Listening & Lecture Language: Society & community

The words

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

listen

to pay attention to what someone is saying or to a sound that you can hear

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

acoustic

relating to sound and the way people hear things

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

counterpoint

the combination of two or more tunes played together so that they sound like one tune

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

groan

to make a long deep sound because you are in pain, upset, or disappointed, or because something is very enjoyable

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

choir

a group of people who sing together for other people to listen to

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

audible

a sound that is audible is loud enough for you to hear it

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as audible.”

glitter

to shine brightly with flashing points of light

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

aside

words spoken by an actor to the people watching a play, that the other characters in the play do not hear

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

echo

a sound that you hear again after a loud noise, because it was made near something such as a wall

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

provocative

provocative behaviour, remarks etc are intended to make people angry or upset, or to cause a lot of discussion

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as provocative.”

mouse

a small furry animal with a pointed nose and a long tail that lives in people’s houses or in fields

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

noise

a sound, especially one that is loud, unpleasant, or frightening

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

hear

to know that a sound is being made, using your ears

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

overhear

to accidentally hear what other people are saying, when they do not know that you have heard

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

sigh

to breathe in and out making a long sound, especially because you are bored, disappointed, tired etc

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

symposium

a formal meeting in which people who know a lot about a particular subject have discussions about it

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

heartbeat

the action or sound of your heart as it pumps blood through your body

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

sparkle

a bright shiny appearance, with small points of flashing light

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

standpoint

a way of thinking about people, situations, ideas etc

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

heartbreak

great sadness or disappointment

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

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.”

aural

relating to the sense of hearing, or someone’s ability to understand sounds

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

consonant

relating to a combination of musical notes that sounds pleasant

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

explore

to discuss or think about something carefully

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

caretaker

A caretaker government or leader is in charge temporarily until a new government or leader is appointed

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as caretaker.”

dais

a low stage in a room that you stand on when you are making a speech or performing, so that people can see and hear you

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

impasse

a situation in which it is impossible to continue with a discussion or plan because the people involved cannot agree

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

bug

a small piece of electronic equipment for listening secretly to other people’s conversations

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

consultation

a discussion in which people who are affected by or involved in something can give their opinions

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

headphones

a piece of equipment that you wear over your ears to listen to the radio, music etc without other people hearing it

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

Congress

a formal meeting of representatives of different groups, countries etc, to discuss ideas, make decisions etc

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

shear

A pair of shears is a garden tool like a very large pair of scissors. Shears are used especially for cutting hedges.

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

signal

a sound or action that you make in order to give information to someone or tell them to do something

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

laughter

when people laugh, or the sound of people laughing

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

aggregate

the total after a lot of different figures or points have been added together

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

compass

an instrument that shows directions and has a needle that always points north

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

converge

to come from different directions and meet at the same point to become one thing

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

pierce

to make a small hole in or through something, using an object with a sharp point

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

swing

to make regular movements forwards and backwards or from one side to another while hanging from a particular point, or to make something do this

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

tragedy

a very sad event, that shocks people because it involves death

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

amplify

to make sound louder, especially musical sound

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

glare

a bright unpleasant light which hurts your eyes

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

rhythm

a regular repeated pattern of sounds or movements

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

applause

the sound of many people hitting their hands together and shouting, to show that they have enjoyed something

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

hallucination

something which you imagine you can see or hear, but which is not really there, or the experience of this

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

palpitate

If someone's heart palpitates, it beats very fast in an irregular way, because they are frightened or anxious

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

downhearted

feeling sad and disappointed, especially because you have tried to achieve something but have failed

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

checkpoint

a place, especially on a border, where an official person examines vehicles or people

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

eardrum

a tight thin piece of skin over the inside of your ear which allows you to hear sound

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

gabble

to say something so quickly that people cannot hear you clearly or understand you properly

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

heartwarming

making you feel happy because you see other people being happy or kind to each other

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

psychotherapy

the treatment of mental illness, for example depression , by talking to someone and discussing their problems rather than giving them drugs

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

dissonance

a combination of notes that sound strange because they are not in harmony

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

convene

if a group of people convene, or someone convenes them, they come together, especially for a formal meeting

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

desolation

If you refer to desolation in a place, you mean that it is empty and frightening, for example, because it has been destroyed by a violent force or army

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

eavesdrop

to deliberately listen secretly to other people’s conversations

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

mania

a strong desire for something or interest in something, especially one that affects a lot of people at the same time

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

stethoscope

an instrument that a doctor uses to listen to your heart or breathing

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

tuba

a large metal musical instrument that consists of a curved tube with a wide opening that points straight up. It produces very low sounds when you blow into it.

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

convict

to prove or officially announce that someone is guilty of a crime after a trial in a law court

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

italic

Italics are letters that slope to the right. Italics are often used to emphasize a particular word or sentence. The examples in this dictionary are printed in italics.

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

publicly

in a way that is intended for anyone to know, see, or hear

“The speaker explained the community decision change publicly.”

ultrasonic

ultrasonic sound waves are too high for humans to hear

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

conspiracy

a secret plan made by two or more people to do something that is harmful or illegal

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

demography

the study of human populations and the ways in which they change, for example the study of how many births, marriages and deaths happen in a particular place at a particular time

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

statesman

a political or government leader, especially one who is respected as being wise and fair

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

ultrasound

sound that is too high for humans to hear

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

haven

a place where people or animals can live peacefully or go to in order to be safe

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

mediate

to try to end a quarrel between two people, groups, countries etc

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

metallic

a metallic noise sounds like pieces of metal hitting each other

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

percussion

the sound or effect of two things hitting each other with great force

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

pivot

to turn or balance on a central point, or to make something do this

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

thorn

a sharp point that grows on the stem of a plant such as a rose

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

counterfeit

to copy something exactly in order to deceive people

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

disappoint

to make someone feel unhappy because something they hoped for did not happen or was not as good as they expected

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

visual

something such as a picture or the part of a film, video etc that you can see, as opposed to the parts that you hear

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

alike

used to emphasize that you mean both the people, groups, or things that you have just mentioned

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

publication

The publication of a book or magazine is the act of printing it and sending it to stores to be sold

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

attention

when you carefully listen to, look at, or think about someone or something

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

organ

a part of the body, such as the heart or lungs, that has a particular purpose

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

subside

if a feeling, pain, sound etc subsides, it gradually becomes less and then stops

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

thunder

the loud noise that you hear during a storm, usually after a flash of lightning

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

tune

a series of musical notes that are played or sung and are nice to listen to

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

assembly

the meeting together of a group of people for a particular purpose

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

beat

to get the most points, votes etc in a game, race, or competition

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

embarrassed

feeling uncomfortable or nervous and worrying about what people think of you, for example because you have made a silly mistake, or because you have to talk or sing in public

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

quality

very good – used especially by people who are trying to sell something

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

style

a particular way of doing, designing, or producing something, especially one that is typical of a particular place, period of time, or group of people

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

whistle

to make a high or musical sound by blowing air out through your lips

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

carrot

a long pointed orange vegetable that grows under the ground

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

deaf

physically unable to hear anything or unable to hear well

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

freeze

a time when people are not allowed to increase prices or pay

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

heart

the organ in your chest which pumps blood through your body

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

justice

the quality of being right and deserving fair treatment

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

utter

to make a sound with your voice, especially with difficulty

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

crime

an illegal action, which can be punished by law

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

fist

the hand when it is tightly closed, so that the fingers are curled in towards the palm . People close their hand in a fist when they are angry or are going to hit someone.

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

artistic

relating to art or culture

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

mediator

a person or organization that tries to end a quarrel between two people, groups, countries etc by discussion

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

apogee

The apogee of something such as a culture or a business is its highest or its greatest point

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

indistinct

an indistinct sound, image, or memory cannot be seen, heard, or remembered clearly

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

coalition

a union of two or more political parties that allows them to form a government or fight an election together

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

coupon

a small piece of printed paper that gives you the right to pay less for something or get something free

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

dart

a small pointed object that is thrown or shot as a weapon, or one that is thrown in the game of darts

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

exemplary

an exemplary punishment is very severe and is intended to stop other people from committing the same crime

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

monument

a building, statue , or other large structure that is built to remind people of an important event or famous person

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

moral

relating to the principles of what is right and wrong behaviour, and with the difference between good and evil

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

petition

a written request signed by a lot of people, asking someone in authority to do something or change something

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

placid

a placid person does not often get angry or upset and does not usually mind doing what other people want them to

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

receiver

A receiver is the part of a radio or television that picks up signals and converts them into sound or pictures

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

tourism

the business of providing things for people to do, places for them to stay etc while they are on holiday

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

agenda

a list of problems or subjects that a government, organization etc is planning to deal with

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

arrogant

behaving in an unpleasant or rude way because you think you are more important than other people

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as arrogant.”

cassette

a small flat plastic case containing magnetic tape , that can be used for playing or recording sound

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

clause

a part of a written law or legal document covering a particular subject of the whole law or document

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

considerate

Someone who is considerate pays attention to the needs, wishes, or feelings of other people

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

debut

the first public appearance of an entertainer, sports player etc or of something new and important

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

exponent

a sign written above and to the right of a number or letter to show how many times that quantity is to be multiplied by itself

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

feud

an angry and often violent quarrel between two people or groups that continues for a long time

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

selection

the careful choice of a particular person or thing from a group of similar people or things

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

temple

a building where people go to worship , in the Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, and Mormon religions

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

ardent

showing strong positive feelings about an activity and determination to succeed at it

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as ardent.”

canoe

a long light boat that is pointed at both ends and which you move along using a paddle

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

categorize

to put people or things into groups according to the type of person or thing they are

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

communicate

to exchange information or conversation with other people, using words, signs, writing etc

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

cynical

unwilling to believe that people have good, honest, or sincere reasons for doing something

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

debate

to discuss a subject formally when you are trying to make a decision or find a solution

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

savage

an offensive word used to describe people who have a simple traditional way of life

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

delineate

to describe or draw something carefully so that people can understand it

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

diplomat

someone who officially represents their government in a foreign country

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

disrepute

a situation in which people no longer admire or trust someone or something

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

emancipate

to give someone the political or legal rights that they did not have before

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

fallacy

a false idea or belief, especially one that a lot of people believe is true

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

fraud

the crime of deceiving people in order to gain something such as money or goods

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

horn

the thing in a vehicle that you use to make a loud sound as a signal or warning

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

irreverent

someone who is irreverent does not show respect for organizations, customs, beliefs etc that most other people respect – often used to show approval

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as irreverent.”

protest

to come together to publicly express disapproval or opposition to something

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

responsive

eager to communicate with people, and to react to them in a positive way

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as responsive.”

sentimental

someone who is sentimental is easily affected by emotions such as love, sympathy, sadness etc, often in a way that seems silly to other people

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

attentive

listening to or watching someone carefully because you are interested

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

brass

a very hard bright yellow metal that is a mixture of copper and zinc

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

crest

the top or highest point of something such as a hill or a wave

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

flamboyant

behaving in a confident or exciting way that makes people notice you

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

flare

to suddenly begin to burn, or to burn more brightly for a short time

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

former

the first of two people or things that you have just mentioned

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

ignore

to behave as if you had not heard or seen someone or something

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

proponent

someone who supports something or persuades people to do something

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

rebellious

deliberately not obeying people in authority or rules of behaviour

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as rebellious.”

spotlight

a light with a very bright beam which can be directed at someone or something. Spotlights are often used to light a stage when actors or singers are performing

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

unity

when a group of people or countries agree or are joined together

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

aloof

unfriendly and deliberately not talking to other people

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

crew

a group of people working together with special skills

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

default

to fail to pay money that you owe at the right time

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

fiction

books and stories about imaginary people and events

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

household

relating to looking after a house and the people in it

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

rebel

someone who opposes or fights against people in authority

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

syllable

a word or part of a word which contains a single vowel sound

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

breach

an action that breaks a law, rule, or agreement

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

civil

relating to the people who live in a country

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

downward

moving or pointing towards a lower position

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as downward.”

glimmer

to shine with a light that is not very bright

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

latter

the second of two people or things just mentioned

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

senate

the highest level of government in ancient Rome

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

discord

disagreement or arguing between people

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

phonetic

relating to the sounds of human speech

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as phonetic.”

cardiac

relating to the heart

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

legislate

to make a law about something

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

moment

a particular point in time

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

nomadic

nomadic people are nomads

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

popular

liked by a lot of people

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

proper

right, suitable, or correct

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

aim

to choose the place, person etc that you want to hit or reach and point a weapon or another object towards them

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

carrier

someone who passes a disease or gene to other people, especially without being affected by it themselves

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

class

a group of people, animals, or things that are considered together because they are similar in some way

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

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.”

radio

a piece of electronic equipment which you use to listen to programmes that are broadcast, such as music and news

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

sweat

to have drops of salty liquid coming out through your skin because you are hot, ill, frightened, or doing exercise

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

trance

a state in which you behave as if you were asleep but are still able to hear and understand what is said to you

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

besiege

to surround a city or castle with military force until the people inside let you take control

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

defend

to use arguments to protect something or someone from criticism, or to prove that something is right

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

feminist

someone who supports the idea that women should have the same rights and opportunities as men

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

income

the money that you earn from your work or that you receive from investments, the government etc

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

militant

a militant organization or person is willing to use strong or violent action in order to achieve political or social change

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as militant.”

parachute

a piece of equipment fastened to the back of people who jump out of planes, which makes them fall slowly and safely to the ground

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

pyramid

a large stone building with four triangular walls that slope in to a point at the top, especially in Egypt and Central America

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

relic

an old object or custom that reminds people of the past or that has lived on from a past time

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

sanctuary

a peaceful place that is safe and provides protection, especially for people who are in danger

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

smear

to tell an untrue story about someone important in order to make people lose respect for them – used especially in newspapers

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

tolerant

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

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

ally

to help and support other people or countries, especially in a war or disagreement

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

bright

The brights on a vehicle are its headlights when they are set to shine their brightest

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

cheerful

something that is cheerful makes you feel happy because it is so bright or pleasant

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as cheerful.”

fork

a tool you use for picking up and eating food, with a handle and three or four points

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

guard

the act or duty of protecting places or people, or of preventing prisoners from escaping

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

hinterland

an area of land that is far from the coast, large rivers, or the places where people live

“The speaker used the word “hinterland” 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.”

joke

something that you say or do to make people laugh, especially a funny story or trick

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

marriage

the relationship between two people who are married, or the state of being married

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

obedience

when someone does what they are told to do, or what a law, rule etc says they must do

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

obey

to do what someone in authority tells you to do, or what a law or rule says you must do

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

political

Political means relating to the way power is achieved and used in a country or society

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

stadium

a building for public events, especially sports and large rock music concerts, consisting of a playing field surrounded by rows of seats

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

crab

a sea animal with a hard shell, five legs on each side, and two large claws

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

creativity

the ability to use your imagination to produce new ideas, make things etc

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

decision

a choice or judgment that you make after a period of discussion or thought

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

dolphin

a very intelligent sea animal like a fish with a long grey pointed nose

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

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.”

etiquette

the formal rules for polite behaviour in society or in a particular group

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

magnesium

Magnesium is a light, silvery white metal which burns with a bright white flame

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

negotiation

official discussions between the repre­sentatives of opposing groups who are trying to reach an agreement, especially in business or politics

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

notice

a written or printed statement that gives information or a warning to people

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

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.”

plenty

a situation in which there is a lot of food and goods available for people

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

sensory

relating to or using your senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, or touch

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

spear

a pole with a sharp pointed blade at one end, used as a weapon in the past

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

suburb

an area where people live which is away from the centre of a town or city

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

treaty

a formal written agreement between two or more countries or governments

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

trilogy

a series of three plays, books etc that are about the same people or subject

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

usher

someone who shows people to their seats at a theatre, cinema, wedding etc

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

conclusion

something you decide after considering all the information you have

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

crescent

a curved shape that is wider in the middle and pointed at the ends

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

domesticate

to make an animal able to work for people or live with them as a pet

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

fauna

all the animals living in a particular area or period in history

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

forth

going out from a place or point, and moving forwards or outwards

“The result was described forth in the final community decision paragraph.”

gothic

the Gothic style of building was common in Western Europe between the 12th and 16th centuries and included tall pointed arches and windows and tall pillars

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as gothic.”

lame

a lame excuse or explanation is weak and difficult to believe

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

mime

to pretend to play or sing a piece of music, without making any sound

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

post

to put up a public notice about something on a wall or notice board

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

prehistoric

relating to the time in history before anything was written down

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

pronounce

to make the sound of a letter, word etc, especially in the correct way

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

scene

a particular set of activities and the people who are involved in them

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

sidewalk

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

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

statute

a law passed by a parliament, council etc and formally written down

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

choose

to decide which one of a number of things or people you want

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

election

when people vote to choose someone for an official position

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

evacuate

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

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

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.”

interplay

the way in which two people or things affect each other

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

legislature

an institution that has the power to make or change laws

“The speaker used the word “legislature” 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.”

nervous

worried or frightened about something, and unable to relax

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as nervous.”

reticent

Someone who is reticent does not tell people about things

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as reticent.”

rotary

turning in a circle around a fixed point, like a wheel

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

union

an organization formed by workers to protect their rights

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

appearance

the way someone or something looks to other people

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

appoint

to choose someone for a position or a job

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

audio

relating to sound that is recorded or broadcast

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as audio.”

cactus

a desert plant with sharp points instead of leaves

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

hive

a place that is full of people who are very busy

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

hotel

a building where people pay to stay and eat meals

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