Listening & Reading: Society & community

The words

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

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.”

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.””

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.””

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.””

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.”

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.””

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.”

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.”

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.””

statement

something you say or write, especially publicly or officially, to let people know your intentions or opinions, or to record facts

“The speaker used the word “statement” 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.”

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.”

infringe

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

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

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.””

disturbance

a situation in which people behave violently in public

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

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

lawyer

someone whose job is to advise people about laws, write formal agreements, or represent people in court

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

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.”

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.””

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.”

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.”

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.””

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.”

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.”

department

one of the groups of people who work together in a particular part of a large organization such as a hospital, university, company, or government

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

cultural

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

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

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

remember

to have a picture or idea in your mind of people, events, places etc from the past

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

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.”

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.””

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

restriction

a rule or law that limits or controls what people can do

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

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.”

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.”

enfranchise

to give a group of people the right to vote

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

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.”

power

the ability or right to control people or events

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

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.”

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.”

advocate

someone who publicly supports someone or something

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

dubious

probably not honest, true, right etc

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

bug

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

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

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.”

feminist

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

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

flame

to burn brightly

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

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

creativity

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

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

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.”

ethic

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

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

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.”

hypercritical

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

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

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.”

creative

involving the use of imagination to produce new ideas or things

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

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.””

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.””

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.”

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.”

liberal

allowing people or organizations a lot of political or economic freedom

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

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.”

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.”

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.”

energetic

having or needing a lot of energy or determination

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as energetic.”

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.””

destructive

causing damage to people or things

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as destructive.”

acne

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

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

contributor

someone who gives money, help, ideas etc to something that a lot of other people are also involved in

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

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.”

movement

a group of people who share the same ideas or beliefs and who work together to achieve a particular aim

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

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.””

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.”

disaffection

Disaffection is the attitude that people have when they stop supporting something such as an organization or political ideal

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

humanity

people in general

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

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

nexus

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

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

philippine

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

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as philippine.”

fossilize

if people, ideas, systems etc fossilize or are fossilized, they never change or develop, even when there are good reasons why they should change

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

sedition

speech, writing, or actions intended to encourage people to disobey a government

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

snobbish

behaving in a way that shows you think you are better than other people because you are from a higher social class or know more than they do

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

campaign

to lead or take part in a series of actions intended to achieve a particular social or political result

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

competition

a situation in which people or organizations try to be more successful than other people or organizations

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

coordinate

to organize an activity so that the people involved in it work well together and achieve a good result

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

desalination

the process of removing salt from sea water so that people can use it

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

mutual

mutual feelings such as respect, trust, or hatred are feelings that two or more people have for each other

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

pedant

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

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

pluralism

when people of many different races, religions, and political beliefs live together in the same society, or the belief that this can happen successfully

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

prior

a person’s right to something which is considered more important than another person’s right to the same thing

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

readership

all the people who read a particular newspaper or magazine regularly

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

sack

a situation in which an army goes through a place, destroying or stealing things and attacking people

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

stumble

to stop or make a mistake when you are reading to people or speaking

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

yuan

The yuan is the unit of money used in the People's Republic of China

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

declare

to state officially and publicly that a particular situation exists or that something is true

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

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.”

independent

an independent organization is not owned or controlled by, or does not receive money from, another organization or the government

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as independent.”

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.”

personal

belonging or relating to one particular person, rather than to other people or to people in general

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

pestilence

a disease that spreads quickly and kills a lot of people

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

professional

someone who earns money by doing a job, sport, or activity that many other people do just for fun

“The speaker used the word “professional” 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.”

relief

a feeling of comfort when something frightening, worrying, or painful has ended or has not happened

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

reputation

the opinion that people have about someone or something because of what has happened in the past

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

stratification

when society is divided into separate social classes

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

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.””

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.”

concentrate

to be present in large numbers or amounts somewhere, or to cause people or things to be present in large numbers or amounts somewhere

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

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.”

journal

a serious magazine produced for professional people or those with a particular interest

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

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.”

survey

to ask a large number of people questions in order to find out their attitudes or opinions

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

track

a narrow path or road with a rough uneven surface, especially one made by people or animals frequently moving through the same place

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

agency

a business that provides a particular service for people or organizations

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

ambulance

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

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

chief

the most important person, or one of the most important people, in a company or organization – used especially in job titles and in news reports

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

conflict

a state of disagreement or argument between people, groups, countries etc

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

distinguish

to recognize and understand the difference between two or more things or people

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

inca

a member of a South American Indian people whose great empire centred on Peru lasted from about 1100 ad to the Spanish conquest in the early 1530s and is famed for its complex culture

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

legal

if something is legal, you are allowed to do it or have to do it by law

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

represent

to officially speak or take action for another person or group of people

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

session

a formal meeting or group of meetings, especially of a law court or parliament

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

brief

a short spoken or written statement giving facts about a law case

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

bureau

a government department or a part of a government department in the US

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

capacity

the amount of space a container, room etc has to hold things or people

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

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.”

distribute

to share things among a group of people, especially in a planned way

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

finance

the management of money by governments, large organizations etc

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

comparison

the process of comparing two or more people or things

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

entitle

to give someone the official right to do or have something

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

gallery

a large building where people can see famous pieces of art

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

match

an organized sports event between two teams or people

“The speaker used the word “match” 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.”

ambition

determination to be successful, rich, powerful etc

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

hazardous

dangerous, especially to people’s health or safety

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

inhabitant

one of the people who live in a particular place

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

staff

the people who work for an organization

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

polite

Someone who is polite has good manners and behaves in a way that is socially correct and not rude to other people

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

individualistic

If you say that someone is individualistic, you mean that they like to think and do things in their own way, rather than imitating other people. You can also say that a society is individualistic if it encourages people to behave in this way.

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

many

The many means a large group of people, especially the ordinary people in society, considered as separate from a particular small group

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

headhunter

someone who finds people with the right skills and experience to do particular jobs, and who tries to persuade them to leave their present jobs

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

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.”

ceremony

an important social or religious event, when a traditional set of actions is performed in a formal way

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

convention

a large formal meeting for people who belong to the same profession or organization or who have the same interests

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

frequency

the number of times that something happens within a particular period of time or within a particular group of people

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

generous

someone who is generous is willing to give money, spend time etc, in order to help people or give them pleasure

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

liberty

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

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

pretend

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

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

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.”

subsidy

money that is paid by a government or organization to make prices lower, reduce the cost of producing goods etc

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

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.””

entertainment

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

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

era

a period of time in history that is known for a particular event, or for particular qualities

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