Essentials – English Vocabulary – Week 12 depict: Meaning Usage
[dih-PIKTI Verb To represent by or as if by painting. To represent or characterize in words. ● ●
The character in the novel is depicted as strong and independent. The painting depict is peaceful scenery over a cliff.
Synonyms
describe, render, characterize, detail, illustrate
Antonyms
hide
deplete:
[dih-PLEET] Verb
Meaning
To decrease significantly or exhaust the abundance or supply of
Usage
● ●
The dry season will deplete the water supply soon. Be careful with your budget this month or it will be depleted.
Synonyms
consumed, exhausted, drained, reduced, vacant
Antonyms
energized, full
deplorable: Meaning Usage
[dih-PLAWR-uh-buh I] Adjective Causing or being a subject of grief or regret. Causing or being a subject of censure, reproach, or disapproval. ● ●
The news about her friend's deplorable accident was surprising. The auditorium was in a deplorable state after the concert.
Synonyms
unfortunate, shameful, dire, disastrous, disgraceful
Antonyms
acceptable, bearable, blessed
derivative:
[dih-RIV-uh-tiv] Adjective/Noun
Meaning
Not original. (adj.) Based on another source. (n.) ●
Usage ●
The artist's work is original and not in the slightest bit derivative. (adj.) A derivative is not acceptable, as we need an original solution. (n.)
Synonyms
borrowed, cognate, imitative, secondary, subordinate
Antonyms
important, superior
derive:
[dih-RAHYV] Verb
Meaning
To receive or obtain from a source or origin. To reach or obtain by reasoning. ●
Usage ●
The wine is derived from a nearby winery which ensures high quality. The solution is derived from a complicated computation.
Synonyms
acquire, assume, collect, determine, develop, evolve
Antonyms
decrease, doubt, forfeit, give
desist: Meaning Usage
[dih-ZIST] Verb To stop doing something. ● ●
The court ordered the website to desist from posting fake news. The doctors strongly encourage people to desist from smoking
Synonyms
stop, refrain, abstain, cease, relinquish
Antonyms
carry on, complete, continue, finish
despicable: Meaning Usage
[DES-pi-kuh-buh I] Adjective Deserving to be despised, or regarded with distaste, disgust, or disdain. ● ●
He was a despicable man who treated his friends badly. Despicable actions have no place in this company.
Synonyms
hateful, contemptible, degrading, disgraceful, disreputable
Antonyms
good, honourable, kind, nice
destitute:
[DES-ti-toot] Adjective
Meaning Usage
Without means of subsistence. Deprived of, devoid of, or lacking. ● ●
He overcame his destitute upbringing to be successful. The charity helps out destitute people in need.
Synonyms
wanting, bankrupt, exhausted, impoverished
Antonyms
affluent, rich
deterrent:
[dih-TUR-uh nt] Adjective/Noun
Meaning
Serving or tending to deter. (adj.) Military strength or an ability to defend a country or retaliate strongly enough to prevent an enemy from attacking. (n.) ●
Usage ●
Is a security system an effective deterrent against home invasion? (adj.) The government set up a deterrent against terrorists. (n.)
Synonyms
impediment, disincentive, hindrance, obstacle
Antonyms
assistance, help
detrimental: Meaning Usage
[de-truh-MEN-tl] Adjective/Noun Causing loss or injury. (adj.) A detrimental person or thing. (n.) ● ●
The detrimental decision made her lose the case. Miscommunication is detrimental to their relationship.
Synonyms
damaging, adverse, destructive, disturbing
Antonyms
aiding, assisting, favourable, friendly
deviate:
[DEE-vee-eyt] Verb/ Adjective/Noun
Meaning
To turn aside, as from a route, way, course, etc. (v.) Characterized by deviation or departure from an accepted norm or standard, as of behaviour. (adj.) A person or thing that departs from the accepted norm or standard. (n.) ● ●
Usage ●
If we deviate from the suggestions in the map, we will get lost. (v.) A deviated septum is a serious medical condition affecting millions. (adj.) They thought he's a deviate just because he lives in the woods far from people. (n.)
Synonyms
depart, differ, diverge, vary, veer
Antonyms
agree, stay
devious:
[DEE-vee-uh s] Adjective
Meaning
(Of route or journey) Departing from the most direct way. showing a skilful use of underhand tactics to achieve goals.
Usage
● ●
Jamie figured that he needs to be devious to win the competition. There is a devious plot to overthrow the government and create unrest.
Synonyms
dishonest, calculating, deceitful, fraudulent, insidious, indirect
Antonyms
fair, forthright, frank, honest, direct