diesel engines are used in buses and trucks, and in some trains and cars.

diet ◆◆◇ /da I ət/ (diets , dieting , dieted )


1 N‑VAR Your diet is the type and range of food that you regularly eat. □ It's never too late to improve your diet. □ …a healthy diet rich in fruit and vegetables.


2 N‑COUNT If a doctor puts someone on a diet , he or she makes them eat a special type or range of foods in order to improve their health. □ [+ of ] He was put on a diet of milky food.


3 N‑VAR If you are on a diet , you eat special kinds of food or you eat less food than usual because you are trying to lose weight. □ Have you been on a diet? You've lost a lot of weight.


4 VERB If you are dieting , you eat special kinds of food or you eat less food than usual because you are trying to lose weight. □ [V ] I've been dieting ever since the birth of my fourth child. ● diet|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ She has already lost around two stone through dieting.


5 ADJ [ADJ n] Diet drinks or foods have been specially produced so that they do not contain many calories. □ …sugar-free diet drinks.


6 N‑COUNT If you are fed on a diet of something, especially something unpleasant or of poor quality, you receive or experience a very large amount of it. □ [+ of ] The radio had fed him a diet of pop songs.

di|etary /da I ətri, [AM ] -teri/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use dietary to describe anything that concerns a person's diet. □ Dr Susan Hankinson has studied the dietary habits of more than 50,000 women.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use the word dietary to describe substances such as fibre and fat that are found in food. □ …a source of dietary fibre.

di|et|er /da I ətə r / (dieters ) N‑COUNT A dieter is someone who is on a diet or who regularly goes on diets.

di|etet|ic /da I əte t I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Dietetic food or drink is food or drink that has been specially produced so that it does not contain many calories. [AM , FORMAL ] □ All dietetic meals are low in sugar.

di|eti|cian /da I ət I ʃ ə n/ (dieticians ) also dietitian N‑COUNT A dietician is a person whose job is to give people advice about the kind of food they should eat. Dieticians often work in hospitals.

dif|fer /d I fə r / (differs , differing , differed )


1 VERB If two or more things differ , they are unlike each other in some way. □ [V + from ] The story he told police differed from the one he told his mother. □ [V ] Management styles differ.


2 VERB If people differ about something, they do not agree with each other about it. □ [V prep] The two leaders had differed on the issue of sanctions. □ [V ] That is where we differ. □ [V + with ] Since his retirement, Crowe has differed with the President on several issues.


3 to agree to differ → see agree


4 I beg to differ → see beg

dif|fer|ence ◆◆◇ /d I frəns/ (differences )


1 N‑COUNT The difference between two things is the way in which they are unlike each other. □ [+ between ] That is the fundamental difference between the two societies. □ [+ in ] …the vast difference in size.


2 N‑SING A difference between two quantities is the amount by which one quantity is less than the other. □ The difference is 8532.


3 N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft poss N ] If people have their differences about something, they disagree about it. □ The two communities are learning how to resolve their differences.


4 PHRASE If something makes a difference or makes a lot of difference , it affects you and helps you in what you are doing. If something makes no difference , it does not have any effect on what you are doing. □ Where you live can make such a difference to the way you feel. □ His retirement won't make any difference to the way we conduct our affairs.


5 PHRASE If you split the difference with someone, you agree on an amount or price which is halfway between two suggested amounts or prices. □ Shall we split the difference and say $7,500?


6 PHRASE If you describe a job or holiday, for example, as a job with a difference or a holiday with a difference , you mean that the job or holiday is very interesting and unusual. [INFORMAL ] □ For a beach resort with a difference, try Key West.


7 PHRASE If there is a difference of opinion between two or more people or groups, they disagree about something. □ Was there a difference of opinion over what to do with the prize money? COLLOCATIONS difference NOUN


1


noun + difference : age, gender


adjective + difference : crucial, fundamental, marked, significant; slight, subtle; cultural, genetic


verb + difference : notice, know, tell, understand; explain, show


2


noun + difference : goal; height, price, temperature, time


verb + difference : measure; pay, pocket


3


adjective + difference : irreconcilable; ideological


verb + difference : resolve

dif|fer|ent ◆◆◆ /d I frənt/


1 ADJ If two people or things are different , they are not like each other in one or more ways. □ [+ from ] London was different from most European capitals. □ If he'd attended music school, how might things have been different? □ We have totally different views. ● ADJ In British English, people sometimes say that one thing is different to another. Some people consider this use to be incorrect. □ [+ to ] My approach is totally different to his. ● ADJ People sometimes say that one thing is different than another. This use is often considered incorrect in British English, but it is acceptable in American English. □ [+ than ] We're not really any different than they are. ● dif|fer|ent|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] □ Every individual learns differently. [Also + from ]


2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use different to indicate that you are talking about two or more separate and distinct things of the same kind. □ Different countries specialised in different products. □ The number of calories in different brands of drinks varies enormously.


3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] You can describe something as different when it is unusual and not like others of the same kind. □ This recipe is certainly interesting and different.

dif|fer|en|tial /d I fəre nʃ ə l/ (differentials )


1 N‑COUNT In mathematics and economics, a differential is a difference between two values in a scale. □ The two countries pledged to maintain the differential between their currencies.


2 N‑COUNT A differential is a difference between things, especially rates of pay. [mainly BRIT ] □ During the Second World War, industrial wage differentials in Britain widened.


3 ADJ [ADJ n] Differential means relating to or using a difference between groups or things. [FORMAL ] □ …differential voting rights.

dif|fer|en|ti|ate /d I fəre nʃie I t/ (differentiates , differentiating , differentiated )


1 VERB If you differentiate between things or if you differentiate one thing from another, you recognize or show the difference between them. □ [V + between ] A child may not differentiate between his imagination and the real world. □ [V n + from ] At this age your baby cannot differentiate one person from another.


2 VERB A quality or feature that differentiates one thing from another makes the two things different. □ [V n + from ] …distinctive policies that differentiate them from the other parties. ● dif|fer|en|tia|tion /d I fərenʃie I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ The differentiation between the two product ranges will increase.

dif|fi|cult ◆◆◆ /d I f I kəlt/


1 ADJ Something that is difficult is not easy to do, understand, or deal with. □ The lack of childcare provisions made it difficult for single mothers to get jobs. □ It was a very difficult decision to make. □ We're living in difficult times.


2 ADJ Someone who is difficult behaves in an unreasonable and unhelpful way. □ I had a feeling you were going to be difficult about this.

dif|fi|cul|ty ◆◆◇ /d I f I kəlti/ (difficulties )


1 N‑COUNT A difficulty is a problem. □ …the difficulty of getting accurate information. □ The country is facing great economic difficulties.


2 N‑UNCOUNT If you have difficulty doing something, you are not able to do it easily. □ Do you have difficulty getting up?


3 PHRASE If you are in difficulty or in difficulties , you are having a lot of problems. COLLOCATIONS difficulty NOUN


1


noun + difficulty : breathing, learning


adjective + difficulty : economic, financial, practical, technical; serious


verb + difficulty : encounter, face; overcome


2


adjective + difficulty : considerable, extreme


verb + difficulty : experience, find; cause SYNONYMS difficulty NOUN 1


complication: An added complication is the growing concern for the environment.


obstacle: To succeed, you must learn to overcome obstacles.


hitch: After some technical hitches the show finally got under way.


snag: There is a snag though, it costs £9,600 a year.


hurdle: The weather will be the biggest hurdle so I have to be ready.

dif|fi|dent /d I f I dənt/ ADJ Someone who is diffident is rather shy and does not enjoy talking about themselves or being noticed by other people. □ Helen was diffident and reserved. ● dif|fi|dence /d I f I dəns/ N‑UNCOUNT □ He entered the room with a certain diffidence. ● dif|fi|dent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ 'Would you,' he asked diffidently, 'like to talk to me about it?'

dif|fuse (diffuses , diffusing , diffused ) The verb is pronounced /d I fjuː z/. The adjective is pronounced /d I fjuː s/. 1 VERB If something such as knowledge or information is diffused , or if it diffuses somewhere, it is made known over a wide area or to a lot of people. [WRITTEN ] □ [be V -ed] Over time, the technology is diffused and adopted by other countries. □ [V n] …an attempt to diffuse new ideas. □ [V prep] As agriculture developed, agricultural ideas diffused across Europe. ● dif|fu|sion /d I fjuː ʒ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the development and diffusion of ideas.


2 VERB To diffuse a feeling, especially an undesirable one, means to cause it to weaken and lose its power to affect people. □ [V n] The arrival of letters from the president did nothing to diffuse the tension.


3 VERB If something diffuses light, it causes the light to spread weakly in different directions. □ [V n] Diffusing a light also reduces its power.


4 VERB To diffuse or be diffused through something means to move and spread through it. □ [V prep] It allows nicotine to diffuse slowly and steadily into the bloodstream. □ [V n prep] Speakers that diffuse music into each room are hidden in the ceiling. [Also V , V n] ● dif|fu|sion N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] There are data on the rates of diffusion of molecules.


5 ADJ Something that is diffuse is not directed towards one place or concentrated in one place but spread out over a large area. [WRITTEN ] □ …a diffuse community.


6 ADJ If you describe something as diffuse , you mean that it is vague and difficult to understand or explain. □ His writing is diffuse and it is difficult to make out what he is trying to say.

dig ◆◇◇ /d I g/ (digs , digging , dug )


1 VERB If people or animals dig , they make a hole in the ground or in a pile of earth, stones, or rubbish. □ [V ] They tried digging in a patch just below the cave. □ [V n] Dig a largish hole and bang the stake in first. □ [V + through ] Rescue workers are digging through the rubble in search of other victims. □ [V + for ] They dug for shellfish at low tide.


2 VERB If you dig into something such as a deep container, you put your hand in it to search for something. □ [V + into/in ] He dug into his coat pocket for his keys.


3 VERB If you dig one thing into another or if one thing digs into another, the first thing is pushed hard into the second, or presses hard into it. □ [V n + into ] She digs the serving spoon into the moussaka. □ [V + into ] He could feel the beads digging into his palm.


4 VERB If you dig into a subject or a store of information, you study it very carefully in order to discover or check facts. □ [V + into ] The enquiry dug deeper into the alleged financial misdeeds of his government. □ [V + into ] He has been digging into the local archives.


5 VERB If you dig yourself out of a difficult or unpleasant situation, especially one which you caused yourself, you manage to get out of it. □ [V pron-refl prep] He's taken these measures to try and dig himself out of a hole.


6 N‑COUNT [oft on N ] A dig is an organized activity in which people dig into the ground in order to discover ancient historical objects. □ He's an archaeologist and has been on a dig in Crete for the past year.


7 N‑COUNT If you have a dig at someone, you say something which is intended to make fun of them or upset them. □ [+ at ] She couldn't resist a dig at Dave after his unfortunate performance.


8 N‑COUNT If you give someone a dig in a part of their body, you push them with your finger or your elbow, usually as a warning or as a joke.


9 N‑PLURAL [oft in N ] If you live in digs , you live in a room in someone else's house and pay them rent. [BRIT , INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □ He went to London and lived in digs in Gloucester Road.


10 to dig one's heels in → see heel


▸ dig around


1 PHRASAL VERB If you dig around in a place or container, you search for something in every part of it. □ [V P + in ] I went home to dig around in my closets for some old tapes. [Also V P ]


2 PHRASAL VERB If you dig around , you try to find information about someone or something. □ [V P ] They said, after digging around, the photo was a fake.


▸ dig in


1 PHRASAL VERB If you dig a substance in , or dig it into the soil, you mix it into the soil by digging. □ [V P n] I usually dig in a small barrow load of compost in late summer. □ [V n P n] To dig calcium into the soil, he warned, does not help the plant.


2 PHRASAL VERB When soldiers dig in or dig themselves in , they dig trenches and prepare themselves for an attack by the enemy. □ [V P ] The battalion went directly to the airport to begin digging in. □ [V pron-refl P ] The enemy must be digging themselves in now ready for the attack. □ [V -ed P ] Our forces are dug in along the river.


3 PHRASAL VERB If someone digs in , or digs into some food, they start eating eagerly. If you tell someone to dig in , you are inviting them to start eating, and encouraging them to eat as much as they want. [INFORMAL ] □ [V P n] 'Listen,' said Daisy, digging into her oatmeal. □ [V P ] Pull up a chair and dig in!


▸ dig out


1 PHRASAL VERB If you dig someone or something out of a place, you get them out by digging or by forcing them from the things surrounding them. □ [V n P + of ] …digging minerals out of the Earth. □ [V P n] She dug out a photograph from under a pile of papers. [Also V n P ]


2 PHRASAL VERB If you dig something out , you find it after it has been stored, hidden, or forgotten for a long time. [INFORMAL ] □ [V P n] Recently, I dug out Barstow's novel and read it again. □ [V n P ] We'll try and dig the number out for you if you want it.


▸ dig up


1 PHRASAL VERB If you dig up something, you remove it from the ground where it has been buried or planted. □ [V P n] You would have to dig up the plant yourself. □ [V n P ] Dig it up once the foliage has died down.


2 PHRASAL VERB If you dig up an area of land, you dig holes in it. □ [V P n] Yesterday they continued the search, digging up the back yard of a police station. [Also V n P ]


3 PHRASAL VERB If you dig up information or facts, you discover something that has not previously been widely known. □ [V P n] Managers are too expensive and important to spend time digging up market information. □ [V -ed P ] His description fits perfectly the evidence dug up by Clyde. [Also V n P ] COLLOCATIONS dig NOUN 8


adjective + dig : cheeky, good-natured, light-hearted, playful, tongue-in-cheek; sly, subtle; thinly-veiled

di|gest (digests , digesting , digested ) The verb is pronounced /da I dʒe st/. The noun is pronounced /da I dʒest/. 1 VERB When food digests or when you digest it, it passes through your body to your stomach. Your stomach removes the substances that your body needs and gets rid of the rest. □ [V ] Do not undertake strenuous exercise for a few hours after a meal to allow food to digest. □ [V n] She couldn't digest food properly. □ [V -ed] Nutrients from the digested food can be absorbed into the blood.


2 VERB If you digest information, you think about it carefully so that you understand it. □ [V n] They learn well but seem to need time to digest information.


3 VERB If you digest some unpleasant news, you think about it until you are able to accept it and know how to deal with it. □ [V n] All this has upset me. I need time to digest it all.


4 N‑COUNT A digest is a collection of pieces of writing. They are published together in a shorter form than they were originally published. □ …the Middle East Economic Digest.

di|gest|ible /da I dʒe st I b ə l/


1 ADJ [oft adv ADJ ] Digestible food is food that is easy to digest. □ Bananas are easily digestible.


2 ADJ If a theory or idea is digestible , it is easy to understand. □ The book's aim was to make economic theory more digestible.

di|ges|tion /da I dʒe stʃən/ (digestions )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Digestion is the process of digesting food. □ No liquids are served with meals because they interfere with digestion.


2 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your digestion is the system in your body which digests your food.

di|ges|tive /da I dʒe st I v/ ADJ [ADJ n] You can describe things that are related to the digestion of food as digestive . □ …digestive juices that normally work on breaking down our food.

di|ge s|tive sys|tem (digestive systems ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your digestive system is the system in your body that digests the food you eat.

dig|ger /d I gə r / (diggers ) N‑COUNT A digger is a machine that is used for digging. □ …a mechanical digger.

digi|cam /d I dʒ I kæm/ (digicams ) N‑COUNT A digicam is the same as a digital camera .

dig|it /d I dʒ I t/ (digits )


1 N‑COUNT A digit is a written symbol for any of the ten numbers from 0 to 9. □ Her telephone number differs from mine by one digit.


2 N‑COUNT A digit is a finger, thumb, or toe. [FORMAL ]

digi|tal ◆◇◇ /d I dʒ I t ə l/


1 ADJ Digital systems record or transmit information in the form of thousands of very small signals. □ Digital technology allowed a rapid expansion in the number of TV channels. ● digi|tal|ly ADV [ADV -ed] □ …digitally recorded sound.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] Digital devices such as watches or clocks give information by displaying numbers rather than by having a pointer which moves round a dial. Compare analogue . □ …a digital display.

di gi|tal au dio tape N‑UNCOUNT Digital audio tape is a type of magnetic tape used to make very high quality recordings of sound by recording it in digital form. The abbreviation DAT is often used.

di gi|tal ca m|era (digital cameras ) N‑COUNT A digital camera is a camera that produces digital images that can be stored on a computer, displayed on a screen, and printed. □ The speed with which digital cameras can take, process and transmit an image is phenomenal.

digi|tal i m|mi|grant (digital immigrants ) N‑COUNT A digital immigrant is a person who was born before it was common to use things such as personal computers and mobile phones. □ At sixty, I'm definitely a digital immigrant.

digi|tal na |tive (digital natives ) N‑COUNT A digital native is someone who has used the internet and mobile phones since they were a child. □ Digital natives like these kids understand the games instinctively.

di gi|tal ra |dio (digital radios )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Digital radio is radio in which the signals are transmitted in digital form and decoded by the radio receiver.


2 N‑COUNT A digital radio is a radio that can receive digital signals. □ Manufacturers are working on a new generation of cheaper digital radios.

di gi|tal re|co rd|ing (digital recordings )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Digital recording is the process of converting sound or images into numbers.


2 N‑COUNT A digital recording is a recording made by converting sound or images into numbers.

di gi|tal te le|vi|sion (digital televisions )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Digital television is television in which the signals are transmitted in digital form and decoded by the television receiver.


2 N‑COUNT A digital television is a television that can receive digital signals. □ …wide screen digital televisions.

di gi|tal TV (digital TVs )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Digital TV is the same as digital television .


2 N‑COUNT A digital TV is the same as a digital television .

dig|it|ize /d I dʒ I ta I z/ (digitizes , digitizing , digitized ) in BRIT, also use digitise VERB To digitize information means to turn it into a form that can be read easily by a computer. □ [V n] The picture is digitised by a scanner.

dig|ni|fied /d I gn I fa I d/ ADJ If you say that someone or something is dignified , you mean they are calm, impressive and deserve respect. □ He seemed a very dignified and charming man.

dig|ni|fy /d I gn I fa I / (dignifies , dignifying , dignified )


1 VERB To dignify something means to make it impressive. [LITERARY ] □ [V n] Tragic literature dignifies sorrow and disaster.


2 VERB If you say that a particular reaction or description dignifies something you have a low opinion of, you mean that it makes it appear acceptable. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V n] We won't dignify this kind of speculation with a comment.

dig|ni|tary /d I gn I tri, [AM ] -teri/ (dignitaries ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Dignitaries are people who are considered to be important because they have a high rank in government or in the Church.

dig|nity /d I gn I ti/


1 N‑UNCOUNT If someone behaves or moves with dignity , they are calm, controlled, and admirable. □ …her extraordinary dignity and composure.


2 N‑UNCOUNT If you talk about the dignity of people or their lives or activities, you mean that they are valuable and worthy of respect. □ …the sense of human dignity.


3 N‑UNCOUNT Your dignity is the sense that you have of your own importance and value, and other people's respect for you. □ She still has her dignity.

di|gress /da I gre s/ (digresses , digressing , digressed ) VERB If you digress , you move away from the subject you are talking or writing about and talk or write about something different for a while. □ [V ] I've digressed a little to explain the situation so far, so let me now recap. □ [V + from ] She digressed from her prepared speech to pay tribute to the President. ● di|gres|sion /da I gre ʃ ə n/ (digressions ) N‑VAR □ The text is dotted with digressions.

dike /da I k/ → see dyke

dik|tat /d I ktæt, [AM ] d I ktɑː t/ (diktats ) N‑VAR You use diktat to refer to something such as a law or government which people have to obey even if they do not agree with it, especially one which seems unfair. [DISAPPROVAL ]

di|lapi|da|ted /d I læ p I de I t I d/ ADJ A building that is dilapidated is old and in a generally bad condition.

di|late /da I le I t/ (dilates , dilating , dilated ) VERB When things such as blood vessels or the pupils of your eyes dilate or when something dilates them, they become wider or bigger. □ [V ] At night, the pupils dilate to allow in more light. □ [V n] Exercise dilates blood vessels on the surface of the brain. ● di|lat|ed ADJ □ His eyes seemed slightly dilated.

di|la|tory /d I lətri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ ADJ Someone or something that is dilatory is slow and causes delay. [FORMAL ] □ You might expect politicians to smooth things out when civil servants are being dilatory.

dil|do /d I ldoʊ/ (dildos ) N‑COUNT A dildo is an object shaped like a penis, which women can use to get sexual pleasure. [INFORMAL ]

di|lem|ma /da I le mə, [AM ] d I l-/ (dilemmas )


1 N‑COUNT A dilemma is a difficult situation in which you have to choose between two or more alternatives. □ He was faced with the dilemma of whether or not to return to his country.


2 on the horns of a dilemma → see horn

dil|et|tan|te /d I lətæ nti, [AM ] -tɑːnt/ (dilettantes or dilettanti ) N‑COUNT You can use dilettante to talk about someone who seems interested in a subject, especially in art, but who does not really know very much about it. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

dili|gent /d I l I dʒ ə nt/ ADJ Someone who is diligent works hard in a careful and thorough way. □ Meyers is a diligent and prolific worker. ● dili|gence /d I l I dʒ ə ns/ N‑UNCOUNT □ The police are pursuing their inquiries with great diligence. ● dili|gent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ The two sides are now working diligently to resolve their differences.

dill /d I l/ N‑UNCOUNT Dill is a herb with yellow flowers and a strong sweet smell.

di|lute /da I luː t/ (dilutes , diluting , diluted )


1 VERB If a liquid is diluted or dilutes , it is added to or mixes with water or another liquid, and becomes weaker. □ [V n prep] If you give your baby juice, dilute it well with cooled, boiled water. □ [be V -ed] The liquid is then diluted. □ [V ] The poisons seeping from contaminated land quickly dilute in the water. [Also V n] ● di|lu|tion N‑UNCOUNT □ …ditches dug for sewage dilution.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A dilute liquid is very thin and weak, usually because it has had water added to it. □ …a dilute solution of bleach.


3 VERB If someone or something dilutes a belief, quality, or value, they make it weaker and less effective. □ [V n] There was a clear intention to dilute black voting power. ● di|lu|tion N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …a potentially devastating dilution of earnings per share.

di|lu|tion /da I luː ʃ ə n/ (dilutions ) N‑COUNT A dilution is a liquid that has been diluted with water or another liquid, so that it becomes weaker. □ 'Aromatherapy oils' are not pure essential oils but dilutions.

dim /d I m/ (dimmer , dimmest , dims , dimming , dimmed )


1 ADJ Dim light is not bright. □ She stood waiting, in the dim light. ● dim|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] □ He followed her into a dimly lit kitchen. ● dim|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ …the dimness of an early September evening.


2 ADJ A dim place is rather dark because there is not much light in it. □ The room was dim and cool and quiet. ● dim|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ I squinted to adjust my eyes to the dimness.


3 ADJ A dim figure or object is not very easy to see, either because it is in shadow or darkness, or because it is far away. □ Pete's torch picked out the dim figures of Bob and Chang. ● dim|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □ The shoreline could be dimly seen.


4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you have a dim memory or understanding of something, it is difficult to remember or is unclear in your mind. □ It seems that the '60s era of social activism is all but a dim memory. ● dim|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ Christina dimly recalled the procedure.


5 ADJ If the future of something is dim , you have no reason to feel hopeful or positive about it. □ The prospects for a peaceful solution are dim.


6 ADJ If you describe someone as dim , you think that they are stupid. [INFORMAL ]


7 VERB If you dim a light or if it dims , it becomes less bright. □ [V n] Dim the lighting–it is unpleasant to lie with a bright light shining in your eyes. □ [V ] The houselights dimmed.


8 VERB If your future, hopes, or emotions dim or if something dims them, they become less good or less strong. □ [V ] Their economic prospects have dimmed. □ [V n] Forty eight years of marriage have not dimmed the passion between Bill and Helen.


9 VERB If your memories dim or if something dims them, they become less clear in your mind. □ [V ] Their memory of what happened has dimmed. □ [V n] The intervening years had dimmed his memory.


10 to take a dim view → see view

dime /da I m/ (dimes ) N‑COUNT A dime is an American coin worth ten cents.

di|men|sion /da I me nʃ ə n, d I m-/ (dimensions )


1 N‑COUNT A particular dimension of something is a particular aspect of it. □ There is a political dimension to the accusations. □ This adds a new dimension to our work.


2 N‑PLURAL If you talk about the dimensions of a situation or problem, you are talking about its extent and size. □ The dimensions of the market collapse were certainly not anticipated.


3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A dimension is a measurement such as length, width, or height. If you talk about the dimensions of an object or place, you are referring to its size and proportions. □ [+ of ] Drilling will continue on the site to assess the dimensions of the new oilfield.


4 → see also fourth dimension

di|men|sion|al /da I me nʃənəl, [AM ] d I m-/ → see two-dimensional , three-dimensional

di|min|ish /d I m I n I ʃ/ (diminishes , diminishing , diminished )


1 VERB When something diminishes , or when something diminishes it, it becomes reduced in size, importance, or intensity. □ [V ] The threat of nuclear war has diminished. □ [V n] Federalism is intended to diminish the power of the central state. □ [V -ing] Universities are facing grave problems because of diminishing resources. □ [V -ed] This could mean diminished public support for the war.


2 VERB If you diminish someone or something, you talk about them or treat them in a way that makes them appear less important than they really are. □ [V n] He never put her down or diminished her.

di|mi n|ished re|spon|sibi l|ity N‑UNCOUNT In law, diminished responsibility is a defence which states that someone is not mentally well enough to be totally responsible for their crime.

di|mi n|ish|ing re|tu rns N‑UNCOUNT In economics, diminishing returns is a situation in which the increase in production, profits, or benefits resulting from something is less than the money or energy that is invested.

dimi|nu|tion /d I m I njuː ʃ ə n, [AM ] -nuː -/ N‑UNCOUNT A diminution of something is its reduction in size, importance, or intensity. [FORMAL ] □ …despite a slight diminution in asset value.

di|minu|tive /d I m I njʊt I v/ (diminutives )


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A diminutive person or object is very small. □ She noticed a diminutive figure standing at the entrance.


2 N‑COUNT A diminutive is an informal form of a name. For example, 'Jim' and 'Jimmy' are diminutives of 'James'.

dim|mer /d I mə r / (dimmers ) N‑COUNT A dimmer or a dimmer switch is a switch that allows you to gradually change the brightness of an electric light.

dim|ple /d I mp ə l/ (dimples ) N‑COUNT A dimple is a small hollow in someone's cheek or chin, often one that you can see when they smile. □ Bess spoke up, smiling so that her dimples showed.

dim|pled /d I mp ə ld/ ADJ Something that is dimpled has small hollows in it. □ …a man with a dimpled chin.

dim|wit /d I mw I t/ (dimwits ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a dimwit , you mean that they are ignorant and stupid. [INFORMAL ]

di m-wi tted also dimwitted ADJ If you describe someone as dim-witted , you are saying in quite an unkind way that you do not think they are very clever. [INFORMAL ]

din /d I n/ N‑SING A din is a very loud and unpleasant noise that lasts for some time. □ They tried to make themselves heard over the din of the crowd.

di|nar /diː nɑː r / (dinars ) N‑COUNT [num N ] The dinar is the unit of money that is used in some north African and Middle Eastern countries, and also in the republics which were part of Yugoslavia. ● N‑SING The dinar is also used to refer to the currency system of these countries.

dine ◆◇◇ /da I n/ (dines , dining , dined )


1 VERB [no passive] When you dine , you have dinner. [FORMAL ] □ [V adv/prep] He dines alone most nights. □ [V ] They used to enjoy going out to dine.


2 to wine and dine → see wine

din|er /da I nə r / (diners )


1 N‑COUNT A diner is a small cheap restaurant that is open all day. [AM ]


2 N‑COUNT The people who are having dinner in a restaurant can be referred to as diners . □ They sat in a corner, away from other diners.

ding-dong /d I ŋ dɒŋ, [AM ] - dɔːŋ/ N‑COUNT Ding-dong is used in writing to represent the sound made by a bell.

din|ghy /d I ŋgi/ (dinghies ) N‑COUNT A dinghy is a small open boat that you sail or row.

din|go /d I ŋgoʊ/ (dingoes ) N‑COUNT A dingo is an Australian wild dog.

din|gy /d I ndʒi/ (dingier , dingiest )


1 ADJ A dingy building or place is rather dark and depressing, and perhaps dirty. □ Shaw took me to his rather dingy office.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Dingy clothes, curtains, or furnishings look dirty or dull. □ …wallpaper with stripes of dingy yellow.

di n|ing car (dining cars ) N‑COUNT A dining car is a carriage on a train where passengers can have a meal.

di n|ing room (dining rooms ) also dining-room N‑COUNT The dining room is the room in a house where people have their meals, or a room in a hotel where meals are served.

di n|ing ta|ble (dining tables ) also dining-table N‑COUNT A dining table is a table that is used for having meals on.

dinky /d I ŋki/ (dinkier , dinkiest )


1 ADJ If you describe something as dinky , you mean that it is attractive and appealing, usually because it is quite small and well-designed. [BRIT , INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □ Darby drove a dinky old Fiat sports car.


2 ADJ If you describe something as dinky , you mean that it is small and unimportant. [AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ The hotels are full up, and the guests have had to go to this dinky little motel way out on Stewart Avenue.

din|ner ◆◆◇ /d I nə r / (dinners )


1 N‑VAR Dinner is the main meal of the day, usually served in the early part of the evening. □ She invited us to her house for dinner. □ Would you like to stay and have dinner?


2 → see also TV dinner


3 N‑VAR Any meal you eat in the middle of the day can be referred to as dinner .


4 N‑COUNT A dinner is a formal social event at which a meal is served. It is held in the evening. □ …a series of official lunches and dinners. COLLOCATIONS dinner NOUN


1


adjective + dinner : candlelit, intimate, romantic


verb + dinner : cook, make, prepare


4


noun + dinner : awards, charity, fundraising, gala, reunion


adjective + dinner : black-tie, fancy, formal, posh; lavish, slap-up, sumptuous


verb + dinner : hold, host; attend

di n|ner dance (dinner dances ) also dinner-dance N‑COUNT A dinner dance is a social event where a large number of people come to have dinner and to dance. Dinner dances are held in the evening at hotels, restaurants, and social clubs. [BRIT ]

di n|ner jack|et (dinner jackets ) also dinner-jacket N‑COUNT A dinner jacket is a jacket, usually black, worn by men for formal social events. [BRIT ] in AM, use tuxedo

di n|ner par|ty (dinner parties ) N‑COUNT A dinner party is a social event where a small group of people are invited to have dinner and spend the evening at someone's house.

di n|ner ser|vice (dinner services ) N‑COUNT A dinner service is a set of plates and dishes from which meals are eaten and served. It may also include cups and saucers. [BRIT ] in AM, use dinnerware set

di n|ner ta|ble (dinner tables ) also dinner-table N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to a table as the dinner table when it is being used for dinner. [BRIT ] □ Sam was left at the dinner table with Peg.

din|ner|time /d I nə r ta I m/ also dinner time N‑UNCOUNT [oft prep N ] Dinnertime is the period of the day when most people have their dinner. □ The telephone call came shortly before dinnertime.

din|ner|ware /d I nə r weə r / N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the plates and dishes you use during a meal as dinnerware . [mainly AM ]

di n|ner|ware set (dinnerware sets ) N‑COUNT A dinnerware set is the same as a dinner service . [AM ]

di|no|saur /da I nəsɔː r / (dinosaurs )


1 N‑COUNT Dinosaurs were large reptiles which lived in prehistoric times.


2 N‑COUNT If you refer to an organization as a dinosaur , you mean that it is large, inefficient, and out of date. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …industrial dinosaurs.

dint /d I nt/ PHRASE If you achieve a result by dint of something, you achieve it by means of that thing. [WRITTEN ] □ He succeeds by dint of sheer hard work.

di|oc|esan /da I ɒ s I sən/ ADJ [ADJ n] Diocesan means belonging or relating to a diocese. □ …the diocesan synod.

dio|cese /da I əs I s/ (dioceses ) N‑COUNT A diocese is the area over which a bishop has control.

di|ox|ide /da I ɒ ksa I d/ → see carbon dioxide

di|ox|in /da I ɒ ks I n/ (dioxins ) N‑VAR Dioxins are poisonous chemicals which occur as a by-product of the manufacture of certain weedkillers and disinfectants.

dip /d I p/ (dips , dipping , dipped )


1 VERB If you dip something in a liquid, you put it into the liquid for a short time, so that only part of it is covered, and take it out again. □ [V n + into/in ] Quickly dip the base in and out of cold water. ● N‑COUNT Dip is also a noun. □ One dip into the bottle should do an entire nail.


2 VERB If you dip your hand into a container or dip into the container, you put your hand into it in order to take something out of it. □ [V n + into ] She dipped a hand into the jar of sweets and pulled one out. □ [V + into ] Watch your fingers as you dip into the pot. □ [V n with in ] Ask the children to guess what's in each container by dipping their hands in.


3 VERB If something dips , it makes a downward movement, usually quite quickly. □ [V ] Blake jumped in expertly; the boat dipped slightly under his weight. □ [V prep] The sun dipped below the horizon. ● N‑COUNT Dip is also a noun. □ I noticed little things, a dip of the head, a twitch in the shoulder.


4 VERB If an area of land, a road, or a path dips , it goes down quite suddenly to a lower level. □ [V ] The road dipped and rose again. □ [V adv/prep] …a path which suddenly dips down into a tunnel. ● N‑COUNT Dip is also a noun. □ Where the road makes a dip, turn right.


5 VERB If the amount or level of something dips , it becomes smaller or lower, usually only for a short period of time. □ [V prep/adv] Unemployment dipped to 6.9 per cent last month. □ [V ] The president became more cautious as his popularity dipped. ● N‑COUNT Dip is also a noun. □ [+ in ] …the current dip in farm spending.


6 N‑VAR A dip is a thick creamy sauce. You dip pieces of raw vegetable or biscuits into the sauce and then eat them. □ Maybe we could just buy some dips. □ …prawns with avocado dip.


7 N‑COUNT If you have or take a dip , you go for a quick swim in the sea, a river, or a swimming pool. □ She flicked through a romantic paperback between occasional dips in the pool.


8 VERB If you are driving a car and dip the headlights, you operate a switch that makes them shine downwards, so that they do not shine directly into the eyes of other drivers. [BRIT ] □ [V n] He dipped his headlights as they came up behind a slow-moving van. □ [V -ed] This picture shows the view from a car using normal dipped lights. in AM, use dim 9 VERB If you dip into a book, you have a brief look at it without reading or studying it seriously. □ [V + into ] …a chance to dip into a wide selection of books on Buddhism.


10 VERB If you dip into a sum of money that you had intended to save, you use some of it to buy something or pay for something. □ [V + into ] Just when she was ready to dip into her savings, Greg hastened to her rescue.


11 → see also lucky dip


12 to dip your toes → see toe

Dip. Dip. is a written abbreviation for diploma .

diph|theria /d I fθ I ə riə, d I p-/ N‑UNCOUNT Diphtheria is a dangerous infectious disease which causes fever and difficulty in breathing and swallowing.

diph|thong /d I fθɒŋ, d I p-/ (diphthongs ) N‑COUNT A diphthong is a vowel in which the speaker's tongue changes position while it is being pronounced, so that the vowel sounds like a combination of two other vowels. The vowel sound in 'tail' is a diphthong.

di|plo|ma /d I ploʊ mə/ (diplomas ) N‑COUNT A diploma is a qualification which may be awarded to a student by a university or college, or by a high school in the United States. □ [+ in ] …a new two-year course leading to a diploma in social work.

di|plo|ma|cy /d I ploʊ məsi/


1 N‑UNCOUNT Diplomacy is the activity or profession of managing relations between the governments of different countries. □ Today's UN resolution will be a significant success for American diplomacy.


2 → see also shuttle diplomacy


3 N‑UNCOUNT Diplomacy is the skill of being careful to say or do things which will not offend people. □ He stormed off in a fury, and it took all Minnelli's powers of diplomacy to get him to return.

dip|lo|mat ◆◇◇ /d I pləmæt/ (diplomats ) N‑COUNT A diplomat is a senior official who discusses affairs with another country on behalf of his or her own country, usually working as a member of an embassy.

dip|lo|mat|ic ◆◇◇ /d I pləmæ t I k/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Diplomatic means relating to diplomacy and diplomats. □ …before the two countries resume full diplomatic relations. □ Efforts are being made to avert war and find a diplomatic solution. ● dip|lo|mati|cal|ly /d I pləmæ t I kli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ …a growing sense of doubt that the conflict can be resolved diplomatically.


2 ADJ Someone who is diplomatic is able to be careful to say or do things without offending people. □ She is very direct. I tend to be more diplomatic, I suppose. ● dip|lo|mati|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ 'Their sound is very interesting,' he says, diplomatically.

di p|lo|mat|ic ba g (diplomatic bags ) N‑COUNT A diplomatic bag is a bag or container in which mail is sent to and from foreign embassies. Diplomatic bags are protected by law, so that they are not opened by anyone except the official or embassy they are addressed to. [BRIT ] in AM, use diplomatic pouch

di p|lo|mat|ic corps (diplomatic corps ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] The diplomatic corps is the group of all the diplomats who work in one city or country.

di p|lo|mat|ic im|mu n|ity N‑UNCOUNT Diplomatic immunity is the freedom from legal action and from paying taxes that a diplomat has in the country in which he or she is working. □ The embassy official claimed diplomatic immunity and was later released.

di p|lo|mat|ic po uch (diplomatic pouches ) N‑COUNT A diplomatic pouch is the same as a diplomatic bag . [mainly AM ]

di p|lo|mat|ic ser|vice also Diplomatic Service N‑PROPER The diplomatic service is the government department that employs diplomats to work in foreign countries. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use foreign service

dip|py /d I pi/ (dippier , dippiest ) ADJ If you describe someone as dippy , you mean that they are slightly odd or unusual, but in a way that you find charming and attractive. [INFORMAL ]

dip|stick /d I pst I k/ (dipsticks ) N‑COUNT A dipstick is a metal rod with marks along one end. It is used to measure the amount of liquid in a container, especially the amount of oil in a car engine.

dire /da I ə r /


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Dire is used to emphasize how serious or terrible a situation or event is. [EMPHASIS ] □ A government split would have dire consequences for domestic peace. □ He was in dire need of hospital treatment.


2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe something as dire , you are emphasizing that it is of very low quality. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ]

di|rect ◆◆◆ /da I re kt, d I -/ (directs , directing , directed )


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Direct means moving towards a place or object, without changing direction and without stopping, for example in a journey. □ They'd come on a direct flight from Athens. ● ADV [ADV after v] Direct is also an adverb. □ You can fly direct to Amsterdam from most British airports. ● di|rect|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ The jumbo jet is due to fly the hostages directly back to London.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] If something is in direct heat or light, it is strongly affected by the heat or light, because there is nothing between it and the source of heat or light to protect it. □ Medicines should be stored away from direct sunlight.


3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use direct to describe an experience, activity, or system which only involves the people, actions, or things that are necessary to make it happen. □ He has direct experience of the process of privatisation. □ He seemed to be in direct contact with the Boss. ● ADV [ADV after v] Direct is also an adverb. □ I can deal direct with your Inspector Kimble. ● di|rect|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ We cannot measure pain directly. It can only be estimated.


4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use direct to emphasize the closeness of a connection between two things. [EMPHASIS ] □ They were unable to prove that she died as a direct result of his injection.


5 ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as direct , you mean that they are honest and open, and say exactly what they mean. □ He avoided giving a direct answer. ● di|rect|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ At your first meeting, explain simply and directly what you hope to achieve. ● di|rect|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ Using 'I' adds directness to a piece of writing.


6 VERB If you direct something at a particular thing, you aim or point it at that thing. □ [V n + at/towards/on ] I directed the extinguisher at the fire without effect.


7 VERB If your attention, emotions, or actions are directed at a particular person or thing, you are focusing them on that person or thing. □ [be V -ed + to/towards ] The learner's attention needs to be directed to the significant features. □ [V n + at ] Do not be surprised if, initially, she directs her anger at you. [Also V n to n/-ing]


8 VERB If a remark or look is directed at you, someone says something to you or looks at you. □ [be V -ed + towards ] She could hardly believe the question was directed towards her. □ [be V -ed + at ] The abuse was directed at the TV crews. □ [V n + at ] Arnold directed a meaningful look at Irma.


9 VERB If you direct someone somewhere, you tell them how to get there. □ [V n + to ] Could you direct them to Dr Lamont's office, please? [Also V n adv/prep]


10 VERB When someone directs a project or a group of people, they are responsible for organizing the people and activities that are involved. □ [V n] Christopher will direct day-to-day operations. ● di|rec|tion /da I re kʃ ə n, d I r-/ N‑UNCOUNT □ Organizations need clear direction.


11 VERB When someone directs a film, play, or television programme, they are responsible for the way in which it is performed and for telling the actors and assistants what to do. □ [V n] He directed various TV shows. □ [V ] …Miss Birkin's long-held ambition to direct as well as act.


12 VERB If you are directed to do something, someone in authority tells you to do it. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed to-inf] They have been directed to give special attention to the problem of poverty. □ [V n to-inf] The Bishop directed the faithful to stay at home.


13 ADJ [ADJ n] If you are a direct descendant of someone, you are related to them through your parents and your grandparents and so on. □ She is a direct descendant of Queen Victoria.


14 → see also direction , directly

di|re ct a c|tion N‑UNCOUNT Direct action involves doing something such as going on strike or demonstrating in order to put pressure on an employer or government to do what you want, instead of trying to talk to them.

di|re ct cu r|rent (direct currents ) N‑VAR A direct current is an electric current that always flows in the same direction. The abbreviation DC is also used. □ Some kinds of batteries can be recharged by connecting them to a source of direct current.

di |rect de b|it (direct debits ) N‑VAR If you pay a bill by direct debit , you give permission for the company who is owed money to transfer the correct amount from your bank account into theirs, usually every month. [mainly BRIT ] □ Switch to paying your mortgage by direct debit.

di |rect di s|course N‑UNCOUNT In grammar, direct discourse is speech which is reported by using the exact words that the speaker used. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use direct speech

di|re ct hi t (direct hits ) N‑COUNT If a place suffers a direct hit , a bomb, bullet, or other missile that has been aimed at it lands exactly in that place, rather than some distance away. □ The dug-outs were secure from everything but a direct hit.

di|rec|tion ◆◆◇ /da I re kʃ ə n/ (directions )


1 N‑VAR A direction is the general line that someone or something is moving or pointing in. □ St Andrews was ten miles in the opposite direction. □ [+ of ] He drove off in the direction of Larry's shop. □ The instruments will register every change of direction or height.


2 N‑VAR A direction is the general way in which something develops or progresses. □ They threatened to walk out if the party did not change direction.


3 N‑PLURAL Directions are instructions that tell you what to do, how to do something, or how to get somewhere. □ I should know by now not to throw away the directions until we've finished cooking.


4 N‑UNCOUNT The direction of a film, play, or television programme is the work that the director does while it is being made. □ His failures underline the difference between theatre and film direction.


5 → see also direct SYNONYMS direction NOUN 1


way: Does anybody know the way to the bathroom?


course: Aircraft can avoid each other by altering course to left or right.


route: …the most direct route to the town centre.

di|rec|tion|al /da I re kʃən ə l, d I r-/


1 ADJ If something such as a radio aerial, microphone, or loudspeaker is directional , it works most effectively in one direction, rather than equally in all directions at once. [TECHNICAL ] □ Dish aerials are highly directional.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Directional means relating to the direction in which something is pointing or going. [TECHNICAL ] □ Jets of compressed air gave the aircraft lateral and directional stability.

di|rec|tion|less /da I re kʃ ə nləs, d I r-/ ADJ If you describe an activity or an organization as directionless , you mean that it does not seem to have any point or purpose. If you describe a person as directionless , you mean that they do not seem to have any plans or ideas. □ …his seemingly disorganized and directionless campaign.

di|rec|tive /da I re kt I v, d I r-/ (directives ) N‑COUNT A directive is an official instruction that is given by someone in authority. □ Thanks to a new E.U. directive, insecticide labelling will be more specific.

di|rect|ly /da I re ktli, d I r-/


1 ADV If something is directly above, below, or in front of something, it is in exactly that position. □ The naked bulb was directly over his head.


2 ADV If you do one action directly after another, you do the second action as soon as the first one is finished. □ Directly after the meeting, a senior cabinet minister spoke to the BBC.


3 ADV [ADV after v] If something happens directly , it happens without any delay. [BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ] □ He will be there directly.


4 → see also direct

di|re ct mai l N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Direct mail is a method of marketing which involves companies sending advertising material directly to people who they think may be interested in their products. [BUSINESS ] □ …efforts to solicit new customers by direct mail and television advertising.

di|re ct ma r|ket|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Direct marketing is the same as direct mail . [BUSINESS ] □ The direct marketing industry has become adept at packaging special offers.

di|re ct o b|ject (direct objects ) N‑COUNT In grammar, the direct object of a transitive verb is the noun group which refers to someone or something directly affected by or involved in the action performed by the subject. For example, in 'I saw him yesterday', 'him' is the direct object. Compare indirect object .

di|rec|tor ◆◆◆ /da I re ktə r , d I r-/ (directors )


1 N‑COUNT The director of a play, film, or television programme is the person who decides how it will appear on stage or screen, and who tells the actors and technical staff what to do.


2 N‑COUNT In some organizations and public authorities, the person in charge is referred to as the director . □ [+ of ] …the director of the intensive care unit at Guy's Hospital.


3 N‑COUNT The directors of a company are its most senior managers, who meet regularly to make important decisions about how it will be run. [BUSINESS ] □ He served on the board of directors of a local bank.


4 N‑COUNT The director of an orchestra or choir is the person who is conducting it. [AM ] in BRIT, use conductor SYNONYMS director NOUN 2


head: Heads of government from more than 100 countries gather in Geneva tomorrow.


manager: …Linda Emery, marketing manager for Wall's sausages.


chief: …a commission appointed by the police chief.


boss: Occasionally I have to go and ask the boss for a rise.

di|rec|to|rate /da I re ktərət, d I r-/ (directorates )


1 N‑COUNT A directorate is a board of directors in a company or organization. [BUSINESS ] □ [+ of ] The Bank would be managed by a directorate of professional bankers.


2 N‑COUNT A directorate is a part of a government department which is responsible for one particular thing. □ …the Health and Safety Directorate of the E.U.

di|re c|tor ge n|er|al (directors general ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The director general of a large organization such as the BBC is the person who is in charge of it.

di|rec|to|rial /da I rektɔː ri ə l, d I r-/ ADJ [ADJ n] Directorial means relating to the job of being a film or theatre director. □ …Sam Mendes' directorial debut.

di|rec|tor|ship /da I re ktə r ʃ I p, d I r-/ (directorships ) N‑COUNT A directorship is the job or position of a company director. [BUSINESS ] □ Barry resigned his directorship in December 1973.

di|rec|tory /da I re ktəri, d I r-/ (directories )


1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A directory is a book which gives lists of facts, for example people's names, addresses, and telephone numbers, or the names and addresses of business companies, usually arranged in alphabetical order. □ …a telephone directory.


2 N‑COUNT A directory is an area of a computer disk which contains one or more files or other directories. [COMPUTING ] □ This option lets you create new files or directories.


3 N‑COUNT On the internet, a directory is a list of the subjects that you can find information on. [COMPUTING ] □ Yahoo is the oldest internet directory service.

di|re c|tory en|qui ries N‑UNCOUNT Directory enquiries is a service which you can telephone to find out someone's telephone number. [BRIT ] □ He dialled directory enquiries. in AM, use information , directory assistance

di|re ct ru le N‑UNCOUNT Direct rule is a system in which a central government rules an area which has had its own parliament or law-making organization in the past.

di |rect speech N‑UNCOUNT In grammar, direct speech is speech which is reported by using the exact words that the speaker used. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use direct discourse

di|re ct ta x (direct taxes ) N‑COUNT A direct tax is a tax which a person or organization pays directly to the government, for example income tax.

di|re ct taxa |tion N‑UNCOUNT Direct taxation is a system in which a government raises money by means of direct taxes.

dirge /dɜː r dʒ/ (dirges ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A dirge is a slow, sad song or piece of music. Dirges are sometimes performed at funerals.

dirt /dɜː r t/


1 N‑UNCOUNT If there is dirt on something, there is dust, mud, or a stain on it. □ I started to scrub off the dirt.


2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the earth on the ground as dirt , especially when it is dusty. □ They all sit on the dirt in the dappled shade of a tree.


3 ADJ [ADJ n] A dirt road or track is made from hard earth. A dirt floor is made from earth without any cement, stone, or wood laid on it. □ I drove along the dirt road.


4 N‑SING If you say that you have the dirt on someone, you mean that you have information that could harm their reputation or career. [INFORMAL ] □ [+ on ] Steve was keen to get all the dirt he could on her.


5 PHRASE If someone dishes the dirt on you, they say bad things about you, without worrying if they are true or not, or if they will damage your reputation. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ He dishes the dirt on his buddies.


6 PHRASE If you say that someone treats you like dirt , you are angry with them because you think that they treat you unfairly and with no respect. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ People think they can treat me like dirt!

di rt bike (dirt bikes ) N‑COUNT A dirt bike is a type of motorbike that is designed to be used on rough ground.

di rt-chea p also dirt cheap ADJ If you say that something is dirt-cheap , you are emphasizing that it is very cheap indeed. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ They're always selling off stuff like that dirt cheap.

di rt-poo r also dirt poor ADJ A dirt-poor person or place is extremely poor.

dirty ◆◇◇ /dɜː r ti/ (dirtier , dirtiest , dirties , dirtying , dirtied )


1 ADJ If something is dirty , it is marked or covered with stains, spots, or mud, and needs to be cleaned. □ She still did not like the woman who had dirty fingernails.


2 VERB To dirty something means to cause it to become dirty. □ [V n] He was afraid the dog's hairs might dirty the seats.


3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe an action as dirty , you disapprove of it and consider it unfair, immoral, or dishonest. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ The gunman had been hired by a rival Mafia family to do the dirty deed. ● ADV [ADV after v] Dirty is also an adverb. □ Jim Browne is the kind of fellow who can fight dirty.


4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something such as a joke, a book, or someone's language as dirty , you mean that it refers to sex in a way that some people find offensive. □ They told dirty jokes and sang raucous ballads. ● ADV [ADV after v] Dirty is also an adverb. □ I'm often asked whether the men talk dirty to me. The answer is no.


5 ADJ [ADJ n] Dirty is used before words of criticism to emphasize that you do not approve of someone or something. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ You dirty liar.


6 PHRASE If you say that someone washes their dirty linen in public , you disapprove of their discussing or arguing about unpleasant or private things in front of other people. There are several other forms of this expression, for example wash your dirty laundry in public , or in American English, air your dirty laundry in public . [DISAPPROVAL ] □ We shouldn't wash our dirty laundry in public and if I was in his position, I'd say nothing.


7 PHRASE If someone gives you a dirty look , they look at you in a way which shows that they are angry with you. [INFORMAL ] □ Michael gave him a dirty look and walked out.


8 PHRASE Dirty old man is an expression some people use to describe an older man who they think shows an unnatural interest in sex. [DISAPPROVAL ]


9 PHRASE To do someone's dirty work means to do a task for them that is dishonest or unpleasant and which they do not want to do themselves. □ As an elite army hit squad, the army would send us out to do their dirty work for them.


10 PHRASE If you say that an expression is a dirty word in a particular group of people, you mean it refers to an idea that they strongly dislike or disagree with. □ Marketing became a dirty word at the company.

di rty bo mb (dirty bombs ) N‑COUNT A dirty bomb is a nuclear bomb that uses explosives to release radioactive material over a wide area.

di rty tri ck (dirty tricks ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] You describe the actions of an organization or political group as dirty tricks when you think they are using illegal methods to harm the reputation or effectiveness of their rivals. □ He claimed he was the victim of a dirty tricks campaign…

PREFIX dis-


can be added to some words to form words that have the opposite meaning. For example, if someone is dishonest , they are not honest.

dis|abil|ity /d I səb I l I ti/ (disabilities )


1 N‑COUNT A disability is a permanent injury, illness, or physical or mental condition that tends to restrict the way that someone can live their life. □ Facilities for people with disabilities are still insufficient.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Disability is the state of being disabled. □ Disability can make extra demands on financial resources.

dis|able /d I se I b ə l/ (disables , disabling , disabled )


1 VERB If an injury or illness disables someone, it affects them so badly that it restricts the way that they can live their life. □ [V n] She did all this tendon damage and it really disabled her. □ [V -ed] One in five men will be disabled by a stroke. ● dis|abling ADJ □ …skin ulcers which are disfiguring and sometimes disabling.


2 VERB If someone or something disables a system or mechanism, they stop it working, usually temporarily. □ [V n] …if you need to disable a car alarm.

dis|abled /d I se I b ə ld/ ADJ Someone who is disabled has an illness, injury, or condition that tends to restrict the way that they can live their life, especially by making it difficult for them to move about. □ …practical problems encountered by disabled people in the workplace. ● N‑PLURAL People who are disabled are sometimes referred to as the disabled . This use could cause offence. □ There are toilet facilities for the disabled.

dis|able|ment /d I se I b ə lmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Disablement is the state of being disabled or the experience of becoming disabled. [FORMAL ] □ …permanent total disablement resulting in inability to work.

dis|abuse /d I səbjuː z/ (disabuses , disabusing , disabused ) VERB If you disabuse someone of something, you tell them or persuade them that what they believe is in fact untrue. [FORMAL ] □ [V n + of ] They thought country people liked to please strangers. I did not disabuse them of this notion.

dis|ad|vant|age /d I sədvɑː nt I dʒ, -væ n-/ (disadvantages )


1 N‑COUNT A disadvantage is a factor which makes someone or something less useful, acceptable, or successful than other people or things. □ [+ of ] His two main rivals suffer the disadvantage of having been long-term political exiles. □ [+ of ] …the advantages and disadvantages of allowing priests to marry.


2 PHRASE If you are at a disadvantage , you have a problem or difficulty that many other people do not have, which makes it harder for you to be successful. □ The children from poor families were at a distinct disadvantage.


3 PHRASE If something is to your disadvantage or works to your disadvantage , it creates difficulties for you. □ A snap election would be to their disadvantage.

dis|ad|van|taged /d I sədvɑː nt I dʒd, -væ n-/ ADJ People who are disadvantaged or live in disadvantaged areas live in bad conditions and tend not to get a good education or have a reasonable standard of living. □ …the educational problems of disadvantaged children. ● N‑PLURAL The disadvantaged are people who are disadvantaged.

dis|ad|van|ta|geous /d I sæ dvənte I dʒəs/ ADJ Something that is disadvantageous to you puts you in a worse position than other people. □ [+ to/for ] One proposed change may be advantageous for parents and disadvantageous for couples without children, or vice versa.

dis|af|fect|ed /d I səfe kt I d/ ADJ Disaffected people no longer fully support something such as an organization or political ideal which they previously supported. □ He attracts disaffected voters.

dis|af|fec|tion /d I səfe kʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Disaffection is the attitude that people have when they stop supporting something such as an organization or political ideal. □ [+ with ] …people's disaffection with their country and its leaders.

dis|agree /d I səgriː / (disagrees , disagreeing , disagreed )


1 VERB If you disagree with someone or disagree with what they say, you do not accept that what they say is true or correct. You can also say that two people disagree . □ [V + with ] You must continue to see them no matter how much you may disagree with them. □ [V ] They can communicate even when they strongly disagree. □ [V ] 'I think it is inappropriate.'—'I disagree.'. □ The two men had disagreed about reincarnation.


2 VERB If you disagree with a particular action or proposal, you disapprove of it and believe that it is wrong. [mainly BRIT ] □ [V + with ] I respect the president but I disagree with his decision.

dis|agree|able /d I səgriː əb ə l/


1 ADJ Something that is disagreeable is rather unpleasant. □ …a disagreeable odour. ● dis|agree|ably /d I səgriː əbli/ ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] □ The taste is bitter and disagreeably pungent.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone who is disagreeable is unfriendly or unhelpful. □ He's a shallow, disagreeable man.

dis|agree|ment /d I səgriː mənt/ (disagreements )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Disagreement means objecting to something such as a proposal. □ Britain and France have expressed some disagreement with the proposal.


2 N‑VAR [oft in N ] When there is disagreement about something, people disagree or argue about what should be done. □ My instructor and I had a brief disagreement.

dis|al|low /d I səlaʊ / (disallows , disallowing , disallowed ) VERB If something is disallowed , it is not allowed or accepted officially, because it has not been done correctly. □ [be V -ed] England scored again, but the whistle had gone and the goal was disallowed. □ [V n] The Internal Revenue Service sought to disallow the payments.

dis|ap|pear ◆◇◇ /d I səp I ə r / (disappears , disappearing , disappeared )


1 VERB If you say that someone or something disappears , you mean that you can no longer see them, usually because you or they have changed position. □ [V ] The black car drove away from them and disappeared. □ [V prep] Clive disappeared into a room by himself.


2 VERB If someone or something disappears , they go away or are taken away somewhere where nobody can find them. □ [V ] …a Japanese woman who disappeared thirteen years ago.


3 VERB If something disappears , it stops existing or happening. □ [V ] The immediate security threat has disappeared. USAGE disappear


Don’t use disappeared as an adjective. If you can’t find something because it is not in its usual place, don’t say that it ‘ is disappeared ’. You say that it has disappeared . □ He discovered that a pint of milk had disappeared from the fridge.

dis|ap|pear|ance /d I səp I ə rəns/ (disappearances )


1 N‑VAR [oft with poss] If you refer to someone's disappearance , you are referring to the fact that nobody knows where they have gone. □ Her disappearance has baffled police.


2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you refer to the disappearance of an object, you are referring to the fact that it has been lost or stolen. □ [+ from ] Police are investigating the disappearance from council offices of confidential files.


3 N‑UNCOUNT The disappearance of a type of thing, person, or animal is a process in which it becomes less common and finally no longer exists. □ [+ of ] …the virtual disappearance of the red telephone box.

dis|ap|point /d I səpɔ I nt/ (disappoints , disappointing , disappointed ) VERB If things or people disappoint you, they are not as good as you had hoped, or do not do what you hoped they would do. □ [V n] She knew that she would disappoint him.

dis|ap|point|ed ◆◇◇ /d I səpɔ I nt I d/


1 ADJ [ADJ that, ADJ to-inf] If you are disappointed , you are rather sad because something has not happened or because something is not as good as you had hoped. □ [+ with ] Castle-hunters won't be disappointed with the Isle of Man. □ I was disappointed that Kluge was not there. □ I was disappointed to see the lack of coverage afforded to this event.


2 ADJ If you are disappointed in someone, you are rather sad because they have not behaved as well as you expected them to. □ [+ in ] You should have accepted that. I'm disappointed in you. SYNONYMS disappointed ADJ 1


disheartened: He was disheartened by their hostile reaction.


dissatisfied: Dissatisfied customers can return the product for a full refund.


downhearted: Max sighed, sounding even more downhearted.

dis|ap|point|ing /d I səpɔ I nt I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is disappointing is not as good or as large as you hoped it would be. □ The wine was excellent, but the food was disappointing. ● dis|ap|point|ing|ly ADV [ADV adj] □ Progress is disappointingly slow.

dis|ap|point|ment /d I səpɔ I ntmənt/ (disappointments )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Disappointment is the state of feeling disappointed. □ Despite winning the title, their last campaign ended in great disappointment. □ Book early to avoid disappointment.


2 N‑COUNT Something or someone that is a disappointment is not as good as you had hoped. □ For many, their long-awaited homecoming was a bitter disappointment.

dis|ap|prov|al /d I səpruː v ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT If you feel or show disapproval of something or someone, you feel or show that you do not approve of them. □ His action had been greeted with almost universal disapproval. [Also + of ] PRAGMATICS disapproval


In this dictionary, the label DISAPPROVAL indicates that you use the word or expression to show that you dislike the person or thing you are talking about. An example of a word with this label is infantile.

dis|ap|prove /d I səpruː v/ (disapproves , disapproving , disapproved ) VERB If you disapprove of something or someone, you feel or show that you do not like them or do not approve of them. □ [V + of ] Most people disapprove of such violent tactics. □ [V ] The Prime Minister made it clear that he disapproved.

dis|ap|prov|ing /d I səpruː v I ŋ/ ADJ A disapproving action or expression shows that you do not approve of something or someone. □ Janet gave him a disapproving look. ● dis|ap|prov|ing|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ Antonio looked at him disapprovingly.

dis|arm /d I sɑː r m/ (disarms , disarming , disarmed )


1 VERB To disarm a person or group means to take away all their weapons. □ [V n] We will agree to disarming troops and leaving their weapons at military positions.


2 VERB If a country or group disarms , it gives up the use of weapons, especially nuclear weapons. □ [V ] He argued that nations should disarm whether or not this is matched by reciprocal disarmament by others.


3 VERB If a person or their behaviour disarms you, they cause you to feel less angry, hostile, or critical towards them. □ [V n] His unease disarmed her.

dis|arma|ment /d I sɑː r məmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Disarmament is the act of reducing the number of weapons, especially nuclear weapons, that a country has. □ …the pace of nuclear disarmament.

dis|arm|ing /d I sɑː r m I ŋ/ ADJ If someone or something is disarming , they make you feel less angry or hostile. □ Leonard approached with a disarming smile. ● dis|arm|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] □ He is, as ever, business-like, and disarmingly honest.

dis|ar|ray /d I səre I /


1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] If people or things are in disarray , they are disorganized and confused. □ The nation is in disarray following rioting led by the military.


2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] If things or places are in disarray , they are in a very untidy state. □ She was left lying on her side and her clothes were in disarray.

dis|as|sem|ble /d I səse mb ə l/ (disassembles , disassembling , disassembled ) VERB To disassemble something means to take it to pieces. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] You'll have to disassemble the drill.

dis|as|so|ci|ate /d I səsoʊ ʃie I t/ (disassociates , disassociating , disassociated )


1 VERB If you disassociate yourself from something or someone, you say or show that you are not connected with them, usually in order to avoid trouble or blame. □ [V pron-refl + from ] I wish to disassociate myself from this very sad decision.


2 VERB If you disassociate one group or thing from another, you separate them. □ [V n + from ] …an attempt by the president to disassociate the military from politics.

dis|as|ter ◆◇◇ /d I zɑː stə r , -zæ s-/ (disasters )


1 N‑COUNT A disaster is a very bad accident such as an earthquake or a plane crash, especially one in which a lot of people are killed. □ It was the second air disaster in the region in less than two months.


2 N‑COUNT If you refer to something as a disaster , you are emphasizing that you think it is extremely bad or unacceptable. [EMPHASIS ] □ The whole production was just a disaster!


3 N‑UNCOUNT Disaster is something which has very bad consequences for you. □ The government brought itself to the brink of fiscal disaster.


4 PHRASE If you say that something is a recipe for disaster , you mean that it is very likely to have unpleasant consequences.

dis|a s|ter area (disaster areas )


1 N‑COUNT A disaster area is a part of a country or the world which has been very seriously affected by a disaster such as an earthquake or a flood. □ The region has been declared a disaster area.


2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe a place, person, or situation as a disaster area , you mean that they are in a state of great disorder or failure. [INFORMAL ] □ He's a nice old rascal but a disaster area as a politician.

dis|as|trous /d I zɑː strəs, -zæ s-/


1 ADJ A disastrous event has extremely bad consequences and effects. □ …the recent, disastrous earthquake. ● dis|as|trous|ly ADV [ADV adj/prep, ADV with v] □ The vegetable harvest is disastrously behind schedule.


2 ADJ If you describe something as disastrous , you mean that it was very unsuccessful. □ …their disastrous performance in the general election of 1906. ● dis|as|trous|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □ …the company's disastrously timed venture into property development.

dis|avow /d I səvaʊ / (disavows , disavowing , disavowed ) VERB If you disavow something, you say that you are not connected with it or responsible for it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Dr. Samuels immediately disavowed the newspaper story.

dis|avow|al /d I səvaʊ əl/ (disavowals ) N‑COUNT A disavowal of something is a statement that you are not connected with it or responsible for it, or that you no longer agree with or believe in it. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …a public disavowal of his beliefs.

dis|band /d I sbæ nd/ (disbands , disbanding , disbanded ) VERB If someone disbands a group of people, or if the group disbands , it stops operating as a single unit. □ [be V -ed] All the armed groups will be disbanded. □ [V ] The rebels were to have fully disbanded by June the tenth. [Also V n]

dis|be|lief /d I sb I liː f/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] Disbelief is not believing that something is true or real. □ She looked at him in disbelief.

dis|be|lieve /d I sb I liː v/ (disbelieves , disbelieving , disbelieved ) VERB If you disbelieve someone or disbelieve something that they say, you do not believe that what they say is true. □ [V n] There is no reason to disbelieve him. [Also V that]

dis|burse /d I sbɜː r s/ (disburses , disbursing , disbursed ) VERB To disburse an amount of money means to pay it out, usually from a fund which has been collected for a particular purpose. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed] The aid will not be disbursed until next year. □ [V n] The bank has disbursed over $350m for the project.

dis|burse|ment /d I sbɜː r smənt/ (disbursements )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Disbursement is the paying out of a sum of money, especially from a fund. [FORMAL ]


2 N‑COUNT A disbursement is a sum of money that is paid out. [FORMAL ]

disc /d I sk/ (discs ) The spelling disk is also used in American English, mainly for meaning 1 . 1 N‑COUNT A disc is a flat, circular shape or object. □ Most shredding machines are based on a revolving disc fitted with replaceable blades.


2 N‑COUNT A disc is one of the thin, circular pieces of cartilage which separates the bones in your back. □ I had slipped a disc and was frozen in a spasm of pain.


3 → see also disk , compact disc , slipped disc

dis|card /d I skɑː r d/ (discards , discarding , discarded ) VERB If you discard something, you get rid of it because you no longer want it or need it. □ [V n] Read the manufacturer's guidelines before discarding the box. □ [V -ed] …discarded cigarette butts.

dis|cern /d I sɜː r n/ (discerns , discerning , discerned )


1 VERB If you can discern something, you are aware of it and know what it is. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] You need a long series of data to be able to discern such a trend. □ [V wh] It was hard to discern why this was happening. [Also V that]


2 VERB If you can discern something, you can just see it, but not clearly. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Below the bridge we could just discern a narrow, weedy ditch.

dis|cern|ible /d I sɜː r nəb ə l/ ADJ If something is discernible , you can see it or recognize that it exists. [FORMAL ] □ Far away the outline of the island is just discernible.

dis|cern|ing /d I sɜː r n I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone as discerning , you mean that they are able to judge which things of a particular kind are good and which are bad. [APPROVAL ] □ …tailor-made holidays to suit the more discerning traveller.

dis|cern|ment /d I sɜː r nmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Discernment is the ability to judge which things of a particular kind are good and which are bad.

dis|charge (discharges , discharging , discharged ) The verb is pronounced /d I stʃɑː r dʒ/. The noun is pronounced /d I stʃɑː r dʒ/. 1 VERB When someone is discharged from hospital, prison, or one of the armed services, they are officially allowed to leave, or told that they must leave. □ [be V -ed] He has a broken nose but may be discharged today. □ [V pron-refl] Five days later Henry discharged himself from hospital. [Also V n] ● N‑VAR Discharge is also a noun. □ He was given a conditional discharge and ordered to pay compensation.


2 VERB If someone discharges their duties or responsibilities, they do everything that needs to be done in order to complete them. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] …the quiet competence with which he discharged his many college duties.


3 VERB If someone discharges a debt, they pay it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] The goods will be sold for a fraction of their value in order to discharge the debt.


4 VERB If something is discharged from inside a place, it comes out. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed prep] The resulting salty water will be discharged at sea. □ [V n prep] The bird had trouble breathing and was discharging blood from the nostrils.


5 N‑VAR When there is a discharge of a substance, the substance comes out from inside somewhere. [FORMAL ] □ They develop a fever and a watery discharge from their eyes.

dis|ci|ple /d I sa I p ə l/ (disciples ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] If you are someone's disciple , you are influenced by their teachings and try to follow their example. □ …a disciple of Freud.

dis|ci|pli|nar|ian /d I s I pl I neə riən/ (disciplinarians ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a disciplinarian , you mean that they believe in making people obey strict rules of behaviour and in punishing severely anyone who disobeys. □ He has a reputation for being a strict disciplinarian.

dis|ci|pli|nary /d I s I pl I nəri, [AM ] -neri/ ADJ [ADJ n] Disciplinary bodies or actions are concerned with making sure that people obey rules or regulations and that they are punished if they do not. □ He will now face a disciplinary hearing for having an affair.

dis|ci|pline ◆◇◇ /d I s I pl I n/ (disciplines , disciplining , disciplined )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Discipline is the practice of making people obey rules or standards of behaviour, and punishing them when they do not. □ Order and discipline have been placed in the hands of headmasters and governing bodies.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Discipline is the quality of being able to behave and work in a controlled way which involves obeying particular rules or standards. □ It was that image of calm and discipline that appealed to voters.


3 N‑VAR If you refer to an activity or situation as a discipline , you mean that, in order to be successful in it, you need to behave in a strictly controlled way and obey particular rules or standards. □ The discipline of studying music can help children develop good work habits.


4 VERB If someone is disciplined for something that they have done wrong, they are punished for it. □ [be V -ed] The workman was disciplined by his company but not dismissed. □ [V n] Her husband had at last taken a share in disciplining the boy.


5 VERB If you discipline yourself to do something, you train yourself to behave and work in a strictly controlled and regular way. □ [V pron-refl to-inf] Out on the course you must discipline yourself to let go of detailed theory. □ [V pron-refl] I'm very good at disciplining myself.


6 N‑COUNT A discipline is a particular area of study, especially a subject of study in a college or university. [FORMAL ] □ We're looking for people from a wide range of disciplines.


7 → see also self-discipline COLLOCATIONS discipline NOUN


1


noun + discipline : classroom, party


adjective + discipline : fiscal, military; strict


verb + discipline : enforce, impose, instil; lack; maintain, tighten


2


adjective + discipline : physical


verb + discipline : lack; require


6


adjective + discipline : academic, scientific SYNONYMS discipline NOUN


1


punishment: I have no doubt that the man is guilty and that he deserves punishment.


penalty: The maximum penalty is up to 7 years' imprisonment or an unlimited fine.


correction: …jails and other parts of the correction system.


2


self-control: I began to wish I'd shown more self-control.


willpower: I know I've got the willpower to do it.


restraint: They behaved with more restraint than I'd expected.

dis|ci|plined /d I s I pl I nd/ ADJ Someone who is disciplined behaves or works in a controlled way. □ For me it meant being very disciplined about how I run my life.

di sc jock|ey (disc jockeys ) in AM, also use disk jockey N‑COUNT A disc jockey is someone who plays and introduces music on the radio or at a party or nightclub.

dis|claim /d I skle I m/ (disclaims , disclaiming , disclaimed ) VERB If you disclaim knowledge of something or disclaim responsibility for something, you say that you did not know about it or are not responsible for it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] She disclaims any knowledge of her husband's business.

dis|claim|er /d I skle I mə r / (disclaimers ) N‑COUNT A disclaimer is a statement in which a person says that they did not know about something or that they are not responsible for something. [FORMAL ] □ The disclaimer asserts that the company won't be held responsible for any inaccuracies.

dis|close /d I skloʊ z/ (discloses , disclosing , disclosed ) VERB If you disclose new or secret information, you tell people about it. □ [V n] Neither side would disclose details of the transaction. □ [V that] The company disclosed that he will retire in May. [Also V wh]

dis|clo|sure /d I skloʊ ʒə r / (disclosures ) N‑VAR Disclosure is the act of giving people new or secret information. □ …insufficient disclosure of negative information about the company.

dis|co /d I skoʊ/ (discos ) N‑COUNT A disco is a place or event at which people dance to pop music.

dis|cog|ra|phy /d I skɒ grəfi/ (discographies ) N‑COUNT A discography is a list of all the recordings made by a particular artist or group. [mainly JOURNALISM ]

dis|col|our /d I skʌ lə r / (discolours , discolouring , discoloured ) in AM, use discolor VERB If something discolours or if it is discoloured by something else, its original colour changes, so that it looks unattractive. □ [V ] A tooth which has been hit hard may discolour. □ [V n] Some oil had seeped out, discolouring the grass. ● dis|col|oured ADJ □ Some of the prints were badly discoloured. ● dis|col|ora|tion /d I skʌ ləre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ …the discoloration of the soil from acid spills.

dis|com|fit /d I skʌ mf I t/ (discomfits , discomfiting , discomfited ) VERB If you are discomfited by something, it causes you to feel slightly embarrassed or confused. [WRITTEN ] □ [be V -ed] He will be particularly discomfited by the minister's dismissal of his plan. □ [V n] The opposition leader has regularly discomfited him in parliament. ● dis|com|fit|ed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □ Will wanted to do likewise, but felt too discomfited.

dis|com|fi|ture /d I skʌ mf I tʃə r / N‑UNCOUNT Discomfiture is a feeling of slight embarrassment or confusion. [WRITTEN ]

dis|com|fort /d I skʌ mfə r t/ (discomforts )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Discomfort is a painful feeling in part of your body when you have been hurt slightly or when you have been uncomfortable for a long time. □ Steve had some discomfort, but no real pain.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Discomfort is a feeling of worry caused by shame or embarrassment. □ She hears the discomfort in his voice.


3 N‑COUNT Discomforts are conditions which cause you to feel physically uncomfortable. □ [+ of ] …the discomforts of camping.

dis|con|cert /d I skənsɜː r t/ (disconcerts , disconcerting , disconcerted ) VERB If something disconcerts you, it makes you feel anxious, confused, or embarrassed. □ [V n] Antony's wry smile disconcerted Sutcliffe. ● dis|con|cert|ed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , oft ADJ to-inf] □ He was disconcerted to find his fellow diners already seated.

dis|con|cert|ing /d I skənsɜː r t I ŋ/ ADJ If you say that something is disconcerting , you mean that it makes you feel anxious, confused, or embarrassed. □ The reception desk is not at street level, which is a little disconcerting. ● dis|con|cert|ing|ly ADV □ She looks disconcertingly like a familiar aunt or grandmother.

dis|con|nect /d I skəne kt/ (disconnects , disconnecting , disconnected )


1 VERB To disconnect a piece of equipment means to separate it from its source of power or to break a connection that it needs in order to work. □ [V n] The device automatically disconnects the ignition when the engine is switched off. □ [be V -ed] She ran back to the phone. The line had been disconnected.


2 VERB [usu passive] If you are disconnected by a gas, electricity, water, or telephone company, they turn off the connection to your house, usually because you have not paid the bill. □ [be V -ed] You will be given three months to pay before you are disconnected.


3 VERB If you disconnect something from something else, you separate the two things. □ [V n + from ] He disconnected the IV bottle from the overhead hook.

dis|con|nect|ed /d I skəne kt I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Disconnected things are not linked in any way. □ …sequences of utterly disconnected events.

dis|con|nec|tion /d I skəne kʃ ə n/ (disconnections ) N‑VAR The disconnection of a gas, water, or electricity supply, or of a telephone, is the act of disconnecting it so that it cannot be used.

dis|con|so|late /d I skɒ nsələt/ ADJ Someone who is disconsolate is very unhappy and depressed. [WRITTEN ] □ He did not have much success, but tried not to get too disconsolate. ● dis|con|so|late|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Disconsolately, he walked back down the course.

dis|con|tent /d I skənte nt/ N‑UNCOUNT Discontent is the feeling that you have when you are not satisfied with your situation. □ There are reports of widespread discontent in the capital.

dis|con|tent|ed /d I skənte nt I d/ ADJ If you are discontented , you are not satisfied with your situation. □ [+ with ] The government tried to appease discontented workers.

dis|con|tinue /d I skənt I njuː/ (discontinues , discontinuing , discontinued )


1 VERB If you discontinue something that you have been doing regularly, you stop doing it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Do not discontinue the treatment without consulting your doctor. [Also V -ing]


2 VERB [usu passive] If a product is discontinued , the manufacturer stops making it. □ [be V -ed] This product was discontinued in 2016.

dis|con|ti|nu|ity /d I skɒ nt I njuː I ti, [AM ] -nuː -/ (discontinuities ) N‑VAR Discontinuity in a process is a lack of smooth or continuous development. [FORMAL ] □ There may appear to be discontinuities between broadcasts.

dis|con|tinu|ous /d I skənt I njuəs/ ADJ A process that is discontinuous happens in stages with intervals between them, rather than continuously.

dis|cord /d I skɔː r d/ N‑UNCOUNT Discord is disagreement and argument between people. [LITERARY ]

dis|cord|ant /d I skɔː r d ə nt/


1 ADJ Something that is discordant is strange or unpleasant because it does not fit in with other things. □ His agenda is discordant with ours.


2 ADJ A discordant sound or musical effect is unpleasant to hear.

dis|co|theque /d I skətek/ (discotheques ) N‑COUNT A discotheque is the same as a disco . [OLD-FASHIONED ]

dis|count ◆◇◇ (discounts , discounting , discounted ) Pronounced /d I skaʊnt/ for meanings 1 and 2 , and /d I skaʊ nt/ for meaning 3 . 1 N‑COUNT A discount is a reduction in the usual price of something. □ They are often available at a discount. □ Full-time staff get a 20 per cent discount.


2 VERB If a shop or company discounts an amount or percentage from something that they are selling, they take the amount or percentage off the usual price. □ [V n] This has forced airlines to discount fares heavily in order to spur demand.


3 VERB If you discount an idea, fact, or theory, you consider that it is not true, not important, or not relevant. □ [V n] However, traders tended to discount the rumor.

dis|count|er /d I skaʊntə r / (discounters ) N‑COUNT A discounter is a shop or organization which specializes in selling things very cheaply. Discounters usually sell things in large quantities, or offer only a very limited range of goods.

dis|cour|age /d I skʌ r I dʒ, [AM ] -kɜː r-/ (discourages , discouraging , discouraged )


1 VERB If someone or something discourages you, they cause you to lose your enthusiasm about your actions. □ [V n] It may be difficult to do at first. Don't let this discourage you. ● dis|cour|aged ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □ She was determined not to be too discouraged. ● dis|cour|ag|ing ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □ Today's report is rather more discouraging for the economy.


2 VERB To discourage an action or to discourage someone from doing it means to make them not want to do it. □ [V n/v-ing] …typhoons that discouraged shopping and leisure activities. □ [V n + from ] …a campaign to discourage children from smoking.

dis|cour|age|ment /d I skʌ r I dʒmənt, [AM ] -kɜː r-/ (discouragements )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Discouragement is the act of trying to make someone not want to do something. □ He persevered despite discouragement from those around him.


2 N‑COUNT A discouragement is something that makes you unwilling to do something because you are afraid of the consequences. □ Uncertainty is a discouragement to investment.

dis|course (discourses , discoursing , discoursed ) The noun is pronounced /d I skɔː r s/. The verb is pronounced /d I skɔː r s/. 1 N‑UNCOUNT Discourse is spoken or written communication between people, especially serious discussion of a particular subject. □ …a tradition of political discourse.


2 N‑COUNT A discourse is a serious talk or piece of writing which is intended to teach or explain something. [FORMAL ] □ [+ on ] Gates responds with a lengthy discourse on deployment strategy.


3 VERB If someone discourses on something, they talk for a long time about it in a confident way. [FORMAL ] □ [V prep] He discoursed for several hours on French and English prose. [Also V ]


4 → see also direct discourse , indirect discourse

dis|cour|teous /d I skɜː r tiəs/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is discourteous , you mean that they are rude and have no consideration for the feelings of other people. [FORMAL ]

dis|cour|tesy /d I skɜː r t I si/ (discourtesies ) N‑VAR Discourtesy is rude and bad-mannered behaviour. [FORMAL ]

dis|cov|er ◆◆◇ /d I skʌ və r / (discovers , discovering , discovered )


1 VERB If you discover something that you did not know about before, you become aware of it or learn of it. □ [V that] She discovered that they'd escaped. □ [V wh] It was difficult for the inspectors to discover which documents were important. □ [V n] Haskell did not live to discover the deception. □ [be V -ed that] It was discovered that the files were missing. [Also be V -ed to-inf]


2 VERB If a person or thing is discovered , someone finds them, either by accident or because they have been looking for them. □ [be V -ed] A few days later his badly beaten body was discovered on a roadside outside the city. [Also V n]


3 VERB When someone discovers a new place, substance, scientific fact, or scientific technique, they are the first person to find it or become aware of it. □ [V n] …the first European to discover America. □ [V wh] They discovered how to form the image in a thin layer on the surface. [Also V that] ● dis|cov|er|er (discoverers ) N‑COUNT □ [+ of ] …the myth of Columbus as the heroic discoverer of the Americas 500 years ago.


4 VERB If you say that someone has discovered a particular activity or subject, you mean that they have tried doing it or studying it for the first time and that they enjoyed it. □ [V n] I wish I'd discovered photography when I was younger.


5 VERB [usu passive] When a actor, musician, or other performer who is not well-known is discovered , someone recognizes that they have talent and helps them in their career. □ [be V -ed] The Beatles were discovered in the early 1960's.

dis|cov|ery ◆◇◇ /d I skʌ vəri/ (discoveries )


1 N‑VAR [oft N that] If someone makes a discovery , they become aware of something that they did not know about before. □ I felt I'd made an incredible discovery. □ …the discovery that both his wife and son are HIV positive.


2 N‑VAR If someone makes a discovery , they are the first person to find or become aware of a place, substance, or scientific fact that no one knew about before. □ In that year, two momentous discoveries were made.


3 N‑VAR If someone makes a discovery , they recognize that an actor, musician, or other performer who is not well-known has talent. □ His job is the discovery and promotion of new artists.


4 N‑VAR When the discovery of people or objects happens, someone finds them, either by accident or as a result of looking for them. □ [+ of ] …the discovery and destruction by soldiers of millions of marijuana plants.

dis|cred|it /d I skre d I t/ (discredits , discrediting , discredited )


1 VERB To discredit someone or something means to cause them to lose people's respect or trust. □ [V n] …a secret unit within the company that had been set up to discredit its major rival. ● dis|cred|it|ed ADJ □ The previous government is, by now, thoroughly discredited.


2 VERB To discredit an idea or evidence means to make it appear false or not certain. □ [V n] They realized there would be difficulties in discrediting the evidence.

dis|cred|it|able /d I skre d I təb ə l/ ADJ Discreditable behaviour is not acceptable because people consider it to be shameful and wrong. [FORMAL ] □ She had been suspended from her job for discreditable behaviour.

dis|creet /d I skriː t/


1 ADJ If you are discreet , you are polite and careful in what you do or say, because you want to avoid embarrassing or offending someone. □ They were gossipy and not always discreet. ● dis|creet|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □ I took the phone, and she went discreetly into the living room.


2 ADJ If you are discreet about something you are doing, you do not tell other people about it, in order to avoid being embarrassed or to gain an advantage. □ She's making a few discreet inquiries with her mother's friends. ● dis|creet|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □ Everyone tried discreetly to find out more about him.


3 ADJ If you describe something as discreet , you approve of it because it is small in size or degree, or not easily noticed. [APPROVAL ] □ She wore discreet jewellery. ● dis|creet|ly ADV [ADV -ed/adj] □ …stately houses, discreetly hidden behind great avenues of sturdy trees.

dis|crep|an|cy /d I skre pənsi/ (discrepancies ) N‑VAR If there is a discrepancy between two things that ought to be the same, there is a noticeable difference between them. □ [+ between ] …the discrepancy between press and radio reports. [Also + in ]

dis|crete /d I skriː t/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Discrete ideas or things are separate and distinct from each other. [FORMAL ] □ …instruction manuals that break down jobs into scores of discrete steps.

dis|cre|tion /d I skre ʃ ə n/


1 N‑UNCOUNT Discretion is the quality of behaving in a quiet and controlled way without drawing attention to yourself or giving away personal or private information. [FORMAL ] □ Larsson sometimes joined in the fun, but with more discretion.


2 N‑UNCOUNT If someone in a position of authority uses their discretion or has the discretion to do something in a particular situation, they have the freedom and authority to decide what to do. [FORMAL ] □ This committee may want to exercise its discretion to look into those charges.


3 PHRASE If something happens at someone's discretion , it can happen only if they decide to do it or give their permission. [FORMAL ] □ We may vary the limit at our discretion and will notify you of any change.

dis|cre|tion|ary /d I skre ʃənri, [AM ] -neri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Discretionary things are not fixed by rules but are decided on by people in authority, who consider each individual case. □ Magistrates were given wider discretionary powers.

dis|crimi|nate /d I skr I m I ne I t/ (discriminates , discriminating , discriminated )


1 VERB If you can discriminate between two things, you can recognize that they are different. □ [V + between ] He is incapable of discriminating between a good idea and a terrible one.


2 VERB To discriminate against a group of people or in favour of a group of people means to unfairly treat them worse or better than other groups. □ [V + against ] They believe the law discriminates against women. □ [V + in favour of ] …legislation which would discriminate in favour of racial minorities.

dis|crimi|nat|ing /d I skr I m I ne I t I ŋ/ ADJ Someone who is discriminating has the ability to recognize things that are of good quality. [APPROVAL ] □ More discriminating visitors now tend to shun the area.

dis|crimi|na|tion /d I skr I m I ne I ʃ ə n/


1 N‑UNCOUNT Discrimination is the practice of treating one person or group of people less fairly or less well than other people or groups. □ She is exempt from sex discrimination laws. □ [+ against ] …discrimination against immigrants.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Discrimination is knowing what is good or of high quality. □ They cooked without skill and ate without discrimination.


3 N‑UNCOUNT Discrimination is the ability to recognize and understand the differences between two things. □ …colour discrimination.

dis|crimi|na|tory /d I skr I m I nətri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ ADJ Discriminatory laws or practices are unfair because they treat one group of people worse than other groups.

dis|cur|sive /d I skɜː r s I v/ ADJ If a style of writing is discursive , it includes a lot of facts or opinions that are not necessarily relevant. [FORMAL ] □ …a livelier, more candid and more discursive treatment of the subject.

dis|cus /d I skəs/ (discuses )


1 N‑COUNT A discus is a heavy circular object which athletes try to throw as far as they can as a sport.


2 N‑SING The discus is the sport of throwing a discus. □ He won the discus at the Commonwealth Games.

dis|cuss ◆◆◇ /d I skʌ s/ (discusses , discussing , discussed )


1 VERB If people discuss something, they talk about it, often in order to reach a decision. □ [V n] I will be discussing the situation with colleagues tomorrow. □ [V wh-to-inf] The cabinet met today to discuss how to respond to the ultimatum. [Also V wh]


2 VERB If you discuss something, you write or talk about it in detail. □ [V n] I will discuss the role of diet in cancer prevention in Chapter 7. SYNONYMS discuss VERB 1


debate: He likes to debate issues with his friends.


thrash out: …a sincere effort by two people to thrash out differences.


argue: They were still arguing; I could hear them down the road.

dis|cus|sion ◆◆◇ /d I skʌ ʃ ə n/ (discussions )


1 N‑VAR If there is discussion about something, people talk about it, often in order to reach a decision. □ [+ of/about/on ] There was a lot of discussion about the wording of the report. ● PHRASE If something is under discussion , it is still being talked about and a final decision has not yet been reached. □ 'The proposals are still under discussion,' she said.


2 N‑COUNT A discussion of a subject is a piece of writing or a lecture in which someone talks about it in detail. □ [+ of ] For a discussion of biology and sexual politics, see chapter 4.


3 ADJ [ADJ n] A discussion document or paper is one that contains information and usually proposals for people to discuss. COLLOCATIONS discussion NOUN


1


noun + discussion : classroom, group, panel


adjective + discussion : earnest, frank, heated, lively; confidential, informal, lengthy; further, ongoing, preliminary


verb + discussion : begin, continue, hold, initiate; dominate, join


2


adjective + discussion : detailed, full

dis|cu s|sion group (discussion groups ) N‑COUNT A discussion group is a group of people who meet regularly to discuss a particular subject.

dis|dain /d I sde I n/ (disdains , disdaining , disdained )


1 N‑UNCOUNT If you feel disdain for someone or something, you dislike them because you think that they are inferior or unimportant. □ Janet looked at him with disdain. [Also + for ]


2 VERB If you disdain someone or something, you regard them with disdain. □ [V n] Jackie disdained the servants that her millions could buy.

dis|dain|ful /d I sde I nfʊl/ ADJ To be disdainful means to dislike something or someone because you think they are unimportant or not worth your attention. □ [+ of ] He is highly disdainful of anything to do with the literary establishment. ● dis|dain|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ 'We know all about you,' she said disdainfully.

dis|ease ◆◆◇ /d I ziː z/ (diseases ) N‑VAR A disease is an illness which affects people, animals, or plants, for example one which is caused by bacteria or infection. □ …the rapid spread of disease in the area. □ …illnesses such as heart disease. SYNONYMS disease NOUN 1


illness: If your child shows any signs of illness, take her to the doctor.


condition: Doctors suspect he may have a heart condition.


complaint: Eczema is a common skin complaint which often runs in families.


infection: Ear infections are common in pre-school children.


ailment: The pharmacist can assist you with the treatment of common ailments.

dis|eased /d I ziː zd/ ADJ Something that is diseased is affected by a disease. □ The arteries are diseased and a transplant is the only hope.

dis|em|bark /d I s I mbɑː r k/ (disembarks , disembarking , disembarked ) VERB When passengers disembark from a ship, aeroplane, or bus, they leave it at the end of their journey. [FORMAL ] □ [V ] I looked towards the plane. Six passengers had already disembarked. [Also V + from ] ● dis|em|bar|ka|tion /d I se mbɑː r ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ Disembarkation is at 7.30am.

dis|em|bod|ied /d I s I mbɒ did/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Disembodied means seeming not to be attached to or to come from anyone. □ A disembodied voice sounded from the back of the cabin.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Disembodied means separated from or existing without a body. □ …a disembodied head.

dis|em|bow|el /d I s I mbaʊ əl/ (disembowels , disembowelling , disembowelled ) in AM, use disemboweling , disemboweled VERB To disembowel a person or animal means to remove their internal organs, especially their stomach, intestines, and bowels. □ [V n] It shows a fox being disembowelled by a pack of hounds.

dis|em|pow|er /d I s I mpaʊ ə r / (disempowers , disempowering , disempowered ) VERB [oft passive] If someone or something disempowers you, they take away your power or influence. □ [be V -ed] She feels that women have been disempowered throughout history. [Also V n, V -ed]

dis|en|chant|ed /d I s I ntʃɑː nt I d, -tʃæ nt-/ ADJ If you are disenchanted with something, you are disappointed with it and no longer believe that it is good or worthwhile. □ [+ with ] I'm disenchanted with the state of British theatre at the moment.

dis|en|chant|ment /d I s I ntʃɑː ntmənt, -tʃæ nt-/ N‑UNCOUNT Disenchantment is the feeling of being disappointed with something, and no longer believing that it is good or worthwhile. □ [+ with ] There's growing disenchantment with the Government.

dis|en|fran|chise /d I s I nfræ ntʃa I z/ (disenfranchises , disenfranchising , disenfranchised ) VERB To disenfranchise a group of people means to take away their right to vote, or their right to vote for what they really want. □ [V n] Opponents say that the laws are a Republican ruse to disenfranchise entire groups of voters. □ [V -ed] …the helplessness of disenfranchised minorities.

dis|en|gage /d I s I nge I dʒ/ (disengages , disengaging , disengaged ) VERB If you disengage something, or if it disengages , it becomes separate from something which it has been attached to. □ [V n] She disengaged the film advance mechanism on the camera. □ [V pron-refl + from ] John gently disengaged himself from his sister's tearful embrace. □ [V ] His front brake cable disengaged. [Also V n from n]

dis|en|gaged /d I s I nge I dʒd/ ADJ If someone is disengaged from something, they are not as involved with it as you would expect.

dis|en|gage|ment /d I s I nge I dʒmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Disengagement is a process by which people gradually stop being involved in a conflict, activity, or organization. □ [+ from ] This policy of disengagement from the European war had its critics.

dis|en|tan|gle /d I s I ntæ ŋg ə l/ (disentangles , disentangling , disentangled )


1 VERB If you disentangle a complicated or confused situation, you make it easier to understand or manage to understand it, by clearly recognizing each separate element. □ [V n] In this new book, Harrison brilliantly disentangles complex debates. □ [V n + from ] It's impossible to disentangle the myth from reality.


2 VERB If you disentangle something or someone from an undesirable thing or situation, you separate it from that thing or remove it from that situation. □ [V n + from ] They are looking at ways to disentangle him from this major policy decision.


3 VERB If you disentangle something, you separate it from things that are twisted around it, or things that it is twisted or knotted around. □ [V n] She clawed at the bushes to disentangle herself. [Also V n from n]

dis|equi|lib|rium /d I siː kw I l I briəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Disequilibrium is a state in which things are not stable or certain, but are likely to change suddenly. [FORMAL ] □ There may be a period of disequilibrium as family members adjust to the new baby.

dis|es|tab|lish /d I s I stæ bl I ʃ/ (disestablishes , disestablishing , disestablished ) VERB To disestablish a church or religion means to take away its official status, so that it is no longer recognized as a national institution. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] It would be right to disestablish the church. ● dis|es|tab|lish|ment /d I s I stæ bl I ʃmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT □ …Welsh Anglican disestablishment.

dis|fa|vour /d I sfe I və r / in AM, use disfavor N‑UNCOUNT [usu in/into N ] If someone or something is in disfavour , people dislike or disapprove of them. If someone or something falls into disfavour , people start to dislike or disapprove of them. [FORMAL ] □ He was in disfavour with the ruling party.

dis|fig|ure /d I sf I gə r , [AM ] -gjər/ (disfigures , disfiguring , disfigured )


1 VERB [usu passive] If someone is disfigured , their appearance is spoiled. □ [be V -ed] Many of the wounded had been badly disfigured. ● dis|fig|ured ADJ □ She tried not to look at the scarred, disfigured face.


2 VERB To disfigure an object or a place means to spoil its appearance. □ [V n] Wind turbines are large and noisy and they disfigure the landscape.

dis|fig|ure|ment /d I sf I gə r mənt, [AM ] -gjər-/ (disfigurements ) N‑VAR A disfigurement is something, for example a scar, that spoils a person's appearance. □ He had surgery to correct a facial disfigurement.

dis|gorge /d I sgɔː r dʒ/ (disgorges , disgorging , disgorged ) VERB If something disgorges its contents, it empties them out. [WRITTEN ] □ [V n] The ground had opened to disgorge a boiling stream of molten lava.

dis|grace /d I sgre I s/ (disgraces , disgracing , disgraced )


1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] If you say that someone is in disgrace , you are emphasizing that other people disapprove of them and do not respect them because of something that they have done. [EMPHASIS ] □ His vice president also had to resign in disgrace.


2 N‑SING If you say that something is a disgrace , you are emphasizing that it is very bad or wrong, and that you find it completely unacceptable. [EMPHASIS ] □ The way the sales were handled was a complete disgrace.


3 N‑SING You say that someone is a disgrace to someone else when you want to emphasize that their behaviour causes the other person to feel ashamed. [EMPHASIS ] □ [+ to ] Republican leaders called him a disgrace to the party.


4 VERB If you say that someone disgraces someone else, you are emphasizing that their behaviour causes the other person to feel ashamed. [EMPHASIS ] □ [V n] I have disgraced my family's name. □ [V pron-refl] I've disgraced myself by the actions I've taken.

dis|graced /d I sgre I st/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use disgraced to describe someone whose bad behaviour has caused them to lose the approval and respect of the public or of people in authority. □ …the disgraced leader of the coup.

dis|grace|ful /d I sgre I sfʊl/ ADJ If you say that something such as behaviour or a situation is disgraceful , you disapprove of it strongly, and feel that the person or people responsible should be ashamed of it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ It's disgraceful that they have detained him for so long. ● dis|grace|ful|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV adj/-ed] □ He felt that his brother had behaved disgracefully.

dis|grun|tled /d I sgrʌ nt ə ld/ ADJ If you are disgruntled , you are cross and dissatisfied because things have not happened the way that you wanted them to happen. □ Disgruntled employees recently called for his resignation. [Also + by/at/over ]

dis|guise /d I sga I z/ (disguises , disguising , disguised )


1 N‑VAR [oft in N ] If you are in disguise , you are not wearing your usual clothes or you have altered your appearance in other ways, so that people will not recognize you. □ You'll have to travel in disguise. □ He was wearing that ridiculous disguise.


2 VERB If you disguise yourself , you put on clothes which make you look like someone else or alter your appearance in other ways, so that people will not recognize you. □ [V pron-refl + as ] She disguised herself as a man so she could fight on the battlefield. [Also V pron-refl] ● dis|guised ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □ [+ as ] The extremists entered the building disguised as medical workers.


3 VERB To disguise something means to hide it or make it appear different so that people will not know about it or will not recognize it. □ [V n] He made no attempt to disguise his agitation. ● dis|guised ADJ □ [+ as ] This is lust thinly disguised as love.


4 a blessing in disguise → see blessing

dis|gust /d I sgʌ st/ (disgusts , disgusting , disgusted )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Disgust is a feeling of very strong dislike or disapproval. □ He spoke of his disgust at the incident.


2 VERB To disgust someone means to make them feel a strong sense of dislike and disapproval. □ [V n] He disgusted many with his boorish behaviour.

dis|gust|ed /d I sgʌ st I d/ ADJ [oft ADJ that] If you are disgusted , you feel a strong sense of dislike and disapproval at something. □ [+ with/by/at ] I'm disgusted with the way that he was treated. ● dis|gust|ed|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ 'It's a little late for that,' Ritter said disgustedly.

dis|gust|ing /d I sgʌ st I ŋ/


1 ADJ If you say that something is disgusting , you are criticizing it because it is extremely unpleasant. □ It tasted disgusting. □ Smoking is a disgusting habit.


2 ADJ If you say that something is disgusting , you mean that you find it completely unacceptable. □ It's disgusting that the taxpayer is subsidising this project.

dish ◆◇◇ /d I ʃ/ (dishes , dishing , dished )


1 N‑COUNT A dish is a shallow container with a wide uncovered top. You eat and serve food from dishes and cook food in them. □ …plastic bowls and dishes.


2 N‑COUNT The contents of a dish can be referred to as a dish of something. □ [+ of ] Nicholas ate a dish of spaghetti.


3 N‑COUNT Food that is prepared in a particular style or combination can be referred to as a dish . □ There are plenty of vegetarian dishes to choose from.


4 N‑PLURAL All the objects that have been used to cook, serve, and eat a meal can be referred to as the dishes . □ He'd cooked dinner and washed the dishes.


5 N‑COUNT You can use dish to refer to anything that is round and hollow in shape with a wide uncovered top. □ …a dish used to receive satellite broadcasts.


6 → see also satellite dish , side dish


7 PHRASE If you do the dishes , you wash the dishes. □ I hate doing the dishes.


8 to dish the dirt → see dirt


▸ dish out


1 PHRASAL VERB If you dish out something, you distribute it among a number of people. [INFORMAL ] □ [V P n] Doctors, not pharmacists, are responsible for dishing out drugs. □ [V n P ] The council wants to dish the money out to specific projects.


2 PHRASAL VERB If someone dishes out criticism or punishment, they give it to someone. [INFORMAL ] □ [V P n] Linzi is well qualified to dish out advice. [Also V n P ]


3 PHRASAL VERB If you dish out food, you serve it to people at the beginning of each course of a meal. [INFORMAL ] □ [V P n] Here in the dining hall the cooks dish out chicken à la king.


▸ dish up PHRASAL VERB If you dish up food, you serve it. [INFORMAL ] □ [V P n] They dished up a superb meal. □ [V P ] I'll dish up and you can grate the Parmesan. [Also V n P ] COLLOCATIONS dish NOUN 3


noun + dish : fish, meat, pasta, vegetable


adjective + dish : savoury, vegetarian


verb + dish : cook, prepare

dis|har|mo|ny /d I shɑː r məni/ N‑UNCOUNT When there is disharmony , people disagree about important things and this causes an unpleasant atmosphere. [FORMAL ] □ …racial disharmony.

dish|cloth /d I ʃklɒθ, [AM ] -klɔːθ/ (dishcloths )


1 N‑COUNT A dishcloth is a cloth used to dry dishes after they have been washed.


2 N‑COUNT A dishcloth is a cloth used for washing dishes, pans, and cutlery.

dis|heart|ened /d I shɑː r t ə nd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are disheartened , you feel disappointed about something and have less confidence or less hope about it than you did before. □ [+ by ] He was disheartened by their hostile reaction.

dis|heart|en|ing /d I shɑː r tən I ŋ/ ADJ If something is disheartening , it makes you feel disappointed and less confident or less hopeful.

di|shev|elled /d I ʃe v ə ld/ in AM, use disheveled ADJ If you describe someone's hair, clothes, or appearance as dishevelled , you mean that it is very untidy. □ She arrived flushed and dishevelled.

dis|hon|est /d I sɒ n I st/ ADJ If you say that a person or their behaviour is dishonest , you mean that they are not truthful or honest and that you cannot trust them. □ It would be dishonest not to present the data as fairly as possible. ● dis|hon|est|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □ The key issue was whether the four defendants acted dishonestly.

dis|hon|es|ty /d I sɒ n I sti/ N‑UNCOUNT Dishonesty is dishonest behaviour. □ She accused the government of dishonesty and incompetence.

dis|hon|our /d I sɒ nə r / (dishonours , dishonouring , dishonoured ) in AM, use dishonor 1 VERB If you dishonour someone, you behave in a way that damages their good reputation. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] It would dishonour my family if I didn't wear the veil.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Dishonour is a state in which people disapprove of you and lose their respect for you. [FORMAL ] □ …a choice between death and dishonour.


3 VERB If someone dishonours an agreement, they refuse to act according to its conditions. □ [V n] We found that the bank had dishonoured some of our cheques.

dis|hon|our|able /d I sɒ nərəb ə l/ in AM, use dishonorable ADJ Someone who is dishonourable is not honest and does things which you consider to be morally unacceptable. □ Mark had done nothing dishonourable. ● dis|hon|our|ably /d I sɒ nərəbli/ ADV [ADV after v, ADV -ed] □ He could not bear to be seen to act dishonourably.

di sh tow|el (dish towels ) N‑COUNT A dish towel is a cloth used to dry dishes after they have been washed. [AM ] in BRIT, use tea towel

dish|washer /d I ʃwɒʃə r / (dishwashers ) N‑COUNT A dishwasher is an electrically operated machine that washes and dries plates, saucepans, and cutlery.

dish|water /d I ʃwɔːtə r / N‑UNCOUNT Dishwater is water that dishes, pans, and cutlery have been washed in.

dishy /d I ʃi/ (dishier , dishiest ) ADJ If you describe someone as dishy , you mean they are very good looking and attractive; used especially by women about men. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

dis|il|lu|sion /d I s I luː ʒ ə n/ (disillusions , disillusioning , disillusioned )


1 VERB If a person or thing disillusions you, they make you realize that something is not as good as you thought. □ [V n] I'd hate to be the one to disillusion him.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Disillusion is the same as disillusionment . □ There is disillusion with established political parties.

dis|il|lu|sioned /d I s I luː ʒ ə nd/ ADJ If you are disillusioned with something, you are disappointed, because it is not as good as you had expected or thought. □ [+ with ] I've become very disillusioned with politics.

dis|il|lu|sion|ment /d I s I luː ʒ ə nmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Disillusionment is the disappointment that you feel when you discover that something is not as good as you had expected or thought. □ [+ with ] …his growing disillusionment with his work.

dis|in|cen|tive /d I s I nse nt I v/ (disincentives ) N‑VAR A disincentive is something which discourages people from behaving or acting in a particular way. [FORMAL ] □ [+ to ] High marginal tax rates may act as a disincentive to working longer hours.

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