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SAT Society and culture

Writing & Language: Society & community

Words for revising clarity, precision, and rhetorical effectiveness. Focus: society & community.

Independent SAT 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.

gossip
someone who likes talking about other people’s private lives – used to show disapproval
“The speaker used the word “gossip” while explaining the community decision problem.”
nutrition
the process of giving or getting the right type of food for good health and growth
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “nutrition.””
slander
to say false things about someone in order to damage other people’s good opinion of them
“The speaker explains how “slander” is used in a report about the community decision.”
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.”
insight
the ability to understand and realize what people or situations are really like
“Learners saw the word “insight” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
practitioner
someone who works as a doctor or a lawyer
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “practitioner.””
destructive
causing damage to people or things
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as destructive.”
ambulance
a special vehicle that is used to take people who are ill or injured to hospital
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “ambulance.””
jurisdiction
the right to use an official power to make legal decisions, or the area where this right exists
“A clear definition of the word “jurisdiction” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
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.”
solicitor
a type of lawyer in Britain who gives legal advice, prepares the necessary documents when property is bought or sold, and defends people, especially in the lower courts of law
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “solicitor.””
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.”
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.”
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.”
disclose
to make something publicly known, especially after it has been kept secret
“Learners hear “disclose” while following the community decision explanation.”
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.”
humiliate
to make someone feel ashamed or stupid, especially when other people are present
“Learners hear “humiliate” while following the community decision explanation.”
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.”
widespread
existing or happening in many places or situations, or among many people
“The report describes the community decision issue as widespread.”
colleague
someone you work with – used especially by professional people
“The speaker used the word “colleague” while explaining the community decision problem.”
feast
a large meal where a lot of people celebrate a special occasion
“A clear definition of the word “feast” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
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.”
reticent
Someone who is reticent does not tell people about things
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as reticent.”
remote
far from towns or other places where people live
“The report describes the community decision issue as remote.”
generation
all people of about the same age
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “generation.””
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.””
legislative
concerned with making laws
“The speaker uses “legislative” to characterize the community decision situation.”
medicaid
a system in the US by which the government helps to pay the cost of medical treatment for poor people
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “medicaid.””
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.”
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.”
competition
a situation in which people or organizations try to be more successful than other people or organizations
“A clear definition of the word “competition” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
coordinate
to organize an activity so that the people involved in it work well together and achieve a good result
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “coordinate” describes an action or change.”
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.”
exemplary
an exemplary punishment is very severe and is intended to stop other people from committing the same crime
“During the community decision discussion, “exemplary” signals a particular quality.”
inequality
an unfair situation, in which some groups in society have more money, opportunities, power etc than others
“The speaker used the word “inequality” while explaining the community decision problem.”
March
an organized event in which many people walk together to express their ideas or protest about something
“A clear definition of the word “march” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
mutual
mutual feelings such as respect, trust, or hatred are feelings that two or more people have for each other
“The report describes the community decision issue as mutual.”
obstinate
determined not to change your ideas, behaviour, opinions etc, even when other people think you are being unreasonable
“The speaker uses “obstinate” to characterize the community decision situation.”
overflow
the amount of something or the number of people that cannot be contained in a place because it is already full
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “overflow.””
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.”
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.””
prior
a person’s right to something which is considered more important than another person’s right to the same thing
“The report describes the community decision issue as prior.”
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.”
sack
a situation in which an army goes through a place, destroying or stealing things and attacking people
“Learners saw the word “sack” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
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.”
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.””
analyst
someone whose job is to think about something carefully in order to understand it, and often to advise other people about it
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “analyst.””
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.”
contribute
to give money, help, ideas etc to something that a lot of other people are also involved in
“A clear example helps learners use “contribute” in a sentence about the community decision.”
debut
the first public appearance of an entertainer, sports player etc or of something new and important
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “debut.””
declare
to state officially and publicly that a particular situation exists or that something is true
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “declare” describes an action or change.”
dominance
the fact of being more powerful, more important, or more noticeable than other people or things
“Learners saw the word “dominance” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
dominion
the power or right to rule people or control something
“The speaker used the word “dominion” 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.”
fat
a substance that is stored under the skin of people and animals, that helps to keep them warm
“A clear definition of the word “fat” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
flaunt
to show your money, success, beauty etc so that other people notice it – used to show disapproval
“Learners hear “flaunt” while following the community decision explanation.”
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.”
italic
Italics are letters that slope to the right. Italics are often used to emphasize a particular word or sentence. The examples in this dictionary are printed in italics.
“Learners saw the word “italic” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
personal
belonging or relating to one particular person, rather than to other people or to people in general
“The report describes the community decision issue as personal.”
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.””
professional
someone who earns money by doing a job, sport, or activity that many other people do just for fun
“The speaker used the word “professional” while explaining the community decision problem.”
relief
a feeling of comfort when something frightening, worrying, or painful has ended or has not happened
“A clear definition of the word “relief” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
reputation
the opinion that people have about someone or something because of what has happened in the past
“A clear definition of the word “reputation” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
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.”
veto
a refusal to give official permission for something, or the right to refuse to give such permission
“Learners saw the word “veto” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
anthology
a set of stories, poems, songs etc by different people collected together in one book
“The speaker used the word “anthology” while explaining the community decision problem.”
ardent
showing strong positive feelings about an activity and determination to succeed at it
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as ardent.”
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.”
concentrate
to be present in large numbers or amounts somewhere, or to cause people or things to be present in large numbers or amounts somewhere
“Learners hear “concentrate” while following the community decision explanation.”
cynical
unwilling to believe that people have good, honest, or sincere reasons for doing something
“During the community decision discussion, “cynical” signals a particular quality.”
ether
a clear liquid used in the past as an anaesthetic to make people sleep before an operation
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “ether.””
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.”
invoke
to make a particular idea, image, or feeling appear in people’s minds by describing an event or situation, or by talking about a person
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “invoke” describes an action or change.”
journal
a serious magazine produced for professional people or those with a particular interest
“A clear definition of the word “journal” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
mimic
to copy the way someone speaks or behaves, especially in order to make people laugh
“A clear example helps learners use “mimic” in a sentence about the community decision.”
misgiving
a feeling of doubt or fear about what might happen or about whether something is right
“The speaker used the word “misgiving” while explaining the community decision problem.”
naive
not having much experience of how complicated life is, so that you trust people too much and believe that good things will always happen
“During the community decision discussion, “naive” signals a particular quality.”
outlaw
someone who has done something illegal, and who is hiding in order to avoid punishment – used especially about criminals in the past
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “outlaw.””
reassure
to make someone feel calmer and less worried or frightened about a problem or situation
“Learners hear “reassure” while following the community decision explanation.”
right
a statement or piece of information that is right is correct and based on true facts
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as right.”
savage
an offensive word used to describe people who have a simple traditional way of life
“During the community decision discussion, “savage” signals a particular quality.”
stubborn
determined not to change your mind, even when people think you are being unreasonable
“During the community decision discussion, “stubborn” signals a particular quality.”
succession
the act of taking over an official job or position, or the right to be the next to take it
“A clear definition of the word “succession” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
survey
to ask a large number of people questions in order to find out their attitudes or opinions
“Learners hear “survey” while following the community decision explanation.”
track
a narrow path or road with a rough uneven surface, especially one made by people or animals frequently moving through the same place
“The speaker used the word “track” while explaining the community decision problem.”
agency
a business that provides a particular service for people or organizations
“A clear definition of the word “agency” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
ambassador
an important official who represents his or her government in a foreign country
“The speaker used the word “ambassador” while explaining the community decision problem.”
chief
the most important person, or one of the most important people, in a company or organization – used especially in job titles and in news reports
“A clear definition of the word “chief” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
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.”
conflict
a state of disagreement or argument between people, groups, countries etc
“Learners saw the word “conflict” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
denounce
to express strong disapproval of someone or something, especially in public
“The speaker explains how “denounce” is used in a report about the community decision.”
diplomat
someone who officially represents their government in a foreign country
“Learners saw the word “diplomat” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
disrepute
a situation in which people no longer admire or trust someone or something
“The speaker used the word “disrepute” while explaining the community decision problem.”
distinguish
to recognize and understand the difference between two or more things or people
“A clear example helps learners use “distinguish” in a sentence about the community decision.”
emancipate
to give someone the political or legal rights that they did not have before
“A clear example helps learners use “emancipate” in a sentence about the community decision.”
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.”
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.”
legal
if something is legal, you are allowed to do it or have to do it by law
“The speaker uses “legal” to characterize the community decision situation.”
overthrow
the defeat and removal from power of a leader or government, especially by force
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “overthrow.””
represent
to officially speak or take action for another person or group of people
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “represent” describes an action or change.”
righteous
strong feelings of anger when you think a situation is not morally right or fair
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as righteous.”
sentimental
someone who is sentimental is easily affected by emotions such as love, sympathy, sadness etc, often in a way that seems silly to other people
“The report describes the community decision issue as sentimental.”
session
a formal meeting or group of meetings, especially of a law court or parliament
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “session.””
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.””
capacity
the amount of space a container, room etc has to hold things or people
“Learners saw the word “capacity” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
capital
an important city where the main government of a country, state etc is
“Learners saw the word “capital” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
choir
a group of people who sing together for other people to listen to
“The speaker used the word “choir” while explaining the community decision problem.”
distribute
to share things among a group of people, especially in a planned way
“A clear example helps learners use “distribute” in a sentence about the community decision.”
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.”
finance
the management of money by governments, large organizations etc
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “finance.””
resignation
an occasion when you officially announce that you have decided to leave your job or an organization, or a written statement that says you will be leaving
“A clear definition of the word “resignation” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
sociable
someone who is sociable is friendly and enjoys being with other people
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as sociable.”
triple
having three parts or involving three groups, people, events etc
“The report describes the community decision issue as triple.”
aloof
unfriendly and deliberately not talking to other people
“The speaker uses “aloof” to characterize the community decision situation.”
efficacy
the ability of something to produce the right result
“Learners saw the word “efficacy” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
entitle
to give someone the official right to do or have something
“The speaker explains how “entitle” is used in a report about the community decision.”
gallery
a large building where people can see famous pieces of art
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “gallery.””
match
an organized sports event between two teams or people
“The speaker used the word “match” while explaining the community decision problem.”
outgoing
someone who is outgoing likes to meet and talk to new people
“The report describes the community decision issue as outgoing.”
shrewd
good at judging what people or situations are really like
“The speaker uses “shrewd” to characterize the community decision situation.”
ambition
determination to be successful, rich, powerful etc
“A clear definition of the word “ambition” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
glimmer
to shine with a light that is not very bright
“The speaker explains how “glimmer” is used in a report about the community decision.”
inhabitant
one of the people who live in a particular place
“Learners saw the word “inhabitant” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
privacy
the state of being free from public attention
“Learners saw the word “privacy” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
discord
disagreement or arguing between people
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “discord.””
dissension
disagreement among a group of people
“A clear definition of the word “dissension” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
ferocious
violent, dangerous, and frightening
“During the community decision discussion, “ferocious” signals a particular quality.”
staff
the people who work for an organization
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “staff.””
legislate
to make a law about something
“Learners hear “legislate” while following the community decision explanation.”
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.”
convention
a large formal meeting for people who belong to the same profession or organization or who have the same interests
“A clear definition of the word “convention” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
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.”
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.””
generous
someone who is generous is willing to give money, spend time etc, in order to help people or give them pleasure
“The report describes the community decision issue as generous.”
jury
a group of 12 ordinary people who listen to the details of a case in court and decide whether someone is guilty or not
“Learners saw the word “jury” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
polarize
to divide into clearly separate groups with opposite beliefs, ideas, or opinions, or to make people do this
“Learners hear “polarize” while following the community decision explanation.”
subsidy
money that is paid by a government or organization to make prices lower, reduce the cost of producing goods etc
“A clear definition of the word “subsidy” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
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.”
birthright
something such as a right, property, money etc that you believe you should have because of the family or country you belong to
“A clear definition of the word “birthright” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
patent
to obtain a special document giving you the right to make or sell a new invention or product
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “patent” describes an action or change.”
pheromone
a chemical that is produced by people’s and animals’ bodies and is thought to influence the behaviour of other people or animals
“The speaker used the word “pheromone” while explaining the community decision problem.”
prevail
if a belief, custom, situation etc prevails, it exists among a group of people at a certain time
“A clear example helps learners use “prevail” in a sentence about the community decision.”
stunt
something that is done to attract people’s attention, especially in advertising or politics
“Learners saw the word “stunt” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
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.”
collagen
a protein found in people and animals. It is often used in beauty products and treatments to make people look younger and more attractive.
“The speaker used the word “collagen” while explaining the community decision problem.”
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.”
contrast
a difference between people, ideas, situations, things etc that are being compared
“Learners saw the word “contrast” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
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.”
fierce
a fierce person or animal is angry or ready to attack, and looks very frightening
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as fierce.”
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.”
harmonious
harmonious relationships are ones in which people are friendly and helpful to one another
“The speaker uses “harmonious” to characterize the community decision situation.”
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.”
overrun
if unwanted things or people overrun a place, they spread over it in great numbers
“The speaker explains how “overrun” is used in a report about the community decision.”
persist
to continue to do something, although this is difficult, or other people oppose it
“Learners hear “persist” while following the community decision explanation.”
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.””
unbiased
unbiased information, opinions, advice etc is fair because the person giving it is not influenced by their own or other people’s opinions
“During the community decision discussion, “unbiased” signals a particular quality.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
heritage
the traditional beliefs, values, customs etc of a family, country, or society
“The speaker used the word “heritage” while explaining the community decision problem.”
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.””
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.”
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.””
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.”
split
to divide something into separate parts and share it between two or more people
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “split” describes an action or change.”
thoughtful
always thinking of the things you can do to make people happy or comfortable
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as thoughtful.”
unemployment
the number of people in a particular country or area who cannot get a job
“The speaker used the word “unemployment” while explaining the community decision problem.”
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.”
bonanza
a lucky or successful situation where people can make a lot of money
“The speaker used the word “bonanza” while explaining the community decision problem.”
committee
a group of people chosen to do a particular job, make decisions etc
“A clear definition of the word “committee” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
difference
a way in which two or more people or things are not like each other
“A clear definition of the word “difference” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
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.”
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.””
stand
to support yourself on your feet or be in an upright position
“Learners hear “stand” while following the community decision explanation.”
tragedy
a very sad event, that shocks people because it involves death
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “tragedy.””
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.”
unanimity
a state or situation of complete agreement among a group of people
“Learners saw the word “unanimity” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
attendance
the number of people who attend a game, concert, meeting etc
“A clear definition of the word “attendance” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
configuration
the combination of equipment needed to run a computer system
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “configuration.””
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.”
gypsy
A gypsy is a member of a race of people who travel from place to place, usually in caravans, rather than living in one place. Some people find this word offensive.
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “gypsy.””
mandatory
if something is mandatory, the law says it must be done
“During the community decision discussion, “mandatory” signals a particular quality.”
quarrelsome
someone who is quarrelsome quarrels a lot with people
“The report describes the community decision issue as quarrelsome.”
sequester
to keep a person or a group of people away from other people
“The speaker explains how “sequester” is used in a report about the community decision.”
theorize
to think of a possible explanation for an event or fact
“Learners hear “theorize” while following the community decision explanation.”
acoustic
relating to sound and the way people hear things
“During the community decision discussion, “acoustic” signals a particular quality.”
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.”
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.”
resort
a place where a lot of people go for holidays
“A clear definition of the word “resort” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
affirm
to state publicly that something is true
“The speaker explains how “affirm” is used in a report about the community decision.”
circumscribe
to limit power, rights, or abilities
“A clear example helps learners use “circumscribe” in a sentence about the community decision.”
incandescent
producing a bright light when heated
“During the community decision discussion, “incandescent” signals a particular quality.”
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.”
pass
a successful result in an examination
“A clear definition of the word “pass” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
propriety
correctness of social or moral behaviour
“Learners saw the word “propriety” 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.”
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.”
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.”
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.””
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.”
provocative
provocative behaviour, remarks etc are intended to make people angry or upset, or to cause a lot of discussion
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as provocative.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.””
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.””
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.”
microphone
a piece of equipment that you speak into to record your voice or make it louder when you are speaking or performing in public
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “microphone.””
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.”