dally (verb)
To waste time or do something slowly. (CD)
To dawdle, delay, or linger. To spend time idly. (AHD)
See: dawdle, dillydally, lollygag, tarry
See: dawdle, dillydally, lollygag, tarry
See: Note on Terms Describing Wasteful Use of Time
dar al-Islam (noun) and dar al-harb (noun)
Arabic
dar al-Islam (noun) and dar al-harb (noun)
Arabic
Dar al-Islam
Territory of Islam; regions where Islamic law prevails.
The region in which Islam has ascendance. (EB)
House of peace: Refers to the dominion of Islam, namely, any structure, be it a home, community, or state, that allows the free practice of Islam. It is most commonly used to delineate countries around the world that are under Islamic rule and thus fully permit the majority expression of Muslim faith. (Audrey von Maluski, Brown University, 2007)
House of peace: Refers to the dominion of Islam, namely, any structure, be it a home, community, or state, that allows the free practice of Islam. It is most commonly used to delineate countries around the world that are under Islamic rule and thus fully permit the majority expression of Muslim faith. (Audrey von Maluski, Brown University, 2007)
Grok: This term refers to territories where Islamic law, sharia, is enforced, and Muslims can practice their religion freely. Historically, it includes regions where Muslim rulers govern, providing an environment where Islamic principles are applied to governance, justice, and daily life. It's not just about the majority Muslim population but more about the implementation of Islamic law. Over time, the definition has also been interpreted to include areas where Muslims can live and practice their faith even under non-Muslim rule if they are allowed to do so freely. (Grok)
Dar al-harb
Territory of war; regions where Islamic law is not implemented.
Abode of war, the region into which Islam could and should expand. (EB)
House of war: Refers to the dominion of war around the world. Generally, it refers to any place that Islam cannot be practiced without persecution. It also refers to a country that is not under Islamic rule, and is thus not amenable to the majority of its inhabitants practicing Islam. (Audrey von Maluski, Brown University, 2007)
Grok: Describes regions where Islamic law does not govern, and traditionally, where there is no security for Muslims to openly practice their faith or where they might face hostility. The label house of war stems from the historical context where there was a perceived or actual state of conflict between these areas and Islamic states. However, the term does not necessarily mean active warfare; it simply signifies areas outside of Muslim control or influence where Islamic law isn't the norm. (Grok)
davenport (noun)
A large upholstered sofa often convertible into a bed. (MW)
A large couch or sofa, sometimes convertible into a bed. (CDC)
A large sofa usually convertible into a bed. Exactly how people describe a davenport depends on where they arere from. In some parts of the U.S., a davenport is an especially fancy sofa, while in others it is one that can be converted into a bed. (VC)
A large sofa, sometimes one that is convertible into a bed; after the A.H. Davenport Company, a furniture manufacturer in Boston in the 1800s. (AHD)
A large sofa, sometimes one that is convertible into a bed; after the A.H. Davenport Company, a furniture manufacturer in Boston in the 1800s. (AHD)
dawdle (verb)
Waste time; be slow. Move slowly and idly. (NOA)
To idle, waste time; to be sluggish or lazy; to loiter, linger, dally. (OED)
To take more time than necessary. To move aimlessly or lackadaisically. To waste time by idling. (AHD)
To spend time idly. To move lackadaisically. To spend time fruitlessly or lackadaisically. (MW)
To do something or go somewhere very slowly, taking more time than is necessary. To do something very slowly, as if you do not want to finish it. (CD)
See: dally, dillydally, lollygag, tarry
See: dally, dillydally, lollygag, tarry
See: Note on Terms Describing Wasteful Use of Time
debanking (noun) also de-banking
debanking (noun) also de-banking
The act by a bank of closing someone's account because they are regarded as a risk legally, financially, or to the bank's reputation. (CD)
Grok:
Refers to the practice where banks or financial institutions terminate or restrict the banking services of an individual or organization. This can include closing accounts, denying access to banking facilities, or refusing to open new accounts. Reasons for debanking can vary, but common causes include:
Suspicion of fraud or illegal activities
Regulatory compliance issues, such as anti-money laundering laws
Reputational risk to the bank
Political or social views of the account holder which might be seen as controversial or risky by the bank
High-risk categorization due to the nature of the business or financial behavior
Debanking has become a topic of concern particularly when it involves individuals or groups whose activities or opinions are not illegal but are considered controversial or not aligned with the values or risk tolerance of the financial institution. This practice raises questions about financial inclusion, freedom of expression, and the power dynamics between banks and their clients.
(Grok)
debunkering (neologism, verb)
Nautical term: To offload unusable and/or volatile fuel or waste from a ship. As opposed to bunkering, which means to load fuel into a ship's bunkers (containers for storing a ship's operating fuel). (RM)
Note: By definition debunkering is to offload onto something else. Otherwise, it could simply be jettisoned. I include this term here because, as with the nautical term yar, it could be applied to a person. For instance, one could debunker a volatile or useless spouse onto her lover. You can also jettison a spouse; debunkering implies a landing platform or place to go, an arranged exit. I first heard this use in the Netflix series Maestro in Blue (season two, episode five).
I once encountered a clever department manager who launched a debunkering operation for a useless employee in order to move said employee to another, unsuspecting department. Of course, the new department would eventually learn of the problem and they would have to either endure the useless employee or go through the hassle of terminating her.
Grok has comments on the metaphorical use of debunkering as well.
Decalogue (noun)
The Ten Commandments. (NOA)
The Ten Commandments. A basic set of rules carrying binding authority. (MW)
The Ten Commandments. A fundamental set of rules having authoritative weight. (AHD)
The rules of behavior God gave to Israel through Moses on Mount Sinai. (CD)
decamp (verb)
Depart suddenly or secretly, especially to relocate one's business or household in another area. (NOA)
To depart suddenly; abscond. (MW)
The Ten Commandments. A fundamental set of rules having authoritative weight. (AHD)
The rules of behavior God gave to Israel through Moses on Mount Sinai. (CD)
decamp (verb)
Depart suddenly or secretly, especially to relocate one's business or household in another area. (NOA)
To depart suddenly; abscond. (MW)
To depart secretly or suddenly. (AHD)
To leave suddenly and unexpectedly, usually without telling anyone. (CD)
defenestration (noun)
Formal: The action of throwing someone out of a window. Informal: The action or process of dismissing someone from a position of power or authority. (NOA)
A throwing of a person or thing out of a window. A usually swift dismissal or expulsion, as from a political party or office. (MW)
The action of throwing or pushing someone out of a window. The action of forcing someone, especially a leader, out of his or her job. (CD)
deicide (noun)
The killing of a god. (NOA)
The act of killing a god. (CDC)
The act of killing a divine being or a symbolic substitute of such a being. (MW)
The act of killing a being of a divine nature; particularly, the putting to death of Jesus Christ. (WUD)
demur (verb)
Raise doubts or objections or show reluctance. (NOA)
To voice opposition; object. (AHD)
To take exception; object. (MW)
To express disagreement or refusal to do something. (CD)
Take exception to. Object, politely disagree, or hesitate. (VC)
To raise objections or show reluctance; object. To hesitate because of one's doubts or objections; have scruples; object. (CDC)
demure (adjective)
Of a woman or her behavior, reserved, modest, and shy. Of clothing, giving a modest appearance. (NOA)
Modest and reserved in manner or behavior. Characterized by or suggestive of reserve or modesty. (AHD)
Reserved or modest in manner. Modestly styled or dressed. Affectedly modest, reserved, or serious; coy. (MW)
Especially of women and girls, quiet and well behaved. (CD)
Sedate; decorous; reserved; modest. Affectedly modest, shy, or prim; coy. (CDC)
Affectedly modest or shy especially in a playful or provocative way. Used especially of clothing, suggestive of modesty or reserve. Polite, shy, quiet, and modest. (VC)
deplane (verb)
Disembark from an aircraft. (NOA)
Sedate; decorous; reserved; modest. Affectedly modest, shy, or prim; coy. (CDC)
Affectedly modest or shy especially in a playful or provocative way. Used especially of clothing, suggestive of modesty or reserve. Polite, shy, quiet, and modest. (VC)
deplane (verb)
Disembark from an aircraft. (NOA)
To leave or cause to leave an airplane. (AHD)
To get out of an airplane after it lands. (CDC)
See: alight
depreciate (verb)
Disparage or belittle something (NOA)
To lower in honor or esteem. (MW)
See: alight
depreciate (verb)
Disparage or belittle something (NOA)
To lower in honor or esteem. (MW)
Belittle; lower in esteem. (VC)
To think or speak of as being of little worth; belittle. (AHD)
To lessen the value of by derision, criticism, etc; disparage. To make seem less important; belittle. (CDC)
depreciative (adjective): Expressing a critical or disparaging opinion. (NOA)
dereliction (noun)
depreciative (adjective): Expressing a critical or disparaging opinion. (NOA)
dereliction (noun)
In modern use, implying a morally wrong or reprehensible abandonment or neglect; chiefly in the phrase dereliction of duty. Hence, failure in duty, delinquency. (OED)
The shameful failure to fulfill one's obligations. (NOA)
Willful neglect, as of duty or principle. The act of abandoning; abandonment. (AHD)
An intentional abandonment. Intentional or conscious neglect; delinquency; fault, shortcoming. (MW)
Failure to do what you should do, especially in your job. (CD)
Note: While most commonly used in dereliction of duty, surely there can be all sorts of duties and derelictions: Dereliction of contractual obligations, dereliction of fidelity, parental derelictions, etc.
derogatory (adjective)
Showing a critical or disrespectful attitude. (NOA)
Expressive of a low opinion; disparaging. (MW)
Disparaging; belittling. Tending to detract or diminish. (AHD)
Showing strong disapproval and not showing respect. Expressing criticism or insult. (CD)
Tending or intended to detract, disparage, or belittle; intentionally offensive. Tending to lessen or impair. (CDC)
dhimmi (noun)
derogatory (adjective)
Showing a critical or disrespectful attitude. (NOA)
Expressive of a low opinion; disparaging. (MW)
Disparaging; belittling. Tending to detract or diminish. (AHD)
Showing strong disapproval and not showing respect. Expressing criticism or insult. (CD)
Tending or intended to detract, disparage, or belittle; intentionally offensive. Tending to lessen or impair. (CDC)
dhimmi (noun)
Arabic
A non-Muslim living in a state governed by sharia law. (CDC)
A person living in a region overrun by Muslim conquest who was accorded a protected status and allowed to retain his or her original faith. (MW)
dhimmitude (neologism)
Word coined by historian Bat Ye’or to describe the status of dhimmi peoples. In Islam, after jihad concludes in a given area with the conquest of infidel territory, a dhimma, or treaty of protection, may be granted to the conquered People of the Book, historically, Jews, Christians, and Zoroastrians. The dhimma provides that the life and property of the infidel are exempted from jihad for as long as the Muslim rulers permit, which has generally meant for as long as the subject non-Muslims, the dhimmi, prove economically useful to the Islamic state. The Quran spells out the payment of the jizya (poll or head tax prescribed in Sura 9:29), which is the most conspicuous means by which the Muslim overlords exploit the dhimmi. But the jizya is not merely economic in its function; it exists also to humiliate the dhimmi and impress on him the superiority of Islam.
(Greg Davis, Islam 101, JihadWatch.org)
See: jizya
diaphanous (adjective)
A non-Muslim subject of a state governed according to the sharia who is granted the freedom to worship and is entitled to the protection of life and property by the state, although constrained to pay a special tax and not granted the full legal status accorded to Muslim subjects. Used as a disparaging term for a non-Muslim who is perceived as behaving in a conciliatory manner toward Islam. (AHD)
dhimmitude (neologism)
Word coined by historian Bat Ye’or to describe the status of dhimmi peoples. In Islam, after jihad concludes in a given area with the conquest of infidel territory, a dhimma, or treaty of protection, may be granted to the conquered People of the Book, historically, Jews, Christians, and Zoroastrians. The dhimma provides that the life and property of the infidel are exempted from jihad for as long as the Muslim rulers permit, which has generally meant for as long as the subject non-Muslims, the dhimmi, prove economically useful to the Islamic state. The Quran spells out the payment of the jizya (poll or head tax prescribed in Sura 9:29), which is the most conspicuous means by which the Muslim overlords exploit the dhimmi. But the jizya is not merely economic in its function; it exists also to humiliate the dhimmi and impress on him the superiority of Islam.
(Greg Davis, Islam 101, JihadWatch.org)
See: jizya
diaphanous (adjective)
So thin as to transmit light. (VC)
Especially of fabric, light, delicate, and translucent. (NOA)
Characterized by such fineness of texture as to permit seeing through. Characterized by extreme delicacy of form; ethereal. Insubstantial, Vague. (MW)
Sufficiently thin or airy as to be translucent. Of such fine composition as to be easily damaged or broken; delicate. (AHD)
Usually of fabrics such as silk, fine and translucent. So fine or gauzy in texture as to be transparent or translucent. Vague or indistinct; airy. (CDC)
diaspora (noun)
The dispersion of the Jews beyond Israel. The dispersion of any people from their original homeland. The people so dispersed. (OD)
Especially of fabric, light, delicate, and translucent. (NOA)
Characterized by such fineness of texture as to permit seeing through. Characterized by extreme delicacy of form; ethereal. Insubstantial, Vague. (MW)
Sufficiently thin or airy as to be translucent. Of such fine composition as to be easily damaged or broken; delicate. (AHD)
Usually of fabrics such as silk, fine and translucent. So fine or gauzy in texture as to be transparent or translucent. Vague or indistinct; airy. (CDC)
diaspora (noun)
The dispersion of the Jews beyond Israel. The dispersion of any people from their original homeland. The people so dispersed. (OD)
The dispersion of Jews outside of Israel from the sixth century BC, when they were exiled to Babylonia, until the present time. The body of Jews or Jewish communities outside Palestine or modern Israel. A dispersion of a people from their original homeland. The community formed by such a people. (AHD)
The Jews living outside Israel. The settling of scattered communities of Jews outside ancient Palestine after the Babylonian exile. The area outside ancient Palestine settled by Jews. People settled far from their ancestral homelands. The places where people settled and established communities far from their ancestral homelands. The movement, migration, or scattering of a people away from an established or ancestral homeland. (MW)
A group of people who spread from one original country to other countries, or the act of spreading in this way. The Jews living in different parts of the world outside Israel, or the various places outside Israel in which they live. The scattering of people from their original country to other places. The forced movement of Jews from Israel. The Jews who live outside of Israel. (CD)
A large group of people with a similar heritage or homeland who have since moved out to places all over the world. Any large migration of refugees, language, or culture. The dispersion or spreading of something that was originally localized, as a people or language or culture. The body of Jews or Jewish communities outside Israel. (VC)
diddly-squat (noun) or just diddly
Anything. (CD)
A group of people who spread from one original country to other countries, or the act of spreading in this way. The Jews living in different parts of the world outside Israel, or the various places outside Israel in which they live. The scattering of people from their original country to other places. The forced movement of Jews from Israel. The Jews who live outside of Israel. (CD)
A large group of people with a similar heritage or homeland who have since moved out to places all over the world. Any large migration of refugees, language, or culture. The dispersion or spreading of something that was originally localized, as a people or language or culture. The body of Jews or Jewish communities outside Israel. (VC)
diddly-squat (noun) or just diddly
Anything. (CD)
A small worthless amount. (VC)
The least amount; anything at all. (MW)
A small or worthless amount. (AHD)
Anything at all or of any consequence. Worthless, mediocre, etc. (CDC)
As a mass noun: Nothing at all; or in negative constructions: Anything. (OED)
diddly (adjective): Insignificant, trifling. (OD)
Note: When used to mean anything, it is always negative, as in: That does not mean diddly-squat.
diffident (adjective)
Shy and not confident of your abilities. (CD)
As a mass noun: Nothing at all; or in negative constructions: Anything. (OED)
diddly (adjective): Insignificant, trifling. (OD)
Note: When used to mean anything, it is always negative, as in: That does not mean diddly-squat.
diffident (adjective)
Shy and not confident of your abilities. (CD)
Modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence. (NOA)
Hesitant in acting or speaking through lack of self-confidence. Reserved, unassertive. (MW)
Lacking or marked by a lack of self-confidence; shy and timid. (AHD)
Showing modest reserve. Lacking self-confidence. Reserved and restrained. (VC)
dilatory (adjective)
Slow to act. Intended to cause delay. (NOA)
Lacking or marked by a lack of self-confidence; shy and timid. (AHD)
Showing modest reserve. Lacking self-confidence. Reserved and restrained. (VC)
dilatory (adjective)
Slow to act. Intended to cause delay. (NOA)
Slow and likely to cause delay. (CD)
Tending or intended to cause delay. Characterized by procrastination; tardy. (MW)
Causing or intended to cause delay. Characterized by or given to delay or slowness. (AHD)
Tending or inclined to delay or waste time. Intended or designed to waste time or defer action. Causing or tending to cause delay; meant to gain time, defer action, etc. Inclined to delay; slow or late in doing things. (CDC)
Tending or inclined to delay or waste time. Intended or designed to waste time or defer action. Causing or tending to cause delay; meant to gain time, defer action, etc. Inclined to delay; slow or late in doing things. (CDC)
dilatorily (adverb)
dilatoriness (noun)
dillydally (verb) also dilly-dally
To waste time by loitering or delaying; dawdle. (MW)
Waste time through aimless wandering or indecision. (NOA)
dilatoriness (noun)
dillydally (verb) also dilly-dally
To waste time by loitering or delaying; dawdle. (MW)
Waste time through aimless wandering or indecision. (NOA)
To waste time, especially in indecision; dawdle or vacillate. (AHD)
To waste time, especially by being slow, or by not being able to make a decision. (CD)
Postpone doing what one should be doing. Dawdle or waste time. Procrastinate. (VC)
Postpone doing what one should be doing. Dawdle or waste time. Procrastinate. (VC)
See: Note on Terms Describing Wasteful Use of Time
dimorphic (adjective)
Biology, Botany, Zoology, Mineralogy
Occurring in or representing two distinct forms. As in: Sexually dimorphic species. (NOA)
Existing or occurring in two distinct forms; exhibiting dimorphism. (AHD)
Occurring in two distinct forms. As in: Sexually dimorphic coloration in birds. (MW)
Occurring or existing in two different forms. (VC)
The differences in appearance between males and females of the same species, such as in color, shape, size, and structure, that are caused by the inheritance of one or the other sexual pattern in the genetic material. (EB)
dimorphism (noun): The existence of two different forms (as of color or size) of a species especially in the same population. (MW)
Note: As the VC definition infers, the distinction need not be biological.
disapprobation (noun)
Moral or social disapproval. (CDC)
Strong feelings of not approving of something or someone. (CD)
The act or state of disapproving; the state of being disapproved; condemnation. (MW)
See: approbation
discombobulate (verb)
Disconcert or confuse someone. (NOA)
See: approbation
discombobulate (verb)
Disconcert or confuse someone. (NOA)
To throw into a state of confusion. (AHD)
To confuse someone or make someone feel uncomfortable. (CD)
Upset, confuse. To cause to be in a state of confusion; upset, disorient. (MW)
Upset, confuse. To cause to be in a state of confusion; upset, disorient. (MW)
To throw into confusion. To upset the composure of; disconcert. (CDC)
Cause to be confused emotionally. Be confusing to, or perplexing to; cause to be unable to think clearly. (VC)
discommodious (adjective)
Inconvenient, troublesome. (MW)
Causing inconvenience or annoyance. (CDC)
Cause someone trouble or inconvenience. (OD)
Inconvenient; troublesome. Incommodious: Not affording ease or advantage; unsuitable; giving trouble; inconvenient; annoying. (WUD)
Causing inconvenience or discomfort. It is often used to describe something that is not easy, convenient, or comfortable. The term is somewhat archaic and not commonly used in modern English, but it can be found in older texts or in contexts where a more formal or antiquated vocabulary is employed. (Grok)
discursive (adjective)
Digressing from subject to subject. (NOA)
Covering a wide field of subjects; rambling. (AHD)
Moving from topic to topic without order; rambling. (MW)
Talking about or dealing with subjects that are only slightly connected with the main subject for longer than necessary. (CD)
If a style of writing is discursive, it includes a lot of facts or opinions that are not necessarily relevant. Passing from one topic to another, usually in an unmethodical way; digressive. Wandering from one topic to another; skimming over many apparently unconnected subjects; rambling; desultory; digressive. Passing aimlessly from one subject to another; digressive; rambling. (CDC)
dispassion (noun)
Objectivity and detachment. (VC)
Lack of strong emotion or personal feelings. (OD)
Freedom from passion, bias, or emotion; objectivity. (AHD)
Absence of passion; coolness. (MW)
Detachment; objectivity. The state or quality of being unemotional or emotionally uninvolved. (CDC)
dispassionate (adjective)
disposition (noun)
disposition (noun) (1 of 6):
A person's inherent qualities of mind and character. (NOA)
Temperamental makeup. The usual attitude or mood of a person or animal. (MW)
One's usual mood; temperament. Prevailing frame of mind or spirit. (AHD)
disposition (noun) (2 of 6)
An inclination or tendency. (NOA)
A habitual inclination; a tendency. (AHD)
The tendency of something to act in a certain manner under given circumstances. The tendency to act or think in a particular way. (MW)
disposition (noun) (3 of 6):
The way in which something is placed or arranged, especially in relation to other things. The action of arranging people or things in a particular way. (NOA)
Orderly arrangement. (MW)
Arrangement, positioning, or distribution. (AHD)
disposition (noun) (4 of 6)
Final arrangement; settlement (the disposition of the case). (MW)
The final outcome or status of a legal case. It indicates the conclusion or settlement of a legal matter, whether it’s a criminal charge or a civil lawsuit. (JPS Law)
disposition (noun) (5 of 6)
The distribution or transfer of property or money to someone especially by bequest. (NOA)
The transfer to the care or possession of another. (MW)
An act of disposing; a bestowal or transfer to another. (AHD)
The process of selling something or formally giving it to someone. (CD)
As in: disposition of assets and acquisition and disposition.
disposition (noun) (6 of 6)
The power to deal with something as one pleases. (NOA)
The power or liberty to control, direct, or dispose. (AHD)
Note: Formal dictionaries do not divide their entries for disposition as I have here. Nevertheless, I prefer this disposition of disposition.
dissimulation (noun)
Concealment of one’s thoughts, feelings, or character; pretense. (NOA)
dissimulate (verb): To hide under a false appearance. (MW)
dissimulation (noun)
Concealment of one’s thoughts, feelings, or character; pretense. (NOA)
dissimulate (verb): To hide under a false appearance. (MW)
The fact of trying to hide your real feelings, character, or intentions. (CD)
To conceal one's intentions, under a feigned appearance. To conceal one's true feelings or intentions. (AHD)
The act of deceiving. The act of faking your true feelings. (VC)
The act of concealing one's true thoughts, feelings, or intentions, often by pretending or misleading others. It involves hiding the truth or one's real nature through deceit, pretense, or hypocrisy. Essentially, it's about presenting a false appearance or feigning ignorance to deceive or manipulate others. (Grok)
diurnal (adjective)
Of or during the day. Daily; of each day. (NOA)
Relating to or occurring in a 24-hour period; daily. Occurring or active during the daytime rather than at night. (AHD)
diurnal (adjective)
Of or during the day. Daily; of each day. (NOA)
Relating to or occurring in a 24-hour period; daily. Occurring or active during the daytime rather than at night. (AHD)
Active chiefly in the daytime. Of, relating to, or occurring in the daytime. Recurring every day. Having a daily cycle. (MW)
Being active or happening during the day rather than at night. Happening over a period of a day. (CD)
doddery (adjective)
Slow and unsteady in movement because of weakness in old age. (NOA)
Weak and unable to walk in a normal way, usually because you are old. (CD)
Showing or involving a loss of physical or cognitive abilities in old age. (MW)
Mentally or physically infirm with age. (VC)
dodgy (adjective)
Dishonest or unreliable. Potentially dangerous. Of low quality. (NOA)
Evasive, tricky. Not sound, good, or reliable. Questionable, suspicious. (MW)
doddery (adjective)
Slow and unsteady in movement because of weakness in old age. (NOA)
Weak and unable to walk in a normal way, usually because you are old. (CD)
Showing or involving a loss of physical or cognitive abilities in old age. (MW)
Mentally or physically infirm with age. (VC)
dodgy (adjective)
Dishonest or unreliable. Potentially dangerous. Of low quality. (NOA)
Evasive, tricky. Not sound, good, or reliable. Questionable, suspicious. (MW)
Risky, difficult, or dangerous. Uncertain or unreliable; tricky. Evasive. (CDC)
Evasive; shifty. Unsound, unstable, and unreliable. So risky as to require very deft handling. (AHD)
Evasive; shifty. Unsound, unstable, and unreliable. So risky as to require very deft handling. (AHD)
Dishonest. Likely to fail or cause problems. Likely to break or cause pain. Likely to be dishonest or illegal. (CD)
Of uncertain outcome; especially fraught with risk. Marked by skill in deception. Risky and suspicious. Skilled in lying and deceiving. Untrustworthy, evasive, cunning, sly. (VC)
drivel (noun)
Of uncertain outcome; especially fraught with risk. Marked by skill in deception. Risky and suspicious. Skilled in lying and deceiving. Untrustworthy, evasive, cunning, sly. (VC)
drivel (noun)
Nonsense. (NOA)
Stupid or senseless talk. (AHD)
Idiotic utterance; silly nonsense; twaddle. Foolish or silly words; nonsense. (OED)
A worthless message. Useless, boring, nonsensical information. (VC)
Nonsense or boring and unnecessary information. Something written or said that is completely worthless. (CD)
verb: To drivel, driveling, as in: He was driveling on about his sick parrot.
See: balderdash, guff, malarkey, piffle, taradiddle, tripe
See: Note on Terms for Describing Nonsense
dross (noun)
dross (noun)
Something regarded as worthless; rubbish. (NOA)
Something that is base, trivial, or inferior. (MW)
Something that has no use or no value. (CD)
Worthless, commonplace, or trivial matter. (AHD)
Something that is base, trivial, or inferior. (MW)
Something that has no use or no value. (CD)
Worthless, commonplace, or trivial matter. (AHD)
Worthless matter; waste. Waste matter; worthless stuff; rubbish. (CDC)
dryasdust (adjective) Also: dry-as-dust
Boring. (MW)
dryasdust (adjective) Also: dry-as-dust
Boring. (MW)
A dull, pedantic speaker or writer. (AHD)
A boring, pedantic speaker or writer. Dull and boring. (NOA)
A boring, pedantic speaker or writer. Dull and boring. (NOA)
A dull, boring, pedantic person. Completely lacking in interest and stimulation. (CDC)
Grok: Used to describe something or someone that is extremely dull, boring, or lacking in interest, particularly in relation to academic or scholarly pursuits. The term often connotes a style of writing or presentation that is pedantic, overly detailed, and devoid of vitality or engagement. It originates from the character Dr. Dryasdust in Sir Walter Scott's novel Ivanhoe, where he represents the antithesis of engaging historical narrative with his tedious, fact-laden approach to history. (Grok)
dunnage (noun)
Grok: Used to describe something or someone that is extremely dull, boring, or lacking in interest, particularly in relation to academic or scholarly pursuits. The term often connotes a style of writing or presentation that is pedantic, overly detailed, and devoid of vitality or engagement. It originates from the character Dr. Dryasdust in Sir Walter Scott's novel Ivanhoe, where he represents the antithesis of engaging historical narrative with his tedious, fact-laden approach to history. (Grok)
dunnage (noun)
Loose wood, matting, or similar material used to keep a cargo in position in a ship's hold. (NOA)
Loose packing material used to protect a ship's cargo from damage during transport. (AHD)
Loose materials used to support and protect cargo in a ship's hold. Padding in a shipping container. (MW)
Loose material used for packing cargo. A loose packing material put around cargo for protection. (CDC)
In the context of shipping manufactured goods, dunnage refers to the packing material used as protective fill inside the carton, box, or other type container, used to prevent the merchandise from being damaged during shipment. These materials include bubble wrap; wadded, crumbled or shredded paper; styrofoam; inflated air packs; and other materials. (Wikipedia)
Dunning-Kruger effect (psychological concept)
Dunning-Kruger effect (psychological concept)
Designating a postulated cognitive bias whereby people who have little ability in, or knowledge of, a particular task or subject tend to overestimate their capabilities, while those who are highly skilled or knowledgeable may tend to underestimate theirs. (OED)
EB:
In psychology, a cognitive bias whereby people with limited knowledge or competence in a given intellectual or social domain greatly overestimate their own knowledge or competence in that domain relative to objective criteria or to the performance of their peers or of people in general. The effect is explained by the fact that the metacognitive ability to recognize deficiencies in one’s own knowledge or competence requires that one possess at least a minimum level of the same kind of knowledge or competence, which those who exhibit the effect have not attained. Because they are unaware of their deficiencies, such people generally assume that they are not deficient, in keeping with the tendency of most people to choose what they think is the most reasonable and optimal option.
(EB)
Grok:
A cognitive bias where individuals with lower ability tend to overestimate their competence in a specific area, while those with higher ability may underestimate their own competence. Here's a breakdown of the effect:
Overestimation by the Incompetent: People who are unskilled in a particular domain often suffer from illusory superiority, rating their ability as much higher than it actually is. They lack the metacognitive ability to recognize their own incompetence because the skills required for competence are the same skills necessary to recognize competence.
Underestimation by the Competent: Conversely, those who are highly skilled might underestimate their abilities because they mistakenly assume that tasks which are easy for them are also easy for others. This can lead to an underestimation of their relative competence.
(Grok)
dystopia (noun)
An imagined place or state in which everything is unpleasant or bad, typically a totalitarian or environmentally degraded one. An imagined state or society in which there is great suffering or injustice, typically one that is totalitarian or post-apocalyptic. (OD)
An imaginary place or state in which the condition of life is extremely bad, as from deprivation, oppression, or terror. (AHD)
A very bad or unfair society in which there is a lot of suffering, especially an imaginary society in the future, after something terrible has happened. (CD)
An imagined world or society in which people lead wretched, dehumanized, fearful lives. Anti-utopia. (MW)
State in which the conditions of life are extremely bad as from deprivation or oppression or terror. (VC)
An imaginary place where everything is as bad as it can be. A hypothetical place, society, or situation in which conditions and the quality of life are dreadful. (CDC)
Here is a Grok summary of dystopia.
dystopian (adjective)
dystopian (adjective)