Production: Society & community

The words

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

socio-economic

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

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

electorate

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

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

stringent

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

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as stringent.”

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.”

inalienable

an inalienable right, power etc cannot be taken from you

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

activism

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

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

gavel

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

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

moralist

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

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

poser

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

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

suffragist

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

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

unequal

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

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

acclaim

to praise someone or something publicly

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

caseload

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

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

backup

Backup consists of extra equipment, resources, or people that you can get help or support from if necessary

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

culmination

something, especially something important, that happens at the end of a long period of effort or development

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

nomadic

nomadic people are nomads

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

paternalism

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

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

plutocracy

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

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

sophistry

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

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

bicameral

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

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

devolution

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

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

egalitarianism

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

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

excreta

the solid or liquid waste material that people and animals produce and get rid of from their bodies

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

pandemonium

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

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

regress

When people or things regress, they return to an earlier and less advanced stage of development

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

ecology

the way in which plants, animals, and people are related to each other and to their environment, or the scientific study of this

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

polygamous

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

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

neon

a colourless gas that is found in small quantities in the air and is used in glass tubes to produce a bright light in electric advertising signs. It is a chemical element: symbol Ne

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

untamed

untamed land is still in its natural state and has not been developed by people

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as untamed.”

anomie

lack of social or moral standards in an individual or society

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

counsellor

someone whose job is to help and support people with problems

“Learners saw the word “counsellor” 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.””

gaffe

an embarrassing mistake made in a social situation or in public

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

literati

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

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

milk

a white liquid produced by cows or goats that is drunk by people

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

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.”

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.””

alienation

the feeling of not being part of society or a group

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

migrate

if people migrate, they go to live in another area or country, especially in order to find work

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

veto

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

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

announce

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

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

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.”

gentry

people who belong to a high social class

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

monster

an imaginary or ancient creature that is large, ugly, and frightening

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

conform

to be similar to what people expect or think is usual

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

municipal

relating to or belonging to the government of a town or city

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as municipal.”

multitude

a very large number of people or things

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

altruistic

altruistic behaviour shows that you care about and will help other people, even though this brings no advantage for yourself

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

appliance

a piece of equipment, especially electrical equipment, such as a cooker or washing machine , used in people’s homes

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

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.”

ruthless

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

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as ruthless.”

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.”

mobilize

to encourage people to support something in an active way

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

comet

an object in space like a bright ball with a long tail, that moves around the sun

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

equity

a situation in which all people are treated equally and no one has an unfair advantage

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

plaintiff

someone who brings a legal action against another person in a court of law

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

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.”

household

relating to looking after a house and the people in it

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

rescind

to officially end a law, or change a decision or agreement

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

reticent

Someone who is reticent does not tell people about things

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as reticent.”

ethical

relating to principles of what is right and wrong

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as ethical.”

medication

medicine or drugs given to people who are ill

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

nightmare

A nightmare is a very frightening dream

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

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.”

mischievous

someone who is mischievous likes to have fun, especially by playing tricks on people or doing things to annoy or embarrass them

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

teem

If you say that a place is teeming with people or animals, you mean that it is crowded and the people and animals are moving around a lot

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

vaccine

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

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

aftermath

the period of time after something such as a war, storm, or accident when people are still dealing with the results

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

ambush

a sudden attack on someone by people who have been hiding and waiting for them, or the place where this happens

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

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.”

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.”

prosecutor

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

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

litigant

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

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

stand

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

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

upscale

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

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

archive

a place where a large number of historical records are stored, or the records that are stored

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

congestion

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

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

ferry

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

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

hoary

a hoary joke, remark etc is so well-known that people no longer find it amusing or interesting

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

nebula

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

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

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.”

stunt

something that is done to attract people’s attention, especially in advertising or politics

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

altruism

when you care about or help other people, even though this brings no advantage to yourself

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

extrovert

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

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

cooperative

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

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

fraudulent

intended to deceive people in an illegal way, in order to gain money, power etc

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as fraudulent.”

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.”

introvert

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

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

milieu

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

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

perfunctory

a perfunctory action is done quickly, and is only done because people expect it

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

relinquish

to let someone else have your position, power, or rights, especially unwillingly

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

revoke

to officially state that a law, decision, or agreement is no longer effective

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

righteous

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

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as righteous.”

apportion

to decide how something should be shared among various people

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

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.”

bulletin

an official statement that tells people about something important

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

debase

to make someone or something lose its value or people’s respect

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

delinquency

illegal or immoral behaviour or actions, especially by young people

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

empower

to give a person or organization the legal right to do something

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

flamboyant

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

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

prosper

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

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

rebellious

deliberately not obeying people in authority or rules of behaviour

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as rebellious.”

sociable

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

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as sociable.”

tout

to try to persuade people to buy goods or services you are offering

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

canary

a small yellow bird that people often keep as a pet

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

discourteous

not polite, and not showing respect for other people

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

evacuate

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

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

hypotenuse

the longest side of a triangle that has a right angle

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

incursion

a sudden attack into an area that belongs to other people

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

legislature

an institution that has the power to make or change laws

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

lobster

a sea animal with eight legs, a shell, and two large claws

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

resplendent

very beautiful, bright, and impressive in appearance

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

seclusion

the state of being private and away from other people

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

compassionate

feeling sympathy for people who are suffering

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as compassionate.”

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.”

hive

a place that is full of people who are very busy

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

legislation

the act or process of making a law or laws

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

malevolent

a malevolent person wants to harm other people

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

incandescent

producing a bright light when heated

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

populace

the people who live in a country

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

pugnacious

very eager to argue or fight with people

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as pugnacious.”

legislate

to make a law about something

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

poll

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

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

prestige

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

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

preach

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

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

versus

used to show that two people or teams are competing against each other in a game or court case

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

disperse

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

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

stubborn

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

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

succession

the act of taking over an official job or position, or the right to be the next to take it

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

summit

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

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

distribution

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

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

testify

to make a formal statement of what is true, especially in a court of law

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

terrace

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

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

attendance

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

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

commend

to praise or approve of someone or something publicly

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

vigorous

using a lot of energy and strength or determination

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as vigorous.”

crime

an illegal action, which can be punished by law

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

deport

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

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

fluorescent

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

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as fluorescent.”

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.”

miscellaneous

a miscellaneous set of things or people includes many different things or people that do not seem to be connected with each other

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

wholesale

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

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

appropriation

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

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

condition

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

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

association

an organization that consists of a group of people who have the same aims, do the same kind of work etc

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

discreet

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

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

infringement

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

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

reconciliation

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

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

resignation

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

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

supply

to provide people with something that they need or want, especially regularly over a long period of time

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

frantic

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

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

multinational

a multinational company has factories, offices, and business activities in many different countries

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

palpable

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

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

persistent

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

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

bully

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

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

disparate

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

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

rivalry

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

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

absolve

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

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

ambassador

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

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

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.”

fiscal

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

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as fiscal.”

immigration

the process of entering another country in order to live there permanently

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

publicize

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

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

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.”

absolute

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

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

difference

a way in which two or more people or things are not like each other

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

independence

political freedom from control by the government of another country

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

intimidate

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

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

shortage

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

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

assertive

behaving in a confident way, so that people notice you

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as assertive.”

comedy

entertainment that is intended to make people laugh

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

dispense

to give something to people, especially in fixed amounts

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

fiction

books and stories about imaginary people and events

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

mandatory

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

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

judicial

relating to the law, judges, or their decisions

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

outcry

an angry protest by a lot of ordinary people

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

privacy

the state of being free from public attention

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

strife

trouble between two or more people or groups

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

asylum

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

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

cession

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

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

condescend

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

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

despotic

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

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

knack

A knack is a particularly clever or skilful way of doing something successfully, especially something which most people find difficult

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

meteor

a piece of rock or metal that travels through space, and makes a bright line in the night sky when it falls down towards the Earth

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

peddle

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

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

pillory

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

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

smirk

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

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

stigma

a strong feeling in society that being in a particular situation or having a particular illness is something to be ashamed of

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

stolid

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

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

sycophant

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

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

unbiased

unbiased information, opinions, advice etc is fair because the person giving it is not influenced by their own or other people’s opinions

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

zealot

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

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

acrobat

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

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

caucus

a meeting of the members of a political party to choose people to represent them in a larger meeting, election etc

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

dogmatic

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

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

expurgate

If someone expurgates a piece of writing, they remove parts of it before it is published because they think those parts will offend or shock people

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

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.”

invigorate

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

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

maze

a specially designed system of paths, often in a park or public garden, which is difficult to find your way through

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

newsletter

a short written report of news about a club, organization etc that is sent regularly to people who are interested

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

Paleolithic

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

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as paleolithic.”

purgatory

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

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

suborn

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

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

anarchy

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

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

bravado

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

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

colonize

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

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

conciliate

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

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

deploy

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

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

ecological

connected with the way plants, animals, and people are related to each other and to their environment

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as ecological.”

enactment

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

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

endemic

an endemic disease or problem is always present in a particular place, or among a particular group of people

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

hearsay

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

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

impropriety

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

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

inequality

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

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

liberty

the freedom and the right to do whatever you want without asking permission or being afraid of authority

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

motley

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

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as motley.”

neolithic

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

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

ostentation

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

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

patriarchy

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

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

perverse

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

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

pretend

to behave as if something is true when in fact you know it is not, in order to deceive people or for fun

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

regent

someone who governs instead of a king or queen, because the king or queen is ill, absent, or still a child

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

sanctimonious

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

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

aborigine

someone who belongs to the race of people who have lived in Australia from the earliest times

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

arrogate

to claim that you have a particular right, position etc, without having the legal right to it

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

astrology

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

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

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.”

bombast

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

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

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.””

deviant

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

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

flaunt

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

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

horror

The horror of something, especially something that hurts people, is its very great unpleasantness

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

hummingbird

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

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

influx

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

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

lawsuit

a problem or complaint that a person or organization brings to a court of law to be settled

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

notoriety

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

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

obsequious

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

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

ostracize

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

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

philanthropic

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

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

qualm

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

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

quell

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

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

recant

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

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

redound

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

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

supercilious

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

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

vernacular

a form of a language that ordinary people use, especially one that is not the official language

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

anthology

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

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

balk

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

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

collusion

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

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

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.”

flippant

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

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as flippant.”