Precise Responses: Society & community

The words

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

gavel

a small hammer that the person in charge of a meeting, court of law, auction etc hits on a table in order to get people’s attention

“A clear definition of the word “gavel” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”

suffragist

A suffragist is a person who is in favour of women having the right to vote, especially in societies where women are not allowed to vote

“Learners saw the word “suffragist” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”

pandemonium

a situation in which there is a lot of noise because people are angry, confused or frightened

“The speaker used the word “pandemonium” while explaining the community decision problem.”

gaffe

an embarrassing mistake made in a social situation or in public

“The speaker used the word “gaffe” while explaining the community decision problem.”

activism

Activism is the process of campaigning in public or working for an organization in order to bring about political or social change

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “activism.””

moralist

someone who has very strong beliefs about what is right and wrong and how people should behave – used to show disapproval

“A clear definition of the word “moralist” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”

poser

someone who pretends to have a quality or social position they do not really have, usually in order to make people notice or admire them

“The speaker used the word “poser” while explaining the community decision problem.”

unequal

used to describe a situation or a social system which is unfair because some groups or people have more power than others

“During the community decision discussion, “unequal” signals a particular quality.”

caseload

The caseload of someone such as a doctor, social worker, or lawyer is the number of cases that they have to deal with

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “caseload.””

espousal

A government's or person's espousal of a particular policy, cause, or belief is their strong support of it

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “espousal.””

paternalism

when people in charge of an organization or society protect the members and give them what they need but do not allow them any freedom or responsibility

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “paternalism.””

plutocracy

a ruling class or government that consists of rich people, or a country that is governed by rich people

“Learners saw the word “plutocracy” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”

sophistry

the clever use of reasons or explanations that seem correct but are really false, in order to deceive people

“The speaker used the word “sophistry” while explaining the community decision problem.”

bicameral

a bicameral legislature (= part of the government that makes laws ) consists of two parts, such as the Senate and the House of Representatives in the US Congress

“The report describes the community decision issue as bicameral.”

devolution

when a national government gives power to a group or organization at a lower or more local level

“The speaker used the word “devolution” while explaining the community decision problem.”

egalitarianism

Egalitarianism is used to refer to the belief that all people are equal and should have the same rights and opportunities, and to actions that are based on this belief

“Learners saw the word “egalitarianism” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”

polygamous

In a polygamous society, people can be legally married to more than one person at the same time. A polygamous person, especially a man, is married to more than one person.

“The report describes the community decision issue as polygamous.”

anomie

lack of social or moral standards in an individual or society

“The speaker used the word “anomie” while explaining the community decision problem.”

literati

a small group of people in a society who know a lot about literature

“Learners saw the word “literati” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”

alienation

the feeling of not being part of society or a group

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “alienation.””

gentry

people who belong to a high social class

“The speaker used the word “gentry” while explaining the community decision problem.”

socio-economic

Socioeconomic circumstances or developments involve a combination of social and economic factors

“During the community decision discussion, “socio-economic” signals a particular quality.”

fluorescent

a fluorescent light contains a tube filled with gas, which shines with a bright light when electricity is passed through it

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as fluorescent.”

vaccine

a substance which contains a weak form of the bacteria or virus that causes a disease and is used to protect people from that disease

“The speaker used the word “vaccine” while explaining the community decision problem.”

obstinate

determined not to change your ideas, behaviour, opinions etc, even when other people think you are being unreasonable

“The speaker uses “obstinate” to characterize the community decision situation.”

prosecutor

In some countries, a prosecutor is a lawyer or official who brings charges against someone or tries to prove in a trial that they are guilty

“Learners saw the word “prosecutor” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”

discreet

careful about what you say or do, so that you do not offend, upset, or embarrass people or tell secrets

“During the community decision discussion, “discreet” signals a particular quality.”

litigant

someone who is making a claim against someone or defending themselves against a claim in a court of law

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “litigant.””

reconciliation

a situation in which two people, countries etc become friendly with each other again after quarrelling

“A clear definition of the word “reconciliation” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”

resignation

an occasion when you officially announce that you have decided to leave your job or an organization, or a written statement that says you will be leaving

“A clear definition of the word “resignation” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”

utopian

Utopian is used to describe political or religious philosophies which claim that it is possible to build a new and perfect society in which everyone is happy

“The report describes the community decision issue as utopian.”

frantic

extremely worried and frightened about a situation, so that you cannot control your feelings

“During the community decision discussion, “frantic” signals a particular quality.”

nebula

a mass of gas and dust among the stars, which often appears as a bright cloud in the sky at night

“A clear definition of the word “nebula” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”

palpable

a feeling that is palpable is so strong that other people notice it and can feel it around them

“The speaker uses “palpable” to characterize the community decision situation.”

disparate

consisting of things or people that are very different and not related to each other

“The speaker uses “disparate” to characterize the community decision situation.”

extrovert

someone who is active and confident, and who enjoys spending time with other people

“A clear definition of the word “extrovert” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”

nexus

a connection or network of connections between a number of people, things, or ideas

“A clear definition of the word “nexus” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”

rivalry

a situation in which two or more people, teams, or companies are competing for something, especially over a long period of time, and the feeling of competition between them

“The speaker used the word “rivalry” while explaining the community decision problem.”

absolve

to say publicly that someone is not guilty or responsible for something

“In the community decision discussion, the verb “absolve” describes an action or change.”

fiscal

relating to money, taxes, debts etc that are owned and managed by the government

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as fiscal.”

introvert

someone who is quiet and shy, and does not enjoy being with other people

“The speaker used the word “introvert” while explaining the community decision problem.”

milieu

the things and people that surround you and influence the way you live and think

“The speaker used the word “milieu” while explaining the community decision problem.”

pledge

a serious promise or agree-ment, especially one made publicly or officially

“The speaker used the word “pledge” while explaining the community decision problem.”

publicize

to give information about something to the public, so that they know about it

“A clear example helps learners use “publicize” in a sentence about the community decision.”

apportion

to decide how something should be shared among various people

“In the community decision discussion, the verb “apportion” describes an action or change.”

assertive

behaving in a confident way, so that people notice you

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as assertive.”

discourteous

not polite, and not showing respect for other people

“The speaker uses “discourteous” to characterize the community decision situation.”

evacuate

to send people away from a dangerous place to a safe place

“Learners hear “evacuate” while following the community decision explanation.”

hypotenuse

the longest side of a triangle that has a right angle

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “hypotenuse.””

incursion

a sudden attack into an area that belongs to other people

“Learners saw the word “incursion” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”

seclusion

the state of being private and away from other people

“The speaker used the word “seclusion” while explaining the community decision problem.”

compassionate

feeling sympathy for people who are suffering

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as compassionate.”

hive

a place that is full of people who are very busy

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “hive.””

judicial

relating to the law, judges, or their decisions

“The speaker uses “judicial” to characterize the community decision situation.”

strife

trouble between two or more people or groups

“The speaker used the word “strife” while explaining the community decision problem.”

amicable

an amicable agreement, relationship etc is one in which people feel friendly towards each other and do not want to quarrel

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as amicable.”

cession

the act of giving up land, property, or rights, especially to another country after a war, or something that is given up in this way

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “cession.””

condescend

to do something in a way that shows you think it is below your social or professional position – used to show disapproval

“Learners hear “condescend” while following the community decision explanation.”

despotic

If you say that someone is despotic, you are emphasizing that they use their power over other people in a very unfair or cruel way

“During the community decision discussion, “despotic” signals a particular quality.”

peddle

to sell goods to people, especially goods that people disapprove of because they are illegal, harmful, or of not very high quality

“Learners hear “peddle” while following the community decision explanation.”

perceptive

someone who is perceptive notices things quickly and understands situations, people’s feelings etc well – used to show approval

“During the community decision discussion, “perceptive” signals a particular quality.”

smirk

to smile in an unpleasant way that shows that you are pleased by someone else’s bad luck or think you are better than other people

“Learners hear “smirk” while following the community decision explanation.”

stolid

someone who is stolid does not react to situations or seem excited by them when most people would react – used to show disapproval

“During the community decision discussion, “stolid” signals a particular quality.”

sycophant

someone who praises powerful people too much because they want to get something from them – used in order to show disapproval

“The speaker used the word “sycophant” while explaining the community decision problem.”

zealot

someone who has extremely strong beliefs, especially religious or political beliefs, and is too eager to make other people share them

“A clear definition of the word “zealot” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”

crass

behaving in a stupid and offensive way which shows that you do not understand or care about other people’s feelings

“The report describes the community decision issue as crass.”

invigorate

to make the people in an organization or group feel excited again, so that they want to make something successful

“In the community decision discussion, the verb “invigorate” describes an action or change.”

Paleolithic

relating to the stone age (= the period of time thousands of years ago when people used stone tools and weapons )

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as paleolithic.”

purgatory

in Roman Catholic belief, a place where the souls of dead people suffer until they are pure enough to enter heaven

“The speaker used the word “purgatory” while explaining the community decision problem.”

suborn

to persuade someone to tell lies in a court of law or to do something else that is illegal, especially for money

“The speaker explains how “suborn” is used in a report about the community decision.”

anarchy

a situation in which there is no effective government in a country or no order in an organization or situation

“Learners saw the word “anarchy” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”

bravado

Bravado is an appearance of courage or confidence that someone shows in order to impress other people

“A clear definition of the word “bravado” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”

clarification

the act of making something clearer or easier to understand, or an explanation that makes something clearer

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “clarification.””

colonize

to establish political control over an area or over another country, and send your citizens there to settle

“A clear example helps learners use “colonize” in a sentence about the community decision.”

conciliate

to do something to make people more likely to stop arguing, especially by giving them something they want

“A clear example helps learners use “conciliate” in a sentence about the community decision.”

hearsay

something that you have heard about from other people but do not know to be definitely true or correct

“The speaker used the word “hearsay” while explaining the community decision problem.”

impropriety

behaviour or an action that is wrong or unacceptable according to moral, social, or professional standards

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “impropriety.””

motley

a group of people or things that are very different from each other and do not seem to belong together

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as motley.”

neolithic

relating to the last period of the stone age, about 10,000 years ago, when people began to live together in small groups and make stone tools and weapons

“During the community decision discussion, “neolithic” signals a particular quality.”

ostentation

when you deliberately try to show people how rich or clever you are, in order to make them admire you

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “ostentation.””

pedant

someone who pays too much attention to rules or to small unimportant details, especially someone who criticizes other people in an extremely annoying way

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “pedant.””

sanctimonious

behaving as if you are morally better than other people, in a way that is annoying – used to show disapproval

“The report describes the community decision issue as sanctimonious.”

bombast

Bombast is trying to impress people by saying things that sound impressive but have little meaning

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “bombast.””

deviant

Deviant behaviour or thinking is different from what people normally consider to be acceptable

“During the community decision discussion, “deviant” signals a particular quality.”

flaunt

to show your money, success, beauty etc so that other people notice it – used to show disapproval

“Learners hear “flaunt” while following the community decision explanation.”

influx

the arrival of large numbers of people or large amounts of money, goods etc, especially suddenly

“Learners saw the word “influx” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”

obsequious

very eager to please or agree with people who are powerful – used in order to show disapproval

“During the community decision discussion, “obsequious” signals a particular quality.”

ostracize

if a group of people ostracize someone, they refuse to accept them as a member of the group

“In the community decision discussion, the verb “ostracize” describes an action or change.”

philanthropic

a philanthropic person or institution gives money and help to people who are poor or in trouble

“The speaker uses “philanthropic” to characterize the community decision situation.”

qualm

a feeling of slight worry or doubt because you are not sure that what you are doing is right

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “qualm.””

quell

to end a situation in which people are behaving violently or protesting, especially by using force

“A clear example helps learners use “quell” in a sentence about the community decision.”

recant

to say publicly that you no longer have a political or religious belief that you had before

“The speaker explains how “recant” is used in a report about the community decision.”

supercilious

behaving as if you think that other people are less important than you – used to show disapproval

“During the community decision discussion, “supercilious” signals a particular quality.”

balk

to not want to do or try something, because it seems difficult, unpleasant, or frightening

“Learners hear “balk” while following the community decision explanation.”

collusion

a secret agreement that two or more people make in order to do something dishonest

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “collusion.””

critique

a detailed explanation of the problems of something such as a set of political ideas

“Learners saw the word “critique” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”

flippant

not being serious about something that other people think you should be serious about

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as flippant.”

odious

If you describe people or things as odious, you think that they are hateful or disgusting

“During the community decision discussion, “odious” signals a particular quality.”

panacea

something that people think will make everything better and solve all their problems

“The speaker used the word “panacea” while explaining the community decision problem.”

reactionary

someone who strongly opposes any social or political change - used to show disapproval

“The speaker used the word “reactionary” while explaining the community decision problem.”

recluse

someone who chooses to live alone, and does not like seeing or talking to other people

“A clear definition of the word “recluse” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”

subversive

someone who secretly tries to damage or destroy the government or an established system

“Learners saw the word “subversive” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”

subvert

to try to destroy the power and influence of a government or the established system

“A clear example helps learners use “subvert” in a sentence about the community decision.”

trenchant

expressed very strongly, effectively, and directly without worrying about offending people

“During the community decision discussion, “trenchant” signals a particular quality.”

virulent

a poison, disease etc that is virulent is very dangerous and affects people very quickly

“The speaker uses “virulent” to characterize the community decision situation.”

acquit

to give a decision in a court of law that someone is not guilty of a crime

“A clear example helps learners use “acquit” in a sentence about the community decision.”

autocracy

a system of government in which one person or group has unlimited power

“A clear definition of the word “autocracy” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”

blockade

something that is used to stop vehicles or people entering or leaving a place

“The speaker used the word “blockade” while explaining the community decision problem.”

communal

shared by a group of people or animals, especially a group who live together

“The report describes the community decision issue as communal.”

egalitarian

based on the belief that everyone is equal and should have equal rights

“The speaker uses “egalitarian” to characterize the community decision situation.”

egocentric

thinking only about yourself and not about what other people might need or want

“During the community decision discussion, “egocentric” signals a particular quality.”

elocution

good clear speaking in public, involving voice control, pronunciation etc

“Learners saw the word “elocution” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”

gullible

too ready to believe what other people tell you, so that you are easily tricked

“The report describes the community decision issue as gullible.”

meld

A meld of things is a mixture or combination of them that is useful or pleasant

“Learners saw the word “meld” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”

ordinance

a law, usually of a city or town, that forbids or restricts an activity

“A clear definition of the word “ordinance” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”

recondite

recondite facts or subjects are not known about or understood by many people

“The speaker uses “recondite” to characterize the community decision situation.”

surreptitious

done secretly or quickly because you do not want other people to notice

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as surreptitious.”

unctuous

too friendly and praising people too much in a way that seems very insincere

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as unctuous.”

carnage

when a lot of people are killed and injured, especially in a war

“The speaker used the word “carnage” while explaining the community decision problem.”

compliant

willing to obey or to agree to other people’s wishes and demands

“During the community decision discussion, “compliant” signals a particular quality.”

convoke

to tell people that they must come together for a formal meeting

“The speaker explains how “convoke” is used in a report about the community decision.”

emerald

a valuable bright green stone that is often used in jewellery

“Learners saw the word “emerald” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”

grisly

extremely unpleasant and involving people being killed or injured

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as grisly.”

persuasive

able to make other people believe something or do what you ask

“During the community decision discussion, “persuasive” signals a particular quality.”

populous

a populous area has a large population in relation to its size

“During the community decision discussion, “populous” signals a particular quality.”

potentate

A potentate is a ruler who has complete power over his people

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “potentate.””

rapacious

always wanting more money, goods etc than you need or have a right to

“During the community decision discussion, “rapacious” signals a particular quality.”

avow

to make a public statement about something you believe in

“The speaker explains how “avow” is used in a report about the community decision.”

cower

to bend low and move back because you are frightened

“In the community decision discussion, the verb “cower” describes an action or change.”

efficacy

the ability of something to produce the right result

“Learners saw the word “efficacy” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”

promulgate

to spread an idea or belief to as many people as possible

“In the community decision discussion, the verb “promulgate” describes an action or change.”

sequester

to keep a person or a group of people away from other people

“The speaker explains how “sequester” is used in a report about the community decision.”

spineless

lacking courage and determination – used to show disapproval

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as spineless.”

urbane

behaving in a relaxed and confident way in social situations

“The speaker uses “urbane” to characterize the community decision situation.”

waive

to state officially that a right, rule etc can be ignored

“In the community decision discussion, the verb “waive” describes an action or change.”

abolition

when a law or a system is officially ended

“The speaker used the word “abolition” while explaining the community decision problem.”

beneficent

helping people, or resulting in something good

“During the community decision discussion, “beneficent” signals a particular quality.”

callous

not caring that other people are suffering

“During the community decision discussion, “callous” signals a particular quality.”

codify

to arrange laws, principles, facts etc in a system

“Learners hear “codify” while following the community decision explanation.”

complaisance

willingness to do what pleases other people

“A clear definition of the word “complaisance” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”

medication

medicine or drugs given to people who are ill

“The speaker used the word “medication” while explaining the community decision problem.”

ferocious

violent, dangerous, and frightening

“During the community decision discussion, “ferocious” signals a particular quality.”

nightmare

A nightmare is a very frightening dream

“A clear definition of the word “nightmare” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”

propriety

correctness of social or moral behaviour

“Learners saw the word “propriety” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”

pusillanimous

frightened of taking even small risks

“The speaker uses “pusillanimous” to characterize the community decision situation.”

throng

a large group of people in one place

“Learners saw the word “throng” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”

timorous

lacking confidence and easily frightened

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as timorous.”

deport

to make someone leave a country and return to the country they came from, especially because they do not have a legal right to stay

“Learners hear “deport” while following the community decision explanation.”

appropriation

the process of saving money for a special purpose, or the money that is saved, especially by a business or government

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “appropriation.””

infringement

An infringement is an action or situation that interferes with your rights and the freedom you are entitled to

“Learners saw the word “infringement” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”

ferry

to carry people or things a short distance from one place to another in a boat or other vehicle

“In the community decision discussion, the verb “ferry” describes an action or change.”

persistent

continuing to do something, although this is difficult, or other people warn you not to do it

“The speaker uses “persistent” to characterize the community decision situation.”

bully

someone who uses their strength or power to frighten or hurt someone who is weaker

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “bully.””

indignation

feelings of anger and surprise because you feel insulted or unfairly treated

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “indignation.””

overthrow

the defeat and removal from power of a leader or government, especially by force

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “overthrow.””

bulletin

an official statement that tells people about something important

“A clear definition of the word “bulletin” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”

delinquency

illegal or immoral behaviour or actions, especially by young people

“The speaker used the word “delinquency” while explaining the community decision problem.”

murmur

a soft low sound made by people speaking quietly or a long way away

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “murmur.””

prosper

If people or businesses prosper, they are successful and do well

“A clear example helps learners use “prosper” in a sentence about the community decision.”

psychology

the study of the mind and how it influences people’s behaviour

“The speaker used the word “psychology” while explaining the community decision problem.”

mandatory

if something is mandatory, the law says it must be done

“During the community decision discussion, “mandatory” signals a particular quality.”

oath

a formal promise to tell the truth in a court of law

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “oath.””

malevolent

a malevolent person wants to harm other people

“During the community decision discussion, “malevolent” signals a particular quality.”

outcry

an angry protest by a lot of ordinary people

“Learners saw the word “outcry” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”

timely

done or happening at exactly the right time

“The report describes the community decision issue as timely.”

populace

the people who live in a country

“The speaker used the word “populace” while explaining the community decision problem.”

asylum

protection given to someone by a government because they have escaped from fighting or political trouble in their own country

“A clear definition of the word “asylum” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”

logistics

the practical arrangements that are needed in order to make a plan that involves a lot of people and equipment successful

“The speaker used the word “logistics” while explaining the community decision problem.”

pillory

a wooden frame with holes for someone’s head and hands to be locked into, used in the past as a way of publicly punishing someone

“A clear definition of the word “pillory” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”

acrobat

someone who entertains people by doing difficult physical actions such as walking on their hands or balancing on a high rope, especially at a circus

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “acrobat.””

dogmatic

someone who is dogmatic is completely certain of their beliefs and expects other people to accept them without arguing

“The report describes the community decision issue as dogmatic.”

esoteric

If you describe something as esoteric, you mean it is known, understood, or appreciated by only a small number of people

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as esoteric.”

measles

an infectious illness in which you have a fever and small red spots on your face and body. People often have measles when they are children.

“Learners saw the word “measles” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”

acne

a medical problem which causes a lot of red spots on your face and neck and mainly affects young people

“A clear definition of the word “acne” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”

amendment

a small change, improvement, or addition that is made to a law or document, or the process of doing this

“The speaker used the word “amendment” while explaining the community decision problem.”

deploy

to organize or move soldiers, military equipment etc so that they are in the right place and ready to be used

“The speaker explains how “deploy” is used in a report about the community decision.”

enactment

The enactment of a law is the process in a legislature by which the law is agreed upon and made official

“A clear definition of the word “enactment” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”

gimmick

a trick or something unusual that you do to make people notice someone or something – used to show disapproval

“The speaker used the word “gimmick” while explaining the community decision problem.”

inequality

an unfair situation, in which some groups in society have more money, opportunities, power etc than others

“The speaker used the word “inequality” while explaining the community decision problem.”

patriarchy

a social system in which the oldest man rules his family and passes power and possessions on to his sons

“A clear definition of the word “patriarchy” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”

perverse

behaving in an unreasonable way, especially by deliberately doing the opposite of what people want you to do

“The report describes the community decision issue as perverse.”

racism

unfair treatment of people, or violence against them, because they belong to a different race from your own

“A clear definition of the word “racism” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”

astrology

the study of the positions and movements of the stars and how they might influence people and events

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “astrology.””

civilian

In a military situation, civilian is used to describe people or things that are not military

“During the community decision discussion, “civilian” signals a particular quality.”

hummingbird

A hummingbird is a small brightly coloured bird found in North, Central and South America. It has a long thin beak and powerful narrow wings that can move very fast.

“Learners saw the word “hummingbird” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”

jurisdiction

the right to use an official power to make legal decisions, or the area where this right exists

“A clear definition of the word “jurisdiction” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”

notoriety

the state of being famous or well-known for something that is bad or that people do not approve of

“The speaker used the word “notoriety” while explaining the community decision problem.”

redound

If an action or situation redounds to your benefit or advantage, it gives people a good impression of you or brings you something that can improve your situation

“The speaker explains how “redound” is used in a report about the community decision.”

anthology

a set of stories, poems, songs etc by different people collected together in one book

“The speaker used the word “anthology” while explaining the community decision problem.”

insanity

the state of being seriously mentally ill, so that you cannot live normally in society

“A clear definition of the word “insanity” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”

litigious

very willing to take disagreements to a court of law – often used to show disapproval

“The speaker uses “litigious” to characterize the community decision situation.”

lottery

a game used to make money for a state or a charity in which people buy tickets with a series of numbers on them. If their number is picked by chance, they win money or a prize.

“A clear definition of the word “lottery” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”

macabre

very strange and unpleasant and connected with death or with people being seriously hurt

“During the community decision discussion, “macabre” signals a particular quality.”

summit

an important meeting or set of meetings between the leaders of several governments

“A clear definition of the word “summit” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”

usurp

to take someone else’s power, position, job etc when you do not have the right to

“A clear example helps learners use “usurp” in a sentence about the community decision.”

cannibalism

If a group of people practise cannibalism, they eat the flesh of other people

“The speaker used the word “cannibalism” while explaining the community decision problem.”

congressional

A congressional policy, action, or person relates to the U.S. Congress.

“During the community decision discussion, “congressional” signals a particular quality.”

ethic

a general idea or belief that influences people’s behaviour and attitudes

“The speaker used the word “ethic” while explaining the community decision problem.”

hypercritical

too eager to criticize other people and things, especially about small details

“During the community decision discussion, “hypercritical” signals a particular quality.”

hypothesize

to suggest a possible explanation that has not yet been proved to be true

“In the community decision discussion, the verb “hypothesize” describes an action or change.”

inflammatory

an inflammatory speech, piece of writing etc is likely to make people feel angry

“During the community decision discussion, “inflammatory” signals a particular quality.”

lambaste

If you lambaste someone, you criticize them severely, usually in public

“The speaker explains how “lambaste” is used in a report about the community decision.”

nicotine

a substance in tobacco which makes it difficult for people to stop smoking

“The speaker used the word “nicotine” while explaining the community decision problem.”

orchid

a plant that has flowers which are brightly coloured and usually shaped

“The speaker used the word “orchid” while explaining the community decision problem.”

overlord

someone with great power over a large number of people, especially in the past

“The speaker used the word “overlord” while explaining the community decision problem.”

quasar

an object in space that is similar to a star and that shines very brightly

“The speaker used the word “quasar” while explaining the community decision problem.”

recreational

Recreational means relating to things people do in their spare time to relax

“The speaker uses “recreational” to characterize the community decision situation.”

retinue

a group of people who travel with someone important to help and support them

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “retinue.””

acquittal

an official statement in a court of law that someone is not guilty

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “acquittal.””

automation

the use of computers and machines instead of people to do a job

“The speaker used the word “automation” while explaining the community decision problem.”

barrister

a lawyer in Britain who can argue cases in the higher law courts

“Learners saw the word “barrister” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”

bonanza

a lucky or successful situation where people can make a lot of money

“The speaker used the word “bonanza” while explaining the community decision problem.”

condone

to accept or forgive behaviour that most people think is morally wrong

“Learners hear “condone” while following the community decision explanation.”

posterity

all the people in the future who will be alive after you are dead

“A clear definition of the word “posterity” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”

quiz

a competition or game in which people have to answer questions

“The speaker used the word “quiz” while explaining the community decision problem.”

retrench

if a government or organization retrenches, it spends less money

“A clear example helps learners use “retrench” in a sentence about the community decision.”

sensitivity

when someone is easily upset or offended by things that people say

“A clear definition of the word “sensitivity” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”

usury

the practice of lending money to people and making them pay interest14

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “usury.””

decry

to state publicly that you do not approve of something

“A clear example helps learners use “decry” in a sentence about the community decision.”

incite

to deliberately encourage people to fight, argue etc

“In the community decision discussion, the verb “incite” describes an action or change.”

interplay

the way in which two people or things affect each other

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “interplay.””

luminosity

The luminosity of a star or sun is how bright it is

“The speaker used the word “luminosity” while explaining the community decision problem.”

orator

someone who is good at making speeches and persuading people

“A clear definition of the word “orator” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”

overload

to put too many things or people on or into something

“In the community decision discussion, the verb “overload” describes an action or change.”

prohibitive

a prohibitive rule prevents people from doing things

“The speaker uses “prohibitive” to characterize the community decision situation.”

congregation

a group of people gathered together in a church

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “congregation.””

courteous

polite and showing respect for other people

“The speaker uses “courteous” to characterize the community decision situation.”

potency

the power that something has to influence people

“Learners saw the word “potency” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”

revocation

the act of revoking a law, decision, or agreement

“Learners saw the word “revocation” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”

trickery

the use of tricks to deceive or cheat people

“The speaker used the word “trickery” while explaining the community decision problem.”

tyranny

cruel or unfair control over other people

“The speaker used the word “tyranny” while explaining the community decision problem.”

circumscribe

to limit power, rights, or abilities

“A clear example helps learners use “circumscribe” in a sentence about the community decision.”

deportment

the way that someone behaves in public

“Learners saw the word “deportment” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”

furbish

to make bright by polishing; burnish

“A clear example helps learners use “furbish” in a sentence about the community decision.”

habitable

good enough for people to live in

“The report describes the community decision issue as habitable.”

indomitable

having great determination or courage

“The report describes the community decision issue as indomitable.”

pantheon

a group of famous and important people

“The speaker used the word “pantheon” while explaining the community decision problem.”

sapphire

a transparent bright blue jewel

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “sapphire.””

shipwright

someone who builds or repairs ships

“The speaker used the word “shipwright” while explaining the community decision problem.”

juridical

relating to judges or the law

“During the community decision discussion, “juridical” signals a particular quality.”

oration

a formal public speech

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “oration.””

statutory

fixed or controlled by law

“During the community decision discussion, “statutory” signals a particular quality.”

historical

relating to the past

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as historical.”

birthright

something such as a right, property, money etc that you believe you should have because of the family or country you belong to

“A clear definition of the word “birthright” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”

descendant

someone who is related to a person who lived a long time ago, or to a family, group of people etc that existed in the past

“The speaker used the word “descendant” while explaining the community decision problem.”

dogma

a set of firm beliefs held by a group of people who expect other people to accept these beliefs without thinking about them

“The community decision report includes a section on the word “dogma.””

feckless

If you describe someone as feckless, you mean that they lack determination or strength, and are unable to do anything properly

“The report describes the community decision issue as feckless.”

flagrant

a flagrant action is shocking because it is done in a way that is easily noticed and shows no respect for laws, truth etc

“During the community decision discussion, “flagrant” signals a particular quality.”

flighty

a woman who is flighty changes her ideas and opinions often, and only remains interested in people or things for a short time

“During the community decision discussion, “flighty” signals a particular quality.”

impound

if the police or law courts impound something you have or own, they keep it until it has been decided that you can have it back

“In the community decision discussion, the verb “impound” describes an action or change.”