Evidence-Based Reading: Society & community

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.””

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.””

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.””

individualism

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

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

justify

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

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

agitation

public argument or action for social or political change

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

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.”

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.”

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.”

repressive

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

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

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.”

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.””

suppress

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

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

society

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

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

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.”

morality

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

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

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.”

mixture

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

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

equality

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

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

infringe

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

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

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.”

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.”

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.””

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.”

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.””

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

suffrage

the right to vote in national elections

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

Festival

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

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

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.”

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.”

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.”

audience

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

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

council

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

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

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.”

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.”

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.”

disturbance

a situation in which people behave violently in public

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

enfranchise

to give a group of people the right to vote

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

power

the ability or right to control people or events

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

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.””

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.””

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.”

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.”

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.””

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.””

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.”

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.””

national

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

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

media

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

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

tax

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

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

mix

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

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

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.”

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.”

reunion

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

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

contingent

a group of people who all have something in common, such as their nationality, beliefs etc, and who are part of a larger group

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

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.”

breathless

having difficulty breathing, especially because you are very tired, excited, or frightened

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

disagreement

a situation in which people express different opinions about something and sometimes argue

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

invigilate

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

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

migration

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

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

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.”

scream

to make a loud high noise with your voice because you are hurt, frightened, excited etc

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

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.”

commission

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

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

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.”

cultural

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

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

declaim

to speak loudly, sometimes with actions, so that people notice you

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

hypothesis

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

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

predominant

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

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

regime

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

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

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.””

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.”

meek

very quiet and gentle and unwilling to argue with people

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as meek.”

reluctant

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

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as reluctant.”

tribe

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

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

controversy

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

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

desolate

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

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

eccentric

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

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

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.”

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.””

myth

an ancient story, especially one invented in order to explain natural or historical events

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

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.”

withstand

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

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

autonomous

an autonomous place or organization is free to govern or control itself

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as autonomous.”

eradicate

to completely get rid of something such as a disease or a social problem

“Learners hear “eradicate” 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.”

liberal

allowing people or organizations a lot of political or economic freedom

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

plague

a disease that causes death and spreads quickly to a large number of people

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

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.”

commit

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

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

determination

the quality of trying to do something even when it is difficult

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

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.”

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.”

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.”

utility

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

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

disseminate

to spread information or ideas to as many people as possible

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

sensitive

easily upset or offended by events or things that people say

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as sensitive.”

antagonism

hatred between people or groups of people

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

destination

the place that someone or something is going to

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

equitable

treating all people in a fair and equal way

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

formidable

very powerful or impressive, and often frightening

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

inclination

a tendency to think or behave in a particular way

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

propagate

to spread an idea, belief etc to many people

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

sustenance

food that people or animals need in order to live

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

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.”

moralize

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

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

nationalism

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

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

poorhouse

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

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

reciprocity

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

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

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.”

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.””

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.”

snob

someone who thinks they are better than people from a lower social class – used to show disapproval

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

stele

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

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

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.”

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.”

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.”

philippine

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

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as philippine.”

rehearsal

a time when all the people in a play, concert etc practise before a public performance

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

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.”

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.”

gesticulate

to make movements with your arms and hands, usually while speaking, because you are excited, angry, or cannot think of the right words to use

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

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

illicit

not allowed by laws or rules, or strongly disapproved of by society

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as illicit.”

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.””

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.”

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.””

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.”

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.”

electorate

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

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

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.”

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.”

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.””

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.”

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.”

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.”

stratification

when society is divided into separate social classes

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

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.”

absence

when you are not in the place where people expect you to be, or the time that you are away

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

circular

a printed advertisement, notice etc that is sent to lots of people at the same time

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

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.”

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.”

faction

a small group of people within a larger group, who have different ideas from the other members, and who try to get their own ideas accepted

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

government

the group of people who govern a country or state

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

hierarchy

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

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

integrate

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

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

pollute

to make air, water, soil etc dangerously dirty and not suitable for people to use

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

total

the final number or amount of things, people etc when everything has been counted

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

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.”

delineate

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

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

depth

the part that is furthest away from people, and most difficult to reach

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

egalitarian

based on the belief that everyone is equal and should have equal rights

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

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.”

irreverent

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

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as irreverent.”

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.”

acknowledge

to accept that someone or something has authority over people

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

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.””

differentiate

to recognize or express the difference between things or people

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

flamboyant

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

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

focus

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

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

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.”

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.”

populous

a populous area has a large population in relation to its size

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

proponent

someone who supports something or persuades people to do something

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

rebellious

deliberately not obeying people in authority or rules of behaviour

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as rebellious.”

regiment

to organize and control people firmly and usually too strictly

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

satire

a way of criticizing something such as a group of people or a system, in which you deliberately make them seem funny so that people will see their faults

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

stringent

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

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as stringent.”

violent

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

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

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.”

lobster

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

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

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.”

prejudice

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

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

advocate

someone who publicly supports someone or something

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

aristocrat

someone who belongs to the highest social class

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

breach

an action that breaks a law, rule, or agreement

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

discredit

to make people stop believing in a particular idea

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

gregarious

friendly and preferring to be with other people

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

hazardous

dangerous, especially to people’s health or safety

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

dubious

probably not honest, true, right etc

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

nomadic

nomadic people are nomads

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

playwright

someone who writes plays

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

polite

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

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

flame

to burn brightly

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

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.”

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.””

bridge

a structure built over a river, road etc that allows people or vehicles to cross from one side to the other

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

clarification

the act of making something clearer or easier to understand, or an explanation that makes something clearer

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

collective

a group of people who work together to run something such as a business or farm, and who share the profits equally

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

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.”

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.”

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.”

preferential

preferential treatment, rates etc are deliberately different in order to give an advantage to particular people

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

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.”

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.”

sanctimonious

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

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

cabinet

the politicians with important positions in a government who meet to make decisions or advise the leader of the government

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

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.””

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.”

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.””

nebula

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

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

ostracize

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

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

path

a track that has been made deliberately or made by many people walking over the same ground

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

reservoir

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

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

revert

When people or things revert to a previous state, system, or type of behaviour, they go back to it

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

The words