Reading & Vocabulary: Society & community

The words

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

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.””

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.”

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.”

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.”

textbook

a book that contains information about a subject that people study, especially at school or college

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

conurbation

a group of towns that have spread and joined together to form an area with a high population, often with a large city as its centre

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

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.”

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.”

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.””

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.”

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.”

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.””

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.”

entertainment

things such as films, television, performances etc that are intended to amuse or interest people

“Learners saw the word “entertainment” 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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

suffrage

the right to vote in national elections

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

unemployment

the number of people in a particular country or area who cannot get a job

“The speaker used the word “unemployment” 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.”

attendance

the number of people who attend a game, concert, meeting etc

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

legislation

the act or process of making a law or laws

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

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.””

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.””

consul

a government official sent to live in a foreign city to help people from his or her own country who are living or staying there

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

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.”

snob

someone who thinks they are better than people from a lower social class – used to show disapproval

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

persistence

determination to do something even though it is difficult or other people oppose it

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

clown

someone who wears funny clothes, a red nose, bright make-up on their face etc, and does silly things to make people laugh, especially at a circus

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

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.”

readership

all the people who read a particular newspaper or magazine regularly

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

ruthless

so determined to get what you want that you do not care if you have to hurt other people in order to do it

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as ruthless.”

sign

a piece of paper, metal, or wood with words or a picture that gives people information, warnings, or instructions

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

pestilence

a disease that spreads quickly and kills a lot of people

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

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.”

solidarity

loyalty and general agreement between all the people in a group, or between different groups, because they all have a shared aim

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

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.”

outlaw

someone who has done something illegal, and who is hiding in order to avoid punishment – used especially about criminals in the past

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

ambassador

an important official who represents his or her government in a foreign country

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

ambulance

a special vehicle that is used to take people who are ill or injured to hospital

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

coin

to invent a new word or expression, especially one that many people start to use

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

fake

a copy of a valuable object, painting etc that is intended to deceive people

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

lobby

a wide passage or large hall just inside the entrance to a public building

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

terrace

the wide steps that the people watching a football match can stand on

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

flaw

a mistake, mark, or weakness that makes something imperfect

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

hazardous

dangerous, especially to people’s health or safety

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

historic

having taken place or existed in the past

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

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.”

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.””

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.”

expenditure

the total amount of money that a government, organization, or person spends during a particular period of time

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

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.”

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.”

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.””

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.”

individual

a person, considered separately from the rest of the group or society that they live in

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

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.”

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.”

absent

to not go to a place or take part in an event where people expect you to be

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

announce

to officially tell people about something, especially about a plan or a decision

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

defendant

the person in a court of law who has been accused of doing something illegal

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

dense

made of or containing a lot of things or people that are very close together

“During the community decision discussion, “dense” 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.”

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.”

highlight

to make a problem or subject easy to notice so that people pay attention to it

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

humiliate

to make someone feel ashamed or stupid, especially when other people are present

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

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.”

pavement

a hard level surface or path at the side of a road for people to walk on

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

thoughtful

always thinking of the things you can do to make people happy or comfortable

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as thoughtful.”

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.”

density

the degree to which an area is filled with people or things

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

dispatch

the act of sending people or things to a particular place

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

introduce

to formally present a possible new law to be discussed

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

passport

a small official document that you get from your government, that proves who you are, and which you need in order to leave your country and enter other countries

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

antagonism

hatred between people or groups of people

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

equitable

treating all people in a fair and equal way

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

practitioner

someone who works as a doctor or a lawyer

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

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.”

affirm

to state publicly that something is true

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

majority

most of the people or things in a group

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

apartheid

Apartheid was a political system in South Africa in which people were divided into racial groups and kept apart by law

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

curfew

a law that forces people to stay indoors after a particular time at night, or the time people must be indoors

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

legislative

concerned with making laws

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

medicaid

a system in the US by which the government helps to pay the cost of medical treatment for poor people

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

some

an expression meaning about 500 people, 50%, £100 etc - used especially when this seems a large number or amount

“The speaker explained the community decision change some.”

theirs

used to refer to something that belongs to or is connected with people that have already been mentioned

“In this community decision, the word “theirs” helps express a precise idea.”

totalitarian

based on a political system in which ordinary people have no power and are completely controlled by the government

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

workfare

a system in which unemployed people have to work before they are given money for food, rent etc by the government

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

authoritarian

strictly forcing people to obey a set of rules or laws, especially ones that are wrong or unfair

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

communion

the Christian ceremony in which people eat bread and drink wine as signs of Christ’s body and blood

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

dregs

not polite an offensive expression used to describe the people that you consider are the least important or useful in society

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

enclave

a small area that is within a larger area where people of a different kind or nationality live

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

halo

a bright circle that is often shown above or around the heads of holy people in religious art

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

maori

someone who belongs to the race of people that first lived in New Zealand and now forms only a small part of the population

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

nazi

a member of the National Socialist Party of Adolf Hitler which controlled Germany from 1933 to 1945

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

underclass

the lowest social class, consisting of people who are very poor and who are not likely to be able to improve their situation

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

underprivileged

very poor, with worse living conditions, educational opportunities etc than most people in society

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

bourgeoisie

the people in a society who are rich, educated, own land etc, according to Marxism

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

dissident

someone who publicly criticizes the government in a country where this is punished

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

fascism

a right-wing political system in which people’s lives are completely controlled by the state and no political opposition is allowed

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

rehearsal

a time when all the people in a play, concert etc practise before a public performance

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

secretariat

a government office or the office of a large international organization, especially one that has a secretary general in charge of it

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

uneatable

a word meaning unpleas­ant or unsuitable to eat, that some people think is incorrect

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

concubine

a woman in the past who lived with and had sex with a man who already had a wife or wives, but who was socially less important than the wives

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

demo

an event at which a large group of people publicly protest about something

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

enshrine

if something such as a tradition or right is enshrined in something, it is preserved and protected so that people will remember and respect it

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

erotic

an erotic book, picture, or film shows people having sex, and is intended to make people reading or looking at it have feelings of sexual pleasure

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as erotic.”

handshake

the act of taking someone’s right hand and shaking it, which people do when they meet or leave each other or when they have made an agreement

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

hobnob

to spend time talking to people who are in a higher social position than you

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

injustice

a situation in which people are treated very unfairly and not given their rights

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

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.”

clinic

a place, often in a hospital, where medical treatment is given to people who do not need to stay in the hospital

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

embassy

a group of officials who represent their government in a foreign country, or the building they work in

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

illicit

not allowed by laws or rules, or strongly disapproved of by society

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as illicit.”

nourishment

the food and other substances that people and other living things need to live, grow, and stay healthy

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

prestige

the respect and admiration that someone or something gets because of their success or important position in society

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

publicity

Publicity is information or actions that are intended to attract the public's attention to someone or something

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

reciprocal

a reciprocal arrangement or relationship is one in which two people or groups do or give the same things to each other

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

ultraviolet

ultraviolet light cannot be seen by people, but is responsible for making your skin darker when you are in the sun

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

upscale

relating to people from a high social class who have a lot of money

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

bond

an official document promising that a government or company will pay back money that it has borrowed, often with interest

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

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.”

congestion

If there is congestion in a place, the place is extremely crowded and blocked with traffic or people

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

dominion

the power or right to rule people or control something

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

donation

something, especially money, that you give to a person or an organ-ization in order to help them

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

electorate

all the people in a country who have the right to vote

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

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.”

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.”

picket

when a group of people stand or march in front of a shop, factory, government building etc to protest about something or to stop people from going in during a strike

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

poll

the process of finding out what people think about something by asking many people the same question, or the record of the result

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

preach

to talk about a religious subject in a public place, especially in a church during a service

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

scandal

an event in which someone, especially someone important, behaves in a bad way that shocks people

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

unsociable

not wanting to be with people or to go to social events

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

verdict

an official decision made in a court of law, especially about whether someone is guilty of a crime or how a death happened

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

veto

a refusal to give official permission for something, or the right to refuse to give such permission

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

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.”

cater

To cater to a group of people means to provide all the things that they need or want

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

colonial

someone who lives in a colony but who is a citizen of the country that rules the colony

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

disperse

if a group of people disperse or are dispersed, they go away in different directions

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

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.””

invoke

to make a particular idea, image, or feeling appear in people’s minds by describing an event or situation, or by talking about a person

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

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.”

obedient

always doing what you are told to do, or what the law, a rule etc says you must do

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as obedient.”

stubborn

determined not to change your mind, even when people think you are being unreasonable

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

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.””

cooperative

a business or organization owned equally by all the people working there

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

denounce

to express strong disapproval of someone or something, especially in public

“The speaker explains how “denounce” is used in a report 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.”

engagement

an agreement between two people to marry, or the period of time they are engaged

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

escalator

a set of moving stairs that take people to different levels in a building

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

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.””

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.”

righteous

strong feelings of anger when you think a situation is not morally right or fair

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as righteous.”

snobbery

behaviour or attitudes which show that you think you are better than other people, because you belong to a higher social class or know much more than they do – used to show disapproval

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

sort

a group or class of people, things etc that have similar qualities or features

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

ward

a large room in a hospital where people who need medical treatment stay

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

attendant

someone whose job is to look after or help customers in a public place

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

capital

an important city where the main government of a country, state etc is

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

exposition

a large public event at which you show or sell products, art etc

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

fickle

someone who is fickle is always changing their mind about people or things that they like, so that you cannot depend on them – used to show disapproval

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as fickle.”

intimidate

to frighten or threaten someone into making them do what you want

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

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.”

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.”

shortage

a situation in which there is not enough of something that people need

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

sociable

someone who is sociable is friendly and enjoys being with other people

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as sociable.”

stringent

a stringent law, rule, standard etc is very strict and must be obeyed

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as stringent.”

triple

having three parts or involving three groups, people, events etc

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

commend

to praise or approve of someone or something publicly

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

excel

to do something very well, or much better than most people

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

gather

to come together and form a group, or to make people do this

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

shrewd

good at judging what people or situations are really like

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

counsel

a type of lawyer who represents you in court

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

dentist

someone whose job is to treat people’s teeth

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

discredit

to make people stop believing in a particular idea

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

gregarious

friendly and preferring to be with other people

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

privacy

the state of being free from public attention

“Learners saw the word “privacy” 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.”

multitude

a very large number of people or things

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

epoch

a period of history

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

auction

a public meeting where land, buildings, paintings etc are sold to the person who offers the most money for them

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

battle

a fight between opposing armies, groups of ships, groups of people etc, especially one that is part of a larger war

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

circus

a group of people and animals who travel to different places performing skilful tricks as entertainment

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

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.”

condition

the situation in which people live or work, especially the physical things that affect the quality of their lives

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

diagnose

to find out what illness someone has, or what the cause of a fault is, after doing tests, examinations etc

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

famine

a situation in which a large number of people have little or no food for a long time and many people die

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

jury

a group of 12 ordinary people who listen to the details of a case in court and decide whether someone is guilty or not

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

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.”

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.”

tolerance

willingness to allow people to do, say, or believe what they want without criticizing or punishing them

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

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.”

effort

an attempt to do something, especially when this involves a lot of hard work or determination

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

entertain

to invite people to your home for a meal, party etc, or to take your company’s customers somewhere to have a meal, drinks etc

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

flat

a place for people to live that consists of a set of rooms that are part of a larger building

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

incompatible

two people who are incompatible have such diffe-rent characters, beliefs etc that they cannot have a friendly relationship

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

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.”

report

to give people information about recent events, especially in newspapers and on television and radio

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

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.”

barrier

a rule, problem etc that prevents people from doing something, or limits what they can do

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

bend

to move part of your body so that it is not straight or so that you are not upright

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

communication

the process by which people exchange information or express their thoughts and feelings

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

dazzle

if a very bright light dazzles you, it stops you from seeing properly for a short time

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

demand

to ask for something very firmly, especially because you think you have a right to do this

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

fabric

the fabric of a society is its basic structure, way of life, relationships, and traditions

“A clear definition of the word “fabric” 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.”

legend

an old, well-known story, often about brave people, adventures, or magical events

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

microcosm

a small group, society, or place that has the same qualities as a much larger one

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

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.””

resolution

a formal decision or statement agreed on by a group of people, especially after a vote

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

wholesale

relating to the business of selling goods in large quantities at low prices to other businesses, rather than to the general public

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

admit

to agree unwillingly that something is true or that someone else is right

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

autonomous

an autonomous place or organization is free to govern or control itself

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as autonomous.”

distribution

the act of sharing things among a large group of people in a planned way

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

elevator

a machine that takes people and goods from one level to another in a building

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

empire

a group of countries that are all controlled by one ruler or government

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

exhibition

a show of paintings, photographs, or other objects that people can go to see

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

fame

the state of being known about by a lot of people because of your achievements

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

lure

something that attracts people, or the quality of being able to do this

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

namely

used when saying the names of the people or things you are referring to

“The team responded namely when the community decision plan changed.”

permit

to allow something to happen, especially by an official decision, rule, or law

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

romance

an exciting and often short relationship between two people who love each other

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

upright

a long piece of wood or metal that stands straight up and supports something

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

violate

to disobey or do something against an official agreement, law, principle etc

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

absolute

something that is considered to be true or right in all situations

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

argument

a situation in which two or more people disagree, often angrily

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

charm

a special quality someone or something has that makes people like them, feel attracted to them, or be easily influenced by them – used to show approval

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

colleague

someone you work with – used especially by professional people

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

compete

if one company or country competes with another, it tries to get people to buy its goods or servicesrather than those available from another company or country

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

Conversation

an informal talk in which people exchange news, feelings, and thoughts

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

feast

a large meal where a lot of people celebrate a special occasion

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

inhabit

if animals or people inhabit an area or place, they live there

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

lawn

an area of ground in a garden or park that is covered with short grass

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

popularity

when something or someone is liked or supported by a lot of people

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

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.”

revolt

a refusal to accept someone’s authority or obey rules or laws

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

stand

to support yourself on your feet or be in an upright position

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