WORD LIST 133
derisive (di·'r ̄·siv) adj. scornful, expressing ridicule; mocking, jeering. In order to
promote freedom of expression, derisive comments were forbidden in the classroom.
derivative (di·'riv·a ̆·tiv) n. something that is derived or made by derivation. adj.
derived from another source, unoriginal. The word “atomic” is a derivative of the
word “atom.”
desecrate ('des·e ̆·krayt) v. to violate the sacredness of, to profane. Someone dese-
crated the local cemetery by spray-painting graffiti on tombstones.
destitute ('des·ti·toot) adj. 1. penniless, extremely poor. 2. utterly lacking. After
the economy declined, many families were left destitute.
desultory ('des·u ̆l·tohr·ee) adj. aimless, haphazard; moving from one subject to
another without logical connection. Ichabod’s desultory ramblings worsened as his
disease progressed.
detract (di·'trakt) v. to draw or take away from; to remove part of something,
diminish. Unfortunately, Helen’s slovenly appearance detracted from the impact of
her otherwise brilliant presentation.
dichotomy (d ̄·'kot·o ̆·mee) n. division into two usually contradictory parts or
kinds. When the teacher broached the subject of politics, there was a predictable
dichotomy among the students.
diffident ('dif·i·de ̆nt) adj. lacking self-confidence, shy and timid. Alan used to be so
diffident, but now he’s as gregarious as can be and is usually the life of the party.
diffuse (di·'fyooz) v. 1. to spread throughout, disperse, extend. 2. to soften, make
less brilliant. adj. 1. spread out, scattered, not concentrated. 2. wordy, verbose.
The perfume she sprayed diffused throughout her bedroom.
digress (d ̄·'res) v. to turn aside, deviate, or swerve; to stray from the main sub-
ject in writing or speaking. Her argument digressed from the main problem she had
about her friend’s spending habits.
dilatory ('dil·a ̆·tohr·ee) adj. slow or late in doing something; intended to delay,
especially to gain time. Miguel’s dilatory approach to getting himself up and dressed
was his own small act of passive resistance to having to work on a holiday.
disabuse (dis·a ̆·'byooz) v. to undeceive, correct a false impression or erroneous
belief. Natalie needed to disabuse Chin of his belief that she was in love with him.
discern (di·'surn) v. to perceive clearly; to distinguish, recognize as being dis-
tinct. Remy discerned that Opal had no intention of calling him back.