Advanced English (2) • NOUNS • 'D'

noun [U ] C2 • synonyms: propriety, dignity, civility • basic decency / show decency / common decency • freq in AmE: 6/10

behavior that conforms to accepted standards of morality, respectability, or civility; the quality of being proper, modest, or considerate

collocation with decency noun [U ] C2 • cross / go beyond / stay within the bounds of decency • freq in AmE: 5/10

the limits of acceptable, respectful, or morally appropriate behavior — often used to criticize actions that cross ethical or social lines

collocation with decency noun [U ] C2 • have the decency to apologize / to admit / to call; someone didn’t even have the decency to do something • freq in AmE: 6/10

to behave in a way that shows basic respect, responsibility, or moral awareness — especially when someone might expect an apology, explanation, or gesture of integrity

noun [C or U ] C1 • synonyms: betrayal, desertion, abandonment • political defection / defection from ideals / defection to the enemy • freq in AmE: 5/10

the act of abandoning allegiance, loyalty, or commitment to a cause, group, or set of values — often in favor of an opposing side

noun [C usually singular or U ] C1 US formal (UK demeanour) • synonyms: manner, attitude • calm/confident/professional demeanor; maintain/project/adopt/criticize someone’s demeanor; demeanor under pressure/in public/in conflict • freq in AmE: 6/10

a person’s outward behavior, manner, or way of presenting themselves — especially in terms of attitude, emotional tone, or social presence

collocation with demeanor noun [C usually singular ] C1 • synonyms: restrained attitude, subdued manner, understated presence • low-key demeanor under pressure/in public/in leadership; maintain/project/adopt a low-key demeanor • freq in AmE: 3/10

a calm, restrained, and understated way of behaving or presenting oneself — often marked by emotional control, quiet confidence, or deliberate avoidance of attention

noun [C or U ] C1 • synonyms: death, downfall, collapse • demise of empire/tradition/industry; mourn/hasten/witness demise • freq in AmE: 6/10

the end or failure of something, especially a system, institution, or era; also used formally to refer to death, particularly of a person in high position

noun [U ] C2 • synonyms: resistance, rebellion, disobedience • act of defiance; in the defiance of something; defiance of rules/authority; respond in defiance • freq in AmE: 6/10

behavior that shows open resistance or refusal to obey authority, rules, or expectations

collocation with defiance noun [U ] C2 • synonyms: gesture of rebellion, protest, symbolic resistance • a bold/quiet act of defiance; against rules/authority; seen as defiance • freq in AmE: 7/10

a deliberate action that openly resists authority, rules, or expectations; a symbolic or practical gesture of rebellion or refusal to comply

collocation with defiance noun [U ] C2 • synonyms: against, despite, contrary to • in defiance of law/orders/authority; act/speak in defiance of • formal, rhetorical, often political • freq in AmE: 7/10

used to describe actions that deliberately go against rules, orders, expectations, or authority — often with a tone of resistance, protest, or disregard

noun [C or U ] C1 • synonyms: anti-utopia, nightmare society, oppressive system • dystopian future/society/vision; live in/escape a dystopia; totalitarian/technocratic dystopia • freq in AmE: 7/10

an imagined society that is deeply flawed, oppressive, or nightmarish — often characterized by totalitarian control, environmental collapse, or loss of individual freedom