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IELTS Society and culture

Writing: Society & community

Words for describing trends, comparing options, and organising academic paragraphs. Focus: society & community.

Independent IELTS study resource — not official exam material.

  • Teens and up
  • Friends & social life
  • Confident · B2
  • 250 words

The words

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

defame
to write or say bad or untrue things about someone or something, so that people will have a bad opinion of them
“Learners hear “defame” while following the community decision explanation.”
expropriate
if a government or someone in authority expropriates your private property, they take it away for public use
“A clear example helps learners use “expropriate” in a sentence about the community decision.”
reciprocity
a situation in which two people, groups, or countries give each other similar kinds of help or special rights
“The speaker used the word “reciprocity” while explaining the community decision problem.”
totalitarian
based on a political system in which ordinary people have no power and are completely controlled by the government
“The report describes the community decision issue as totalitarian.”
dregs
not polite an offensive expression used to describe the people that you consider are the least important or useful in society
“The speaker used the word “dregs” while explaining the community decision problem.”
halo
a bright circle that is often shown above or around the heads of holy people in religious art
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “halo.””
snob
someone who thinks they are better than people from a lower social class – used to show disapproval
“Learners saw the word “snob” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
dissident
someone who publicly criticizes the government in a country where this is punished
“A clear definition of the word “dissident” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
rehearsal
a time when all the people in a play, concert etc practise before a public performance
“A clear definition of the word “rehearsal” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
enshrine
if something such as a tradition or right is enshrined in something, it is preserved and protected so that people will remember and respect it
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “enshrine” describes an action or change.”
hobnob
to spend time talking to people who are in a higher social position than you
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “hobnob” describes an action or change.”
barrister
a lawyer in Britain who can argue cases in the higher law courts
“Learners saw the word “barrister” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
elite
a group of people who have a lot of power and influence because they have money, knowledge, or special skills
“A clear definition of the word “elite” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
huddle
a group of people or things that are close together, but not arranged in any particular order, pattern, or system
“Learners saw the word “huddle” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
illicit
not allowed by laws or rules, or strongly disapproved of by society
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as illicit.”
segregate
to separate one group of people from others, especially because they are of a different race, sex, or religion
“A clear example helps learners use “segregate” in a sentence about the community decision.”
vehicle
a machine with an engine that is used to take people or things from one place to another, such as a car, bus, or truck
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “vehicle.””
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.”
electorate
all the people in a country who have the right to vote
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “electorate.””
expedition
a long and carefully organized journey, especially to a dangerous or unfamiliar place, or the people that make this journey
“The speaker used the word “expedition” while explaining the community decision problem.”
solidarity
loyalty and general agreement between all the people in a group, or between different groups, because they all have a shared aim
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “solidarity.””
speechwriter
someone whose job is to write speeches for other people
“The speaker used the word “speechwriter” while explaining the community decision problem.”
executive
a group of people who are in charge of an organization and make the rules
“Learners saw the word “executive” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
pugnacious
very eager to argue or fight with people
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as pugnacious.”
monster
an imaginary or ancient creature that is large, ugly, and frightening
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “monster.””
stipulate
if an agreement, law, or rule stipulates something, it must be done
“A clear example helps learners use “stipulate” in a sentence about the community decision.”
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.”
category
a group of people or things that are all of the same type
“Learners saw the word “category” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
reporter
someone whose job is to write about news events for a newspaper, or to tell people about them on television or on the radio
“A clear definition of the word “reporter” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
auction
a public meeting where land, buildings, paintings etc are sold to the person who offers the most money for them
“A clear definition of the word “auction” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
expenditure
the total amount of money that a government, organization, or person spends during a particular period of time
“The speaker used the word “expenditure” while explaining the community decision problem.”
spite
a feeling of wanting to hurt or upset people, for example because you are jealous or think you have been unfairly treated
“The speaker used the word “spite” while explaining the community decision problem.”
textile
any type of woven cloth that is made in large quantities, used especially by people in the business of making clothes etc
“A clear definition of the word “textile” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
abolish
to officially end a law, system etc, especially one that has existed for a long time
“Learners hear “abolish” while following the community decision explanation.”
advertise
to tell the public about a product or service in order to persuade them to buy it
“A clear example helps learners use “advertise” in a sentence about the community decision.”
barrier
a rule, problem etc that prevents people from doing something, or limits what they can do
“A clear definition of the word “barrier” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
desolate
a place that is desolate is empty and looks sad because there are no people there
“The speaker uses “desolate” to characterize the community decision situation.”
fabric
the fabric of a society is its basic structure, way of life, relationships, and traditions
“A clear definition of the word “fabric” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
flash
to shine suddenly and brightly for a short time, or to make something shine in this way
“Learners hear “flash” while following the community decision explanation.”
legend
an old, well-known story, often about brave people, adventures, or magical events
“A clear definition of the word “legend” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
persist
to continue to do something, although this is difficult, or other people oppose it
“Learners hear “persist” while following the community decision explanation.”
unanimous
a unanimous decision, vote, agreement etc is one in which all the people involved agree
“During the community decision discussion, “unanimous” signals a particular quality.”
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.”
defendant
the person in a court of law who has been accused of doing something illegal
“The speaker used the word “defendant” while explaining the community decision problem.”
dense
made of or containing a lot of things or people that are very close together
“During the community decision discussion, “dense” signals a particular quality.”
eradicate
to completely get rid of something such as a disease or a social problem
“Learners hear “eradicate” while following the community decision explanation.”
humiliate
to make someone feel ashamed or stupid, especially when other people are present
“Learners hear “humiliate” while following the community decision explanation.”
integrity
the quality of being honest and strong about what you believe to be right
“A clear definition of the word “integrity” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
lure
something that attracts people, or the quality of being able to do this
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “lure.””
pavement
a hard level surface or path at the side of a road for people to walk on
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “pavement.””
thoughtful
always thinking of the things you can do to make people happy or comfortable
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as thoughtful.”
diversity
the fact of including many different types of people or things
“A clear definition of the word “diversity” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
plot
a secret plan by a group of people to do something harmful or illegal
“A clear definition of the word “plot” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
revolt
a refusal to accept someone’s authority or obey rules or laws
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “revolt.””
transit
the process of moving goods or people from one place to another
“The speaker used the word “transit” while explaining the community decision problem.”
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.”
dispatch
the act of sending people or things to a particular place
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “dispatch.””
fade
to lose colour and brightness, or to make something do this
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “fade” describes an action or change.”
antagonism
hatred between people or groups of people
“The speaker used the word “antagonism” while explaining the community decision problem.”
equitable
treating all people in a fair and equal way
“The report describes the community decision issue as equitable.”
glare
a bright unpleasant light which hurts your eyes
“A clear definition of the word “glare” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
legislation
the act or process of making a law or laws
“A clear definition of the word “legislation” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
sustenance
food that people or animals need in order to live
“The speaker used the word “sustenance” while explaining the community decision problem.”
majority
most of the people or things in a group
“A clear definition of the word “majority” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
apartheid
Apartheid was a political system in South Africa in which people were divided into racial groups and kept apart by law
“Learners saw the word “apartheid” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
curfew
a law that forces people to stay indoors after a particular time at night, or the time people must be indoors
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “curfew.””
medicaid
a system in the US by which the government helps to pay the cost of medical treatment for poor people
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “medicaid.””
rehearse
to practise or make people practise something such as a play or concert in order to prepare for a public performance
“A clear example helps learners use “rehearse” in a sentence about the community decision.”
technocracy
a social system in which people with a lot of knowledge about science, machines, and computers have a lot of power
“A clear definition of the word “technocracy” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
workfare
a system in which unemployed people have to work before they are given money for food, rent etc by the government
“The speaker used the word “workfare” while explaining the community decision problem.”
authoritarian
strictly forcing people to obey a set of rules or laws, especially ones that are wrong or unfair
“During the community decision discussion, “authoritarian” signals a particular quality.”
consul
a government official sent to live in a foreign city to help people from his or her own country who are living or staying there
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “consul.””
enclave
a small area that is within a larger area where people of a different kind or nationality live
“Learners saw the word “enclave” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
maori
someone who belongs to the race of people that first lived in New Zealand and now forms only a small part of the population
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “maori.””
nazi
a member of the National Socialist Party of Adolf Hitler which controlled Germany from 1933 to 1945
“Learners saw the word “nazi” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
underclass
the lowest social class, consisting of people who are very poor and who are not likely to be able to improve their situation
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “underclass.””
underprivileged
very poor, with worse living conditions, educational opportunities etc than most people in society
“The speaker uses “underprivileged” to characterize the community decision situation.”
bourgeoisie
the people in a society who are rich, educated, own land etc, according to Marxism
“The speaker used the word “bourgeoisie” while explaining the community decision problem.”
fascism
a right-wing political system in which people’s lives are completely controlled by the state and no political opposition is allowed
“Learners saw the word “fascism” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
persistence
determination to do something even though it is difficult or other people oppose it
“The speaker used the word “persistence” while explaining the community decision problem.”
secretariat
a government office or the office of a large international organization, especially one that has a secretary general in charge of it
“A clear definition of the word “secretariat” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
clown
someone who wears funny clothes, a red nose, bright make-up on their face etc, and does silly things to make people laugh, especially at a circus
“A clear definition of the word “clown” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
demo
an event at which a large group of people publicly protest about something
“The speaker used the word “demo” while explaining the community decision problem.”
essayist
someone who writes essays giving their ideas about politics, society etc
“The speaker used the word “essayist” while explaining the community decision problem.”
handshake
the act of taking someone’s right hand and shaking it, which people do when they meet or leave each other or when they have made an agreement
“A clear definition of the word “handshake” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
injustice
a situation in which people are treated very unfairly and not given their rights
“Learners saw the word “injustice” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
anarchist
someone who believes that governments, laws etc are not necessary
“The speaker used the word “anarchist” while explaining the community decision problem.”
ideology
a set of beliefs on which a political or economic system is based, or which strongly influence the way people behave
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “ideology.””
mania
a strong desire for something or interest in something, especially one that affects a lot of people at the same time
“Learners saw the word “mania” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
pole
a long stick or post usually made of wood or metal, often set upright in the ground to support something
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “pole.””
publicity
Publicity is information or actions that are intended to attract the public's attention to someone or something
“The speaker used the word “publicity” while explaining the community decision problem.”
questionnaire
a written set of questions which you give to a large number of people in order to collect information
“A clear definition of the word “questionnaire” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
shrew
an unpleasant woman who always argues and disagrees with people
“The speaker used the word “shrew” while explaining the community decision problem.”
sign
a piece of paper, metal, or wood with words or a picture that gives people information, warnings, or instructions
“The speaker used the word “sign” while explaining the community decision problem.”
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.”
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.””
civilian
In a military situation, civilian is used to describe people or things that are not military
“During the community decision discussion, “civilian” signals a particular quality.”
clause
a part of a written law or legal document covering a particular subject of the whole law or document
“The speaker used the word “clause” while explaining the community decision problem.”
dominion
the power or right to rule people or control something
“The speaker used the word “dominion” while explaining the community decision problem.”
donation
something, especially money, that you give to a person or an organ-ization in order to help them
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “donation.””
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.”
feud
an angry and often violent quarrel between two people or groups that continues for a long time
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “feud” describes an action or change.”
heir
the person who has the legal right to receive the property or title of another person when they die
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “heir.””
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.”
picket
when a group of people stand or march in front of a shop, factory, government building etc to protest about something or to stop people from going in during a strike
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “picket.””
policy
a way of doing something that has been officially agreed and chosen by a political party, a business, or another organization
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “policy.””
preach
to talk about a religious subject in a public place, especially in a church during a service
“A clear example helps learners use “preach” in a sentence about the community decision.”
scandal
an event in which someone, especially someone important, behaves in a bad way that shocks people
“Learners saw the word “scandal” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
unsociable
not wanting to be with people or to go to social events
“The speaker uses “unsociable” to characterize the community decision situation.”
verdict
an official decision made in a court of law, especially about whether someone is guilty of a crime or how a death happened
“The speaker used the word “verdict” while explaining the community decision problem.”
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.”
cement
to make a relationship between people, countries, or organizations firm and strong
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “cement” describes an action or change.”
charity
an organization that gives money, goods, or help to people who are poor, sick etc
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “charity.””
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.””
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.”
encroach
to gradually take more of someone’s time, possessions, rights etc than you should
“A clear example helps learners use “encroach” in a sentence about the community decision.”
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.”
genius
a very high level of intelligence, mental skill, or ability, which only a few people have
“A clear definition of the word “genius” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
inaugurate
to hold an official ceremony when someone starts doing an important job in government
“The speaker explains how “inaugurate” is used in a report about the community decision.”
obedient
always doing what you are told to do, or what the law, a rule etc says you must do
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as obedient.”
auditorium
the part of a theatre where people sit when watching a play, concert etc
“A clear definition of the word “auditorium” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
coin
to invent a new word or expression, especially one that many people start to use
“The speaker explains how “coin” is used in a report about the community decision.”
escalator
a set of moving stairs that take people to different levels in a building
“Learners saw the word “escalator” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
fake
a copy of a valuable object, painting etc that is intended to deceive people
“A clear definition of the word “fake” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
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.”
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.”
snobbery
behaviour or attitudes which show that you think you are better than other people, because you belong to a higher social class or know much more than they do – used to show disapproval
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “snobbery.””
sort
a group or class of people, things etc that have similar qualities or features
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “sort.””
exposition
a large public event at which you show or sell products, art etc
“Learners saw the word “exposition” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
fickle
someone who is fickle is always changing their mind about people or things that they like, so that you cannot depend on them – used to show disapproval
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as fickle.”
flare
to suddenly begin to burn, or to burn more brightly for a short time
“Learners hear “flare” while following the community decision explanation.”
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.”
stringent
a stringent law, rule, standard etc is very strict and must be obeyed
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as stringent.”
comedy
entertainment that is intended to make people laugh
“The speaker used the word “comedy” while explaining the community decision problem.”
commend
to praise or approve of someone or something publicly
“A clear example helps learners use “commend” in a sentence about the community decision.”
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.”
excel
to do something very well, or much better than most people
“The speaker explains how “excel” is used in a report about the community decision.”
flaw
a mistake, mark, or weakness that makes something imperfect
“Learners saw the word “flaw” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
municipal
relating to or belonging to the government of a town or city
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as municipal.”
shrewd
good at judging what people or situations are really like
“The speaker uses “shrewd” to characterize the community decision situation.”
counsel
a type of lawyer who represents you in court
“The speaker used the word “counsel” while explaining the community decision problem.”
gregarious
friendly and preferring to be with other people
“The report describes the community decision issue as gregarious.”
historic
having taken place or existed in the past
“The speaker uses “historic” to characterize the community decision situation.”
timely
done or happening at exactly the right time
“The report describes the community decision issue as timely.”
multitude
a very large number of people or things
“The speaker used the word “multitude” while explaining the community decision problem.”
epoch
a period of history
“A clear definition of the word “epoch” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
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.”
famine
a situation in which a large number of people have little or no food for a long time and many people die
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “famine.””
redeem
to do something that will improve what other people think of you, after you have behaved badly or failed
“Learners hear “redeem” while following the community decision explanation.”
tolerance
willingness to allow people to do, say, or believe what they want without criticizing or punishing them
“The speaker used the word “tolerance” while explaining the community decision problem.”
effort
an attempt to do something, especially when this involves a lot of hard work or determination
“Learners saw the word “effort” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
entertain
to invite people to your home for a meal, party etc, or to take your company’s customers somewhere to have a meal, drinks etc
“Learners hear “entertain” while following the community decision explanation.”
flat
a place for people to live that consists of a set of rooms that are part of a larger building
“A clear definition of the word “flat” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
incompatible
two people who are incompatible have such diffe-rent characters, beliefs etc that they cannot have a friendly relationship
“During the community decision discussion, “incompatible” signals a particular quality.”
sanctuary
a peaceful place that is safe and provides protection, especially for people who are in danger
“Learners saw the word “sanctuary” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
communication
the process by which people exchange information or express their thoughts and feelings
“Learners saw the word “communication” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
demand
to ask for something very firmly, especially because you think you have a right to do this
“The speaker explains how “demand” is used in a report about the community decision.”
flag
an expression meaning a country or organization and its beliefs, values, and people
“Learners saw the word “flag” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
gossip
someone who likes talking about other people’s private lives – used to show disapproval
“The speaker used the word “gossip” while explaining the community decision problem.”
hinterland
an area of land that is far from the coast, large rivers, or the places where people live
“The speaker used the word “hinterland” while explaining the community decision problem.”
individual
a person, considered separately from the rest of the group or society that they live in
“The speaker used the word “individual” while explaining the community decision problem.”
microcosm
a small group, society, or place that has the same qualities as a much larger one
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “microcosm.””
morale
the level of confidence and positive feelings that people have, especially people who work together, who belong to the same team etc
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “morale.””
resolution
a formal decision or statement agreed on by a group of people, especially after a vote
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “resolution.””
respondent
someone who has to defend their own case in a law court, especially in a divorce case
“Learners saw the word “respondent” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
tolerate
to allow people to do, say, or believe something without criticizing or punishing them
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “tolerate” describes an action or change.”
absent
to not go to a place or take part in an event where people expect you to be
“The speaker explains how “absent” is used in a report about the community decision.”
admit
to agree unwillingly that something is true or that someone else is right
“A clear example helps learners use “admit” in a sentence about the community decision.”
alien
someone who is not a legal citizen of the country they are living or working in
“The speaker used the word “alien” while explaining the community decision problem.”
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.”
autonomous
an autonomous place or organization is free to govern or control itself
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as autonomous.”
disclose
to make something publicly known, especially after it has been kept secret
“Learners hear “disclose” while following the community decision explanation.”
distribution
the act of sharing things among a large group of people in a planned way
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “distribution.””
elevator
a machine that takes people and goods from one level to another in a building
“Learners saw the word “elevator” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
empire
a group of countries that are all controlled by one ruler or government
“Learners saw the word “empire” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
exhibition
a show of paintings, photographs, or other objects that people can go to see
“A clear definition of the word “exhibition” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
fame
the state of being known about by a lot of people because of your achievements
“The speaker used the word “fame” while explaining the community decision problem.”
highlight
to make a problem or subject easy to notice so that people pay attention to it
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “highlight” describes an action or change.”
influential
having a lot of influence and therefore changing the way people think and behave
“During the community decision discussion, “influential” signals a particular quality.”
namely
used when saying the names of the people or things you are referring to
“The team responded namely when the community decision plan changed.”
permit
to allow something to happen, especially by an official decision, rule, or law
“The speaker explains how “permit” is used in a report about the community decision.”
uphold
to defend or support a law, system, or principle so that it continues to exist
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “uphold” describes an action or change.”
upright
a long piece of wood or metal that stands straight up and supports something
“A clear definition of the word “upright” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
absolute
something that is considered to be true or right in all situations
“A clear definition of the word “absolute” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
argument
a situation in which two or more people disagree, often angrily
“A clear definition of the word “argument” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
compete
if one company or country competes with another, it tries to get people to buy its goods or servicesrather than those available from another company or country
“The speaker explains how “compete” is used in a report about the community decision.”
Conversation
an informal talk in which people exchange news, feelings, and thoughts
“A clear definition of the word “conversation” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
domesticate
to make an animal able to work for people or live with them as a pet
“Learners hear “domesticate” while following the community decision explanation.”
inhabit
if animals or people inhabit an area or place, they live there
“A clear example helps learners use “inhabit” in a sentence about the community decision.”
lawn
an area of ground in a garden or park that is covered with short grass
“Learners saw the word “lawn” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
prosperity
when people have money and everything that is needed for a good life
“The speaker used the word “prosperity” while explaining the community decision problem.”
stand
to support yourself on your feet or be in an upright position
“Learners hear “stand” while following the community decision explanation.”
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.”
tragedy
a very sad event, that shocks people because it involves death
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “tragedy.””
evacuate
to send people away from a dangerous place to a safe place
“Learners hear “evacuate” while following the community decision explanation.”
introduce
to formally present a possible new law to be discussed
“The speaker explains how “introduce” is used in a report about the community decision.”
justice
the quality of being right and deserving fair treatment
“A clear definition of the word “justice” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
mandatory
if something is mandatory, the law says it must be done
“During the community decision discussion, “mandatory” signals a particular quality.”
nervous
worried or frightened about something, and unable to relax
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as nervous.”
passport
a small official document that you get from your government, that proves who you are, and which you need in order to leave your country and enter other countries
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “passport.””
prohibitive
a prohibitive rule prevents people from doing things
“The speaker uses “prohibitive” to characterize the community decision situation.”
reticent
Someone who is reticent does not tell people about things
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as reticent.”
union
an organization formed by workers to protect their rights
“The speaker used the word “union” while explaining the community decision problem.”
acoustic
relating to sound and the way people hear things
“During the community decision discussion, “acoustic” signals a particular quality.”
appearance
the way someone or something looks to other people
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “appearance.””
crime
an illegal action, which can be punished by law
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “crime.””
fist
the hand when it is tightly closed, so that the fingers are curled in towards the palm . People close their hand in a fist when they are angry or are going to hit someone.
“Learners saw the word “fist” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
hive
a place that is full of people who are very busy
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “hive.””
practitioner
someone who works as a doctor or a lawyer
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “practitioner.””
remote
far from towns or other places where people live
“The report describes the community decision issue as remote.”
affirm
to state publicly that something is true
“The speaker explains how “affirm” is used in a report about the community decision.”
nightmare
A nightmare is a very frightening dream
“A clear definition of the word “nightmare” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
pass
a successful result in an examination
“A clear definition of the word “pass” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
legislative
concerned with making laws
“The speaker uses “legislative” to characterize the community decision situation.”
advertisement
a picture, set of words, or a short film, which is intended to persuade people to buy a product or use a service, or that gives information about a job that is available, an event that is going to happen etc
“A clear definition of the word “advertisement” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
affair
a secret sexual relationship between two people, when at least one of them is married to someone else
“The speaker used the word “affair” while explaining the community decision problem.”
amendment
a small change, improvement, or addition that is made to a law or document, or the process of doing this
“The speaker used the word “amendment” while explaining the community decision problem.”
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.”
clinic
a place, often in a hospital, where medical treatment is given to people who do not need to stay in the hospital
“Learners saw the word “clinic” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
coalition
a union of two or more political parties that allows them to form a government or fight an election together
“Learners saw the word “coalition” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
convene
if a group of people convene, or someone convenes them, they come together, especially for a formal meeting
“Learners hear “convene” while following the community decision explanation.”
copyright
the legal right to be the only producer or seller of a book, play, film, or record for a specific length of time
“The speaker used the word “copyright” while explaining the community decision problem.”
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.””
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.”
embassy
a group of officials who represent their government in a foreign country, or the building they work in
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “embassy.””
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.”
ministry
a government department that is responsible for one of the areas of government work, such as education or health
“A clear definition of the word “ministry” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
moral
relating to the principles of what is right and wrong behaviour, and with the difference between good and evil
“During the community decision discussion, “moral” signals a particular quality.”
nourishment
the food and other substances that people and other living things need to live, grow, and stay healthy
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “nourishment.””
petition
a written request signed by a lot of people, asking someone in authority to do something or change something
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “petition.””
placid
a placid person does not often get angry or upset and does not usually mind doing what other people want them to
“The speaker uses “placid” to characterize the community decision situation.”
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.”
reciprocal
a reciprocal arrangement or relationship is one in which two people or groups do or give the same things to each other
“The report describes the community decision issue as reciprocal.”
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.”
tourism
the business of providing things for people to do, places for them to stay etc while they are on holiday
“A clear definition of the word “tourism” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
ultraviolet
ultraviolet light cannot be seen by people, but is responsible for making your skin darker when you are in the sun
“During the community decision discussion, “ultraviolet” signals a particular quality.”
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.””
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.”
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.”
bond
an official document promising that a government or company will pay back money that it has borrowed, often with interest
“A clear definition of the word “bond” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
convict
to prove or officially announce that someone is guilty of a crime after a trial in a law court
“Learners hear “convict” while following the community decision explanation.”
discretion
the ability to deal with situations in a way that does not offend, upset, or embarrass people or tell any of their secrets
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “discretion.””
esoteric
If you describe something as esoteric, you mean it is known, understood, or appreciated by only a small number of people
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as esoteric.”
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.”
exterminate
to kill large numbers of people or animals of a particular type so that they no longer exist
“Learners hear “exterminate” while following the community decision explanation.”
federation
a group of organizations, clubs, or people that have joined together to form a single group
“The speaker used the word “federation” while explaining the community decision problem.”
field
a subject that people study or an area of activity that they are involved in as part of their work
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “field.””
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.”
hospitable
A hospitable person is friendly, generous, and welcoming to guests or people they have just met
“During the community decision discussion, “hospitable” signals a particular quality.”
memorial
something, especially a stone with writing on it, that reminds people of someone who has died
“Learners saw the word “memorial” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”