Literacy: Society & community

The words

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

anthropology

the scientific study of people, their societies, culture s etc

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

culture

the beliefs, way of life, art, and customs that are shared and accepted by people in a particular society

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

parliament

the group of people who are elected to make a country’s laws and discuss important national affairs

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

caste

A caste is one of the traditional social classes into which people are divided in a Hindu society

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

nation

a country, considered especially in relation to its people and its social or economic structure

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

govern

to officially and legally control a country and make all the decisions about taxes, laws, public services etc

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

Museum

a building where important cultural , historical, or scientific objects are kept and shown to the public

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

public

relating to all the ordinary people in a country, who are not members of the government or do not have important jobs

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

republic

a country governed by elected representatives of the people, and led by a president, not a king or queen

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

oppress

to treat a group of people unfairly or cruelly, and prevent them from having the same rights that other people in society have

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

individualism

the belief that the rights and freedom of individual people are the most important rights in a society

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

justify

to give an acceptable explanation for something that other people think is unreasonable

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

issue

a subject or problem that is often discussed or argued about, especially a social or political matter that affects the interests of a lot of people

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

history

all the things that happened in the past, especially the political, social, or economic development of a nation

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

suppress

to stop people from opposing the government, especially by using force

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

society

people in general, considered in relation to the laws, organizations etc that make it possible for them to live together

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

Marxism

the system of political thinking invented by Karl Marx, which explains changes in history as the result of a struggle between social classes

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

census

an official process of counting a country’s population and finding out about the people

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

morality

beliefs or ideas about what is right and wrong and about how people should behave

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

agitation

public argument or action for social or political change

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

firebrand

someone who tries to make people angry about a law, government etc so that they will try to change it

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

socialization

the process by which people, especially children, are made to behave in a way that is acceptable in their society

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

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.”

uprising

an attempt by a group of people to change the government, laws etc in an area or country

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

pageant

A pageant is a colourful public procession, show, or ceremony. Pageants are usually held outdoors and often celebrate events or people from history.

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

repressive

a repressive government or law controls people in a cruel and severe way

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

social

relating to human society and its organization, or the quality of people’s lives

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

bylaw

a law made by a local government that people in that area must obey

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

Festival

a special occasion when people celebrate something such as a religious event, and there is often a public holiday

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

unconventional

If you describe a person or their attitude or behaviour as unconventional, you mean that they do not behave in the same way as most other people in their society

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

audience

a group of people who come to watch and listen to someone speaking or performing in public

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

council

a group of people that are chosen to make rules, laws, or decisions, or to give advice

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

law

the whole system of rules that people in a particular country or area must obey

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

socialism

an economic and political system in which large industries are owned by the government, and taxes are used to take some wealth away from richer citizens and give it to poorer citizens

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

sound

to publicly give a warning or tell people to be careful

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

democracy

a system of government in which every citizen in the country can vote to elect its government officials

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

claimant

someone who claims something, especially money, from the government, a court etc because they think they have a right to it

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

parade

a public celebration when musical bands, brightly decorated vehicles etc move down the street

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

custom

something that is done by people in a particular society because it is traditional

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

combination

a mixture of different people or things that work successfully together

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

constitution

a set of basic laws and principles that a country or organization is governed by

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

mixture

a combination of two or more different things, feelings, or types of people

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

equality

a situation in which people have the same rights, advantages etc

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

infringe

to do something that is against a law or someone’s legal rights

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

forfeit

to lose a right, position, possession etc or have it taken away from you because you have broken a law or rule

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

forum

an organization, meeting, TV programme etc where people have a chance to publicly discuss an important subject

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

agitate

to argue strongly in public for something you want, especially a political or social change

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

aristocracy

the people in the highest social class, who traditionally have a lot of land, money, and power

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

nobility

the group of people in some countries who belong to the highest social class and have titles such as ‘Duke’ or ‘Countess’

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

orthodox

orthodox ideas, methods, or behaviour are accepted by most people to be correct and right

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

propaganda

information which is false or which emphasizes just one part of a situation, used by a government or political group to make people agree with them

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

sociology

the scientific study of societies and the behaviour of people in groups

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

disturbance

a situation in which people behave violently in public

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

restoration

the act of bringing back a law, tax, or system of government

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

practice

something that people do often, especially a particular way of doing something or a social or religious custom

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

image

the opinion people have of a person, organization, product etc, or the way a person, organization etc seems to be to the public

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

Cross

an upright post of wood with another crossing it near the top, that people in the past were fastened to with nails and left to die on as a punishment

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

exhibit

to show something in a public place so that people can go to see it

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

population

the number of people living in a particular area, country etc

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

nationality

the state of being legally a citizen of a particular country

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

community

the people who live in the same area, town etc

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

mosquito

a small flying insect that sucks the blood of people and animals, sometimes spreading the disease malaria

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

mystery

an event, situation etc that people do not understand or cannot explain because they do not know enough about it

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

party

a social event when a lot of people meet together to enjoy themselves by eating, drinking, dancing etc

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

police

the people who work for an official organization whose job is to catch criminals and make sure that people obey the law

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

terror

an event or situation that makes people feel extremely frightened, especially because they think they may die

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

obligate

to make someone have to do something, because it is the law, their duty, or the right thing to do

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

aloud

if you read, laugh, say something etc aloud, you read etc so that people can hear you

“The report explains why the community decision pattern developed aloud.”

national

someone who is a citizen of a particular country but is living in another country

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

media

all the organizations, such as television, radio, and newspapers, that provide news and information for the public, or the people who do this work

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

tax

an amount of money that you must pay to the government according to your income, property, goods etc and that is used to pay for public services

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

mix

the particular combination of things or people in a group or thing

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

repeal

if a government repeals a law, it officially ends that law

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

spread

to become known about or used by more and more people

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

power

the ability or right to control people or events

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

federal

a federal country or system of government consists of a group of states which control their own affairs, but which are also controlled by a single national government which makes decisions on foreign affairs, defence etc

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

canon

a standard, rule, or principle, or set of these, that are believed by a group of people to be right and good

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

reunion

a social meeting of people who have not met for a long time, especially people who were at school or college together

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

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.”

fictitious

Fictitious is used to describe something that is false or does not exist, although some people claim that it is true or exists

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

gazette

an official newspaper, especially one from the government giving important lists of people who have been employed by them etc

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

insurgent

one of a group of people fighting against the government of their own country, or against authority

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

inviolable

an inviolable right, law, principle etc is extremely important and should be treated with respect and not broken or removed

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

arbiter

someone who influences society’s opinions about what is stylish , socially acceptable etc

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

carnival

a public event at which people play music, wear special clothes, and dance in the streets

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

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.””

invigilate

to watch people who are taking an examination and make sure that they do not cheat

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

migration

the movement of large numbers of people, birds or animals from one place to another

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

overrun

if unwanted things or people overrun a place, they spread over it in great numbers

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

prerogative

a right that someone has, especially because of their importance or social position

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

Republican

relating to or supporting a system of government that is not led by a king or queen

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

socialize

to train someone to behave in a way that is acceptable in the society they are living in

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

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.”

disco

a place or social event at which people dance to recorded popular music

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

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.””

commission

a group of people who have been given the official job of finding out about something or controlling something

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

cultural

belonging or relating to a particular society and its way of life

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

excursion

a short journey arranged so that a group of people can visit a place, especially while they are on holiday

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

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.”

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.””

citizenship

the legal right of belonging to a particular country

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

reluctant

hesitating before doing sth because you do not want to do it or because you are not sure that it is the right thing to do

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as reluctant.”

tribe

a social group consisting of people of the same race who have the same beliefs, customs, language etc, and usually live in one particular area ruled by their leader

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

medium

a way of communicating information and news to people, such as newspapers, television etc

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

phenomenon

something that happens or exists in society, science, or nature, especially something that is studied because it is difficult to understand

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

topic

a subject that people talk or write about

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

withstand

to defend yourself successfully against people who attack, criticize, or oppose you

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

appropriate

to take something for yourself when you do not have the right to do this

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

contract

an official agreement between two or more people, stating what each will do

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

liberal

allowing people or organizations a lot of political or economic freedom

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

privilege

a special advantage that is given only to one person or group of people

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

qualify

to have the right to have or do something, or to give someone this right

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

suffrage

the right to vote in national elections

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

appeal

to make a serious public request for help, money, information etc

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

commit

to decide to use money, time, people etc for a particular purpose

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

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.”

literature

books, plays, poems etc that people think are important and good

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

personnel

the people who work in a company, organization, or military force

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

utility

a service such as gas or electricity provided for people to use

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

sensitive

easily upset or offended by events or things that people say

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as sensitive.”

destination

the place that someone or something is going to

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

collision

an accident in which two or more people or vehicles hit each other while moving in different directions

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

jail

a place where criminals are kept as part of their punishment, or where people who have been charged with a crime are kept before they are judged in a law court

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

ritual

a ceremony that is always performed in the same way, in order to mark an important religious or social occasion

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

dominant

Someone or something that is dominant is more powerful, successful, influential, or noticeable than other people or things

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as dominant.”

embarrass

to make someone feel ashamed, nervous, or uncomfortable, especially in front of other people

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

imitate

to copy the way someone behaves, speaks, moves etc, especially in order to make people laugh

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

passive

someone who is passive tends to accept things that happen to them or things that people say to them, without taking any action

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

profile

a short description that gives important details about a person, a group of people, or a place

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

prosecute

to charge someone with a crime and try to show that they are guilty of it in a court of law

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

spectrum

a complete range of opinions, people, situations etc, going from one extreme to its opposite

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

testimony

a formal statement saying that something is true, especially one a witness makes in a court of law

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

dominate

to control someone or something or to have more importance than other people or things

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

government

the group of people who govern a country or state

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

hierarchy

a system of organization in which people or things are divided into levels of importance

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

integrate

to become part of a group or society and be accepted by them, or to help someone do this（

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

autonomy

freedom that a place or an organization has to govern or control itself

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

column

a tall solid upright stone post used to support a building or as a decoration

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

personality

someone’s character, especially the way they behave towards other people

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

recruit

to find new people to work in a company, join an organization, do a job etc

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

acknowledge

to accept that someone or something has authority over people

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

differentiate

to recognize or express the difference between things or people

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

disguise

to change someone’s appearance so that people cannot recognize them

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

focus

the thing, person, situation etc that people pay special attention to

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

isolate

to separate one person, group, or thing from other people or things

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

violent

someone who is violent is likely to attack, hurt, or kill other people

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

minority

a small group of people or things within a much larger group

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

penalty

a punishment for breaking a law, rule, or legal agreement

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

prejudice

an un-reasonable dislike and distrust of people who are different from you in some way, especially because of their race, sex, religion etc – used to show disapproval

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

advocate

someone who publicly supports someone or something

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

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.””

dubious

probably not honest, true, right etc

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

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.”

flame

to burn brightly

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

reporter

someone whose job is to write about news events for a newspaper, or to tell people about them on television or on the radio

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

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.””

booth

A booth is a small area separated from a larger public area by screens or thin walls where, for example, people can make a telephone call or vote in private

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

compulsory

something that is compulsory must be done because it is the law or because someone in authority orders you to

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

controversial

causing a lot of disagreement, because many people have strong opinions about the subject being discussed

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

hypothesis

an idea that is suggested as an explanation for something, but that has not yet been proved to be true

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

predominant

If something is predominant, it is more important or noticeable than anything else in a set of people or things

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

regime

a government, especially one that was not elected fairly or that you disapprove of for some other reason

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

chord

a combination of several musical notes that are played at the same time and sound pleasant together

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

clarity

the clarity of a piece of writing, law, argument etc is its quality of being expressed clearly

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

cosmopolitan

a cosmopolitan place has people from many different parts of the world – use this to show approval

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

indigenous

indigenous people or things have always been in the place where they are, rather than being brought there from somewhere else

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

reservoir

a lake, especially an artificial one, where water is stored before it is supplied to people’s houses

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

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.”

controversy

a serious argument about something that involves many people and continues for a long time

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

desolate

a place that is desolate is empty and looks sad because there are no people there

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

eccentric

someone who behaves in a way that is different from what is usual or socially accepted

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

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.”

nutrition

the process of giving or getting the right type of food for good health and growth

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

prevalent

common at a particular time, in a particular place, or among a particular group of people

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

slander

to say false things about someone in order to damage other people’s good opinion of them

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

solicitor

a type of lawyer in Britain who gives legal advice, prepares the necessary documents when property is bought or sold, and defends people, especially in the lower courts of law

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

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.”

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.”

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.”

humiliate

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

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

insight

the ability to understand and realize what people or situations are really like

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

integrity

the quality of being honest and strong about what you believe to be right

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

proclaim

to say publicly or officially that something important is true or exists

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

antagonism

hatred between people or groups of people

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

energetic

having or needing a lot of energy or determination

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as energetic.”

equitable

treating all people in a fair and equal way

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

formidable

very powerful or impressive, and often frightening

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

inclination

a tendency to think or behave in a particular way

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

practitioner

someone who works as a doctor or a lawyer

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

sustenance

food that people or animals need in order to live

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

destructive

causing damage to people or things

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as destructive.”

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.””

defame

to write or say bad or untrue things about someone or something, so that people will have a bad opinion of them

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

expropriate

if a government or someone in authority expropriates your private property, they take it away for public use

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

ingratiating

If you describe someone or their behaviour as ingratiating, you mean that they try to make people like them

“The speaker uses “ingratiating” 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.””

moralistic

with very strong beliefs about what is right and wrong, especially when this makes you judge other people’s behaviour

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

moralize

to tell other people your ideas about right and wrong behaviour, especially when they have not asked for your opinion

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

nationalism

the desire by a group of people of the same race, origin, language etc to form an independent country

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

poorhouse

a building where very poor people in the past could live and be fed, which was paid for with public money

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

reciprocity

a situation in which two people, groups, or countries give each other similar kinds of help or special rights

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

rehearse

to practise or make people practise something such as a play or concert in order to prepare for a public performance

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

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.”

technocracy

a social system in which people with a lot of knowledge about science, machines, and computers have a lot of power

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

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.”

unsuspected

If you describe something as unsuspected, you mean that people do not realize it or are not aware of it

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

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.””

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.”

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.””

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.”

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.”

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.””

humanity

people in general

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

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.””

mismatch

a combination of things or people that do not work well together or are not suitable for each other

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

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.”

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.”

stele

an upright stone slab or column decorated with figures or inscriptions, common in prehistoric times

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

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.”

finnish

Finnish means belonging or relating to Finland or to its people, language, or culture

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

foment

to cause trouble and make people start fighting each other or opposing the government

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

immunity

the state or right of being protected from particular laws or from unpleasant things

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

iroquois

a member of any of a group of North American Indian peoples formerly living between the Hudson River and the St Lawrence and Lake Erie

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

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.”

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.”

philippine

Philippine means belonging or relating to the Philippines, or to their people or culture

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as philippine.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

cowardly

If you describe someone as cowardly, you disapprove of them because they are easily frightened and avoid doing dangerous and difficult things

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

culturally

in a way that is related to the ideas, beliefs, or customs of a society

“The report explains why the community decision pattern developed culturally.”

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.”

essayist

someone who writes essays giving their ideas about politics, society etc

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

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.”