More examples: de words

The prefix de often brings a sense of removal or reversal to a word. The long /e/ sound in this prefix is spelled with the letter e. For instance, delete means to remove, while defend means to protect or push back.

Practising these de words will help you understand their meanings and how they’re used in daily language. Explore the list below to get started.

decent
The restaurant serves decent portions.
defeat
The team were dismayed by the defeat.
defend
The fox will attack a cat to defend her cubs. *
degree
Valentine worked very hard to obtain her degree.
delete
I'll delete some emails to clear space in my folder.
delight
Linda screamed with delight when she opened the present.
demand
There is a great demand for tickets to the Olympics.
depend
I depend on my Mum to drive me to school. *
deserve
She thought her friend didn't deserve the punishment.