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TOEFL iBT Society and culture

Academic Foundations: Society & community

High-utility language for lectures, readings, and classroom ideas. Focus: society & community.

Independent TOEFL iBT study resource — not official exam material.

  • Teens and up
  • Friends & social life
  • Confident · B2
  • 250 words
Play word detective with these words All 6 ways to practise

The words

Every word in this set, with what it means. Tap a word to hear it.

caste
A caste is one of the traditional social classes into which people are divided in a Hindu society
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “caste.””
parliament
the group of people who are elected to make a country’s laws and discuss important national affairs
“The speaker used the word “parliament” while explaining the community decision problem.”
culture
the beliefs, way of life, art, and customs that are shared and accepted by people in a particular society
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “culture.””
govern
to officially and legally control a country and make all the decisions about taxes, laws, public services etc
“The speaker explains how “govern” is used in a report about the community decision.”
republic
a country governed by elected representatives of the people, and led by a president, not a king or queen
“Learners saw the word “republic” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
nation
a country, considered especially in relation to its people and its social or economic structure
“The speaker used the word “nation” while explaining the community decision problem.”
public
relating to all the ordinary people in a country, who are not members of the government or do not have important jobs
“During the community decision discussion, “public” signals a particular quality.”
suppress
to stop people from opposing the government, especially by using force
“The speaker explains how “suppress” is used in a report about the community decision.”
individualism
the belief that the rights and freedom of individual people are the most important rights in a society
“Learners saw the word “individualism” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
census
an official process of counting a country’s population and finding out about the people
“The speaker used the word “census” while explaining the community decision problem.”
combination
a mixture of different people or things that work successfully together
“A clear definition of the word “combination” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
history
all the things that happened in the past, especially the political, social, or economic development of a nation
“Learners saw the word “history” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
socialization
the process by which people, especially children, are made to behave in a way that is acceptable in their society
“The speaker used the word “socialization” while explaining the community decision problem.”
oppress
to treat a group of people unfairly or cruelly, and prevent them from having the same rights that other people in society have
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “oppress” describes an action or change.”
pageant
A pageant is a colourful public procession, show, or ceremony. Pageants are usually held outdoors and often celebrate events or people from history.
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “pageant.””
bylaw
a law made by a local government that people in that area must obey
“A clear definition of the word “bylaw” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
agitate
to argue strongly in public for something you want, especially a political or social change
“A clear example helps learners use “agitate” in a sentence about the community decision.”
obligate
to make someone have to do something, because it is the law, their duty, or the right thing to do
“A clear example helps learners use “obligate” in a sentence about the community decision.”
law
the whole system of rules that people in a particular country or area must obey
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “law.””
restoration
the act of bringing back a law, tax, or system of government
“Learners saw the word “restoration” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
sound
to publicly give a warning or tell people to be careful
“The speaker explains how “sound” is used in a report about the community decision.”
society
people in general, considered in relation to the laws, organizations etc that make it possible for them to live together
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “society.””
claimant
someone who claims something, especially money, from the government, a court etc because they think they have a right to it
“The speaker used the word “claimant” while explaining the community decision problem.”
image
the opinion people have of a person, organization, product etc, or the way a person, organization etc seems to be to the public
“A clear definition of the word “image” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
statement
something you say or write, especially publicly or officially, to let people know your intentions or opinions, or to record facts
“The speaker used the word “statement” while explaining the community decision problem.”
morality
beliefs or ideas about what is right and wrong and about how people should behave
“The speaker used the word “morality” while explaining the community decision problem.”
mixture
a combination of two or more different things, feelings, or types of people
“Learners saw the word “mixture” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
equality
a situation in which people have the same rights, advantages etc
“Learners saw the word “equality” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
agitation
public argument or action for social or political change
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “agitation.””
community
the people who live in the same area, town etc
“The speaker used the word “community” while explaining the community decision problem.”
firebrand
someone who tries to make people angry about a law, government etc so that they will try to change it
“The speaker used the word “firebrand” while explaining the community decision problem.”
uprising
an attempt by a group of people to change the government, laws etc in an area or country
“The speaker used the word “uprising” while explaining the community decision problem.”
repressive
a repressive government or law controls people in a cruel and severe way
“The report describes the community decision issue as repressive.”
social
relating to human society and its organization, or the quality of people’s lives
“During the community decision discussion, “social” signals a particular quality.”
forfeit
to lose a right, position, possession etc or have it taken away from you because you have broken a law or rule
“A clear example helps learners use “forfeit” in a sentence about the community decision.”
aristocracy
the people in the highest social class, who traditionally have a lot of land, money, and power
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “aristocracy.””
council
a group of people that are chosen to make rules, laws, or decisions, or to give advice
“The speaker used the word “council” while explaining the community decision problem.”
socialism
an economic and political system in which large industries are owned by the government, and taxes are used to take some wealth away from richer citizens and give it to poorer citizens
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “socialism.””
democracy
a system of government in which every citizen in the country can vote to elect its government officials
“A clear definition of the word “democracy” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
socialize
to train someone to behave in a way that is acceptable in the society they are living in
“A clear example helps learners use “socialize” in a sentence about the community decision.”
constitution
a set of basic laws and principles that a country or organization is governed by
“A clear definition of the word “constitution” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
exhibit
to show something in a public place so that people can go to see it
“The speaker explains how “exhibit” is used in a report about the community decision.”
infringe
to do something that is against a law or someone’s legal rights
“Learners hear “infringe” while following the community decision explanation.”
population
the number of people living in a particular area, country etc
“A clear definition of the word “population” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
nationality
the state of being legally a citizen of a particular country
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “nationality.””
Festival
a special occasion when people celebrate something such as a religious event, and there is often a public holiday
“Learners saw the word “festival” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
forum
an organization, meeting, TV programme etc where people have a chance to publicly discuss an important subject
“The speaker used the word “forum” while explaining the community decision problem.”
foment
to cause trouble and make people start fighting each other or opposing the government
“The speaker explains how “foment” is used in a report about the community decision.”
media
all the organizations, such as television, radio, and newspapers, that provide news and information for the public, or the people who do this work
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “media.””
propaganda
information which is false or which emphasizes just one part of a situation, used by a government or political group to make people agree with them
“The speaker used the word “propaganda” while explaining the community decision problem.”
pluralism
when people of many different races, religions, and political beliefs live together in the same society, or the belief that this can happen successfully
“The speaker used the word “pluralism” while explaining the community decision problem.”
disturbance
a situation in which people behave violently in public
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “disturbance.””
repeal
if a government repeals a law, it officially ends that law
“The speaker explains how “repeal” is used in a report about the community decision.”
power
the ability or right to control people or events
“The speaker used the word “power” while explaining the community decision problem.”
federal
a federal country or system of government consists of a group of states which control their own affairs, but which are also controlled by a single national government which makes decisions on foreign affairs, defence etc
“During the community decision discussion, “federal” signals a particular quality.”
canon
a standard, rule, or principle, or set of these, that are believed by a group of people to be right and good
“A clear definition of the word “canon” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
lawyer
someone whose job is to advise people about laws, write formal agreements, or represent people in court
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “lawyer.””
practice
something that people do often, especially a particular way of doing something or a social or religious custom
“A clear definition of the word “practice” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
inviolable
an inviolable right, law, principle etc is extremely important and should be treated with respect and not broken or removed
“The speaker uses “inviolable” to characterize the community decision situation.”
parade
a public celebration when musical bands, brightly decorated vehicles etc move down the street
“The speaker used the word “parade” while explaining the community decision problem.”
arbiter
someone who influences society’s opinions about what is stylish , socially acceptable etc
“The speaker used the word “arbiter” while explaining the community decision problem.”
custom
something that is done by people in a particular society because it is traditional
“A clear definition of the word “custom” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
prerogative
a right that someone has, especially because of their importance or social position
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “prerogative.””
subjection
when a person or a group of people are controlled by a government or by another person
“Learners saw the word “subjection” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
Cross
an upright post of wood with another crossing it near the top, that people in the past were fastened to with nails and left to die on as a punishment
“Learners saw the word “cross” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
orthodoxy
an idea or set of ideas that is accepted by most people to be correct and right
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “orthodoxy.””
suffrage
the right to vote in national elections
“A clear definition of the word “suffrage” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
nationalism
the desire by a group of people of the same race, origin, language etc to form an independent country
“A clear definition of the word “nationalism” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
party
a social event when a lot of people meet together to enjoy themselves by eating, drinking, dancing etc
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “party.””
police
the people who work for an official organization whose job is to catch criminals and make sure that people obey the law
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “police.””
seditious
A seditious act, speech, or piece of writing encourages people to fight against or oppose the government
“The speaker uses “seditious” to characterize the community decision situation.”
zeitgeist
the general spirit or feeling of a period in history, as shown by people’s ideas and beliefs at the time
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “zeitgeist.””
nobility
the group of people in some countries who belong to the highest social class and have titles such as ‘Duke’ or ‘Countess’
“Learners saw the word “nobility” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
plebeian
relating to ordinary people and what they like, rather than to people from a high social class – used to show disapproval
“The report describes the community decision issue as plebeian.”
immunity
the state or right of being protected from particular laws or from unpleasant things
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “immunity.””
national
someone who is a citizen of a particular country but is living in another country
“Learners saw the word “national” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
sedition
speech, writing, or actions intended to encourage people to disobey a government
“A clear definition of the word “sedition” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
tax
an amount of money that you must pay to the government according to your income, property, goods etc and that is used to pay for public services
“The speaker used the word “tax” while explaining the community decision problem.”
mix
the particular combination of things or people in a group or thing
“Learners saw the word “mix” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
profile
a short description that gives important details about a person, a group of people, or a place
“The speaker used the word “profile” while explaining the community decision problem.”
prosecute
to charge someone with a crime and try to show that they are guilty of it in a court of law
“Learners hear “prosecute” while following the community decision explanation.”
spectrum
a complete range of opinions, people, situations etc, going from one extreme to its opposite
“A clear definition of the word “spectrum” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
testimony
a formal statement saying that something is true, especially one a witness makes in a court of law
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “testimony.””
absence
when you are not in the place where people expect you to be, or the time that you are away
“The speaker used the word “absence” while explaining the community decision problem.”
circular
a printed advertisement, notice etc that is sent to lots of people at the same time
“The speaker used the word “circular” while explaining the community decision problem.”
dominate
to control someone or something or to have more importance than other people or things
“The speaker explains how “dominate” is used in a report about the community decision.”
enfranchise
to give a group of people the right to vote
“Learners hear “enfranchise” while following the community decision explanation.”
hierarchy
a system of organization in which people or things are divided into levels of importance
“A clear definition of the word “hierarchy” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
integrate
to become part of a group or society and be accepted by them, or to help someone do this（
“A clear example helps learners use “integrate” in a sentence about the community decision.”
autonomy
freedom that a place or an organization has to govern or control itself
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “autonomy.””
column
a tall solid upright stone post used to support a building or as a decoration
“Learners saw the word “column” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
personality
someone’s character, especially the way they behave towards other people
“Learners saw the word “personality” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
recruit
to find new people to work in a company, join an organization, do a job etc
“Learners hear “recruit” while following the community decision explanation.”
acknowledge
to accept that someone or something has authority over people
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “acknowledge” describes an action or change.”
brief
a short spoken or written statement giving facts about a law case
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “brief.””
bureau
a government department or a part of a government department in the US
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “bureau.””
differentiate
to recognize or express the difference between things or people
“Learners hear “differentiate” while following the community decision explanation.”
disguise
to change someone’s appearance so that people cannot recognize them
“The speaker explains how “disguise” is used in a report about the community decision.”
focus
the thing, person, situation etc that people pay special attention to
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “focus.””
isolate
to separate one person, group, or thing from other people or things
“The speaker explains how “isolate” is used in a report about the community decision.”
violent
someone who is violent is likely to attack, hurt, or kill other people
“The speaker uses “violent” to characterize the community decision situation.”
comparison
the process of comparing two or more people or things
“A clear definition of the word “comparison” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
minority
a small group of people or things within a much larger group
“A clear definition of the word “minority” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
penalty
a punishment for breaking a law, rule, or legal agreement
“The speaker used the word “penalty” while explaining the community decision problem.”
prejudice
an un-reasonable dislike and distrust of people who are different from you in some way, especially because of their race, sex, religion etc – used to show disapproval
“A clear definition of the word “prejudice” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
advocate
someone who publicly supports someone or something
“A clear definition of the word “advocate” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
dubious
probably not honest, true, right etc
“During the community decision discussion, “dubious” signals a particular quality.”
contingent
a group of people who all have something in common, such as their nationality, beliefs etc, and who are part of a larger group
“The speaker used the word “contingent” while explaining the community decision problem.”
coup
a sudden and sometimes violent attempt by citizens or the army to take control of the government
“A clear definition of the word “coup” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
flame
to burn brightly
“The speaker explains how “flame” is used in a report about the community decision.”
gazette
an official newspaper, especially one from the government giving important lists of people who have been employed by them etc
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “gazette.””
insurgent
one of a group of people fighting against the government of their own country, or against authority
“A clear definition of the word “insurgent” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
carnival
a public event at which people play music, wear special clothes, and dance in the streets
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “carnival.””
migration
the movement of large numbers of people, birds or animals from one place to another
“Learners saw the word “migration” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
Republican
relating to or supporting a system of government that is not led by a king or queen
“The speaker uses “republican” to characterize the community decision situation.”
disco
a place or social event at which people dance to recorded popular music
“Learners saw the word “disco” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
collective
a group of people who work together to run something such as a business or farm, and who share the profits equally
“Learners saw the word “collective” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
compulsory
something that is compulsory must be done because it is the law or because someone in authority orders you to
“The speaker uses “compulsory” to characterize the community decision situation.”
controversial
causing a lot of disagreement, because many people have strong opinions about the subject being discussed
“During the community decision discussion, “controversial” signals a particular quality.”
cultural
belonging or relating to a particular society and its way of life
“The report describes the community decision issue as cultural.”
hypothesis
an idea that is suggested as an explanation for something, but that has not yet been proved to be true
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “hypothesis.””
predominant
If something is predominant, it is more important or noticeable than anything else in a set of people or things
“The speaker uses “predominant” to characterize the community decision situation.”
agreement
an arrangement or promise to do something, made by two or more people, companies, organizations etc
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “agreement.””
cabinet
the politicians with important positions in a government who meet to make decisions or advise the leader of the government
“Learners saw the word “cabinet” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
citizenship
the legal right of belonging to a particular country
“Learners saw the word “citizenship” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
era
a period of time in history that is known for a particular event, or for particular qualities
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “era.””
indigenous
indigenous people or things have always been in the place where they are, rather than being brought there from somewhere else
“The speaker uses “indigenous” to characterize the community decision situation.”
path
a track that has been made deliberately or made by many people walking over the same ground
“The speaker used the word “path” while explaining the community decision problem.”
reservoir
a lake, especially an artificial one, where water is stored before it is supplied to people’s houses
“The speaker used the word “reservoir” while explaining the community decision problem.”
revert
When people or things revert to a previous state, system, or type of behaviour, they go back to it
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “revert” describes an action or change.”
tribe
a social group consisting of people of the same race who have the same beliefs, customs, language etc, and usually live in one particular area ruled by their leader
“Learners saw the word “tribe” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
controversy
a serious argument about something that involves many people and continues for a long time
“Learners saw the word “controversy” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
desolate
a place that is desolate is empty and looks sad because there are no people there
“The speaker uses “desolate” to characterize the community decision situation.”
eccentric
someone who behaves in a way that is different from what is usual or socially accepted
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “eccentric.””
flag
an expression meaning a country or organization and its beliefs, values, and people
“Learners saw the word “flag” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
gossip
someone who likes talking about other people’s private lives – used to show disapproval
“The speaker used the word “gossip” while explaining the community decision problem.”
morale
the level of confidence and positive feelings that people have, especially people who work together, who belong to the same team etc
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “morale.””
nutrition
the process of giving or getting the right type of food for good health and growth
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “nutrition.””
prevalent
common at a particular time, in a particular place, or among a particular group of people
“The speaker uses “prevalent” to characterize the community decision situation.”
respondent
someone who has to defend their own case in a law court, especially in a divorce case
“Learners saw the word “respondent” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
slander
to say false things about someone in order to damage other people’s good opinion of them
“The speaker explains how “slander” is used in a report about the community decision.”
tolerate
to allow people to do, say, or believe something without criticizing or punishing them
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “tolerate” describes an action or change.”
alien
someone who is not a legal citizen of the country they are living or working in
“The speaker used the word “alien” while explaining the community decision problem.”
autonomous
an autonomous place or organization is free to govern or control itself
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as autonomous.”
eradicate
to completely get rid of something such as a disease or a social problem
“Learners hear “eradicate” while following the community decision explanation.”
ethnic
relating to a particular race, nation, or tribe and their customs and traditions
“During the community decision discussion, “ethnic” signals a particular quality.”
influential
having a lot of influence and therefore changing the way people think and behave
“During the community decision discussion, “influential” signals a particular quality.”
insight
the ability to understand and realize what people or situations are really like
“Learners saw the word “insight” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
integrity
the quality of being honest and strong about what you believe to be right
“A clear definition of the word “integrity” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
plague
a disease that causes death and spreads quickly to a large number of people
“Learners saw the word “plague” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
proclaim
to say publicly or officially that something important is true or exists
“A clear example helps learners use “proclaim” in a sentence about the community decision.”
widespread
existing or happening in many places or situations, or among many people
“The report describes the community decision issue as widespread.”
colleague
someone you work with – used especially by professional people
“The speaker used the word “colleague” while explaining the community decision problem.”
determination
the quality of trying to do something even when it is difficult
“A clear definition of the word “determination” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
diversity
the fact of including many different types of people or things
“A clear definition of the word “diversity” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
prosperity
when people have money and everything that is needed for a good life
“The speaker used the word “prosperity” while explaining the community decision problem.”
disseminate
to spread information or ideas to as many people as possible
“Learners hear “disseminate” while following the community decision explanation.”
energetic
having or needing a lot of energy or determination
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as energetic.”
equitable
treating all people in a fair and equal way
“The report describes the community decision issue as equitable.”
formidable
very powerful or impressive, and often frightening
“The speaker uses “formidable” to characterize the community decision situation.”
inclination
a tendency to think or behave in a particular way
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “inclination.””
propagate
to spread an idea, belief etc to many people
“A clear example helps learners use “propagate” in a sentence about the community decision.”
remote
far from towns or other places where people live
“The report describes the community decision issue as remote.”
sustenance
food that people or animals need in order to live
“The speaker used the word “sustenance” while explaining the community decision problem.”
destructive
causing damage to people or things
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as destructive.”
artistic
relating to art or culture
“During the community decision discussion, “artistic” signals a particular quality.”
expropriate
if a government or someone in authority expropriates your private property, they take it away for public use
“A clear example helps learners use “expropriate” in a sentence about the community decision.”
legislative
concerned with making laws
“The speaker uses “legislative” to characterize the community decision situation.”
moralistic
with very strong beliefs about what is right and wrong, especially when this makes you judge other people’s behaviour
“During the community decision discussion, “moralistic” signals a particular quality.”
moralize
to tell other people your ideas about right and wrong behaviour, especially when they have not asked for your opinion
“A clear example helps learners use “moralize” in a sentence about the community decision.”
poorhouse
a building where very poor people in the past could live and be fed, which was paid for with public money
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “poorhouse.””
reciprocity
a situation in which two people, groups, or countries give each other similar kinds of help or special rights
“The speaker used the word “reciprocity” while explaining the community decision problem.”
rehearse
to practise or make people practise something such as a play or concert in order to prepare for a public performance
“A clear example helps learners use “rehearse” in a sentence about the community decision.”
terror
an event or situation that makes people feel extremely frightened, especially because they think they may die
“Learners saw the word “terror” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
humanity
people in general
“A clear definition of the word “humanity” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
mismatch
a combination of things or people that do not work well together or are not suitable for each other
“Learners hear “mismatch” while following the community decision explanation.”
stele
an upright stone slab or column decorated with figures or inscriptions, common in prehistoric times
“The speaker used the word “stele” while explaining the community decision problem.”
finnish
Finnish means belonging or relating to Finland or to its people, language, or culture
“During the community decision discussion, “finnish” signals a particular quality.”
iroquois
a member of any of a group of North American Indian peoples formerly living between the Hudson River and the St Lawrence and Lake Erie
“A clear definition of the word “iroquois” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
philippine
Philippine means belonging or relating to the Philippines, or to their people or culture
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as philippine.”
culturally
in a way that is related to the ideas, beliefs, or customs of a society
“The report explains why the community decision pattern developed culturally.”
affair
a secret sexual relationship between two people, when at least one of them is married to someone else
“The speaker used the word “affair” while explaining the community decision problem.”
anarchist
someone who believes that governments, laws etc are not necessary
“The speaker used the word “anarchist” while explaining the community decision problem.”
desalination
the process of removing salt from sea water so that people can use it
“A clear definition of the word “desalination” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
exemplary
an exemplary punishment is very severe and is intended to stop other people from committing the same crime
“During the community decision discussion, “exemplary” signals a particular quality.”
jail
a place where criminals are kept as part of their punishment, or where people who have been charged with a crime are kept before they are judged in a law court
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “jail.””
stumble
to stop or make a mistake when you are reading to people or speaking
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “stumble” describes an action or change.”
yuan
The yuan is the unit of money used in the People's Republic of China
“The speaker used the word “yuan” while explaining the community decision problem.”
debut
the first public appearance of an entertainer, sports player etc or of something new and important
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “debut.””
exponent
a sign written above and to the right of a number or letter to show how many times that quantity is to be multiplied by itself
“The speaker used the word “exponent” while explaining the community decision problem.”
field
a subject that people study or an area of activity that they are involved in as part of their work
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “field.””
hospitable
A hospitable person is friendly, generous, and welcoming to guests or people they have just met
“During the community decision discussion, “hospitable” signals a particular quality.”
restriction
a rule or law that limits or controls what people can do
“Learners saw the word “restriction” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
stratification
when society is divided into separate social classes
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “stratification.””
unconventional
If you describe a person or their attitude or behaviour as unconventional, you mean that they do not behave in the same way as most other people in their society
“During the community decision discussion, “unconventional” signals a particular quality.”
encroach
to gradually take more of someone’s time, possessions, rights etc than you should
“A clear example helps learners use “encroach” in a sentence about the community decision.”
faction
a small group of people within a larger group, who have different ideas from the other members, and who try to get their own ideas accepted
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “faction.””
government
the group of people who govern a country or state
“The speaker used the word “government” while explaining the community decision problem.”
mimic
to copy the way someone speaks or behaves, especially in order to make people laugh
“A clear example helps learners use “mimic” in a sentence about the community decision.”
naive
not having much experience of how complicated life is, so that you trust people too much and believe that good things will always happen
“During the community decision discussion, “naive” signals a particular quality.”
pollute
to make air, water, soil etc dangerously dirty and not suitable for people to use
“The speaker explains how “pollute” is used in a report about the community decision.”
total
the final number or amount of things, people etc when everything has been counted
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “total.””
delineate
to describe or draw something carefully so that people can understand it
“A clear example helps learners use “delineate” in a sentence about the community decision.”
depth
the part that is furthest away from people, and most difficult to reach
“The speaker used the word “depth” while explaining the community decision problem.”
disrepute
a situation in which people no longer admire or trust someone or something
“The speaker used the word “disrepute” while explaining the community decision problem.”
emancipate
to give someone the political or legal rights that they did not have before
“A clear example helps learners use “emancipate” in a sentence about the community decision.”
inca
a member of a South American Indian people whose great empire centred on Peru lasted from about 1100 ad to the Spanish conquest in the early 1530s and is famed for its complex culture
“A clear definition of the word “inca” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
irreverent
someone who is irreverent does not show respect for organizations, customs, beliefs etc that most other people respect – often used to show approval
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as irreverent.”
sentimental
someone who is sentimental is easily affected by emotions such as love, sympathy, sadness etc, often in a way that seems silly to other people
“The report describes the community decision issue as sentimental.”
flamboyant
behaving in a confident or exciting way that makes people notice you
“The speaker uses “flamboyant” to characterize the community decision situation.”
proponent
someone who supports something or persuades people to do something
“The speaker used the word “proponent” while explaining the community decision problem.”
rebellious
deliberately not obeying people in authority or rules of behaviour
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as rebellious.”
regiment
to organize and control people firmly and usually too strictly
“A clear example helps learners use “regiment” in a sentence about the community decision.”
satire
a way of criticizing something such as a group of people or a system, in which you deliberately make them seem funny so that people will see their faults
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “satire.””
aloof
unfriendly and deliberately not talking to other people
“The speaker uses “aloof” to characterize the community decision situation.”
breach
an action that breaks a law, rule, or agreement
“The speaker used the word “breach” while explaining the community decision problem.”
discredit
to make people stop believing in a particular idea
“A clear example helps learners use “discredit” in a sentence about the community decision.”
equilibrium
a balance between different people, groups, or forces that compete with each other, so that none is stronger than the others and a situation is not likely to change suddenly
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “equilibrium.””
gregarious
friendly and preferring to be with other people
“The report describes the community decision issue as gregarious.”
nomadic
nomadic people are nomads
“During the community decision discussion, “nomadic” signals a particular quality.”
playwright
someone who writes plays
“A clear definition of the word “playwright” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
polite
Someone who is polite has good manners and behaves in a way that is socially correct and not rude to other people
“The speaker uses “polite” to characterize the community decision situation.”
individualistic
If you say that someone is individualistic, you mean that they like to think and do things in their own way, rather than imitating other people. You can also say that a society is individualistic if it encourages people to behave in this way.
“The speaker uses “individualistic” to characterize the community decision situation.”
invigilate
to watch people who are taking an examination and make sure that they do not cheat
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “invigilate” describes an action or change.”
many
The many means a large group of people, especially the ordinary people in society, considered as separate from a particular small group
“In this community decision, the word “many” helps express a precise idea.”
headhunter
someone who finds people with the right skills and experience to do particular jobs, and who tries to persuade them to leave their present jobs
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “headhunter.””
Marxism
the system of political thinking invented by Karl Marx, which explains changes in history as the result of a struggle between social classes
“The speaker used the word “marxism” while explaining the community decision problem.”
booth
A booth is a small area separated from a larger public area by screens or thin walls where, for example, people can make a telephone call or vote in private
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “booth.””
bridge
a structure built over a river, road etc that allows people or vehicles to cross from one side to the other
“The speaker used the word “bridge” while explaining the community decision problem.”
frequency
the number of times that something happens within a particular period of time or within a particular group of people
“Learners saw the word “frequency” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
liberty
the freedom and the right to do whatever you want without asking permission or being afraid of authority
“A clear definition of the word “liberty” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
preferential
preferential treatment, rates etc are deliberately different in order to give an advantage to particular people
“The speaker uses “preferential” to characterize the community decision situation.”
pretend
to behave as if something is true when in fact you know it is not, in order to deceive people or for fun
“Learners hear “pretend” while following the community decision explanation.”
redeem
to do something that will improve what other people think of you, after you have behaved badly or failed
“Learners hear “redeem” while following the community decision explanation.”
regime
a government, especially one that was not elected fairly or that you disapprove of for some other reason
“The speaker used the word “regime” while explaining the community decision problem.”
chord
a combination of several musical notes that are played at the same time and sound pleasant together
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “chord.””
clarity
the clarity of a piece of writing, law, argument etc is its quality of being expressed clearly
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “clarity.””
cosmopolitan
a cosmopolitan place has people from many different parts of the world – use this to show approval
“The report describes the community decision issue as cosmopolitan.”
pheromone
a chemical that is produced by people’s and animals’ bodies and is thought to influence the behaviour of other people or animals
“The speaker used the word “pheromone” while explaining the community decision problem.”
stunt
something that is done to attract people’s attention, especially in advertising or politics
“Learners saw the word “stunt” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
subsidize
if a government or organization subsidizes a company, activity etc, it pays part of its costs
“Learners hear “subsidize” while following the community decision explanation.”
toll
the number of people killed or injured in a particular accident, by a particular illness etc
“A clear definition of the word “toll” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
dividend
a part of a company’s profit that is divided among the people with share s in the company
“A clear definition of the word “dividend” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
harmonious
harmonious relationships are ones in which people are friendly and helpful to one another
“The speaker uses “harmonious” to characterize the community decision situation.”
myth
an ancient story, especially one invented in order to explain natural or historical events
“Learners saw the word “myth” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
overrun
if unwanted things or people overrun a place, they spread over it in great numbers
“The speaker explains how “overrun” is used in a report about the community decision.”
solicitor
a type of lawyer in Britain who gives legal advice, prepares the necessary documents when property is bought or sold, and defends people, especially in the lower courts of law
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “solicitor.””
unanimous
a unanimous decision, vote, agreement etc is one in which all the people involved agree
“During the community decision discussion, “unanimous” signals a particular quality.”
disclose
to make something publicly known, especially after it has been kept secret
“Learners hear “disclose” while following the community decision explanation.”
gene
a part of a cell in a living thing that controls what it looks like, how it grows, and how it develops. People get their genes from their parents
“A clear definition of the word “gene” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”