Vocabulary Word Meanings: From Desultory, Dexterity to Doleful

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Desultory

adj- lacking a plan; aimless

Also used as: Desultorily- adv; desultoriness- noun

The team leader՚s desultory approach to the project frustrated everyone involved.

Dexterity

noun- high level of skill especially with the hands; adroitness

Also used as: Dexterous- adj-

Ambidextrous 32

My grandmother՚s dexterity helped her produce beautiful quilts.

Discerning

adj- insightful; perceptive

Also used as: Discern- verb; discernible- adj

She has a discerning nature, which allows her to understand her clients on a dep level.

Discord

noun- disagreement; dissonance, disunity

Also used as: Discordant- adj; discordantly – adv

A certain amount of discord is expected within every family.

Discourse

noun- exchange of ideas; conversation

Also used as: Discourse- verb

We anticipated a heated debate, but the discourse remained civil.

Disdain

noun- a feeling of scorn or contempt

Also used as: Disdain- verb; disdainful- adj

Ethel loved her son but treated his wife with disdain.

Distended

adj- swollen; extended

Also used as: Distend- verb; distension or distention – noun

The toxins had greatly distended the man՚s body.

Dogmatic

adj- sticking to widely-accepted belief, even when faced with contrary evidence; closed minded

Also used as: Dogma, dogmatism- nouns

Religious dogma must somehow allow for social change.

Doleful

adj- extremely sad

Dolorous, doldrums, and condolences

Her doleful eyes told the story of a difficult life.