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SAT Society and culture

Academic Context: Society & community

High-utility academic language across common SAT reading domains. Focus: society & community.

Independent SAT study resource — not official exam material.

  • Teens and up
  • Friends & social life
  • Confident · B2
  • 250 words
Play word detective with these words All 6 ways to practise

The words

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

stigma
a strong feeling in society that being in a particular situation or having a particular illness is something to be ashamed of
“The speaker used the word “stigma” while explaining the community decision problem.”
antedate
to come from an earlier time in history than something else
“Learners hear “antedate” while following the community decision explanation.”
individual
a person, considered separately from the rest of the group or society that they live in
“The speaker used the word “individual” while explaining the community decision problem.”
insanity
the state of being seriously mentally ill, so that you cannot live normally in society
“A clear definition of the word “insanity” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
etiquette
the formal rules for polite behaviour in society or in a particular group
“Learners saw the word “etiquette” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
arboriculture
the cultivation of trees or shrubs, esp for the production of timber
“A clear definition of the word “arboriculture” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
political
Political means relating to the way power is achieved and used in a country or society
“The speaker uses “political” to characterize the community decision situation.”
ancient
belonging to a time long ago in history, especially thousands of years ago
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as ancient.”
prehistoric
relating to the time in history before anything was written down
“The report describes the community decision issue as prehistoric.”
collaborator
someone who works with other people or groups in order to achieve something, especially in science or art
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “collaborator.””
apogee
The apogee of something such as a culture or a business is its highest or its greatest point
“The speaker used the word “apogee” while explaining the community decision problem.”
standing
someone’s rank or position in a system, organization, society etc, based on what other people think of them
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “standing.””
anarchic
lacking any rules or order, or not following the moral rules of society
“The speaker uses “anarchic” to characterize the community decision situation.”
agricultural
Agricultural means involving or relating to agriculture
“During the community decision discussion, “agricultural” signals a particular quality.”
civilization
a society that is well organized and developed, used especially about a particular society in a particular place or at a particular time
“The speaker used the word “civilization” while explaining the community decision problem.”
microcosm
a small group, society, or place that has the same qualities as a much larger one
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “microcosm.””
quaker
A Quaker is a person who belongs to a Christian group called the Society of Friends
“The speaker used the word “quaker” while explaining the community decision problem.”
ambush
a sudden attack on someone by people who have been hiding and waiting for them, or the place where this happens
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “ambush.””
mischievous
someone who is mischievous likes to have fun, especially by playing tricks on people or doing things to annoy or embarrass them
“During the community decision discussion, “mischievous” signals a particular quality.”
renown
when you are famous and a lot of people admire you for a special skill, achievement, or quality
“The speaker used the word “renown” while explaining the community decision problem.”
scrupulous
Someone who is scrupulous takes great care to do what is fair, honest, or morally right
“The speaker uses “scrupulous” to characterize the community decision situation.”
fraudulent
intended to deceive people in an illegal way, in order to gain money, power etc
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as fraudulent.”
revoke
to officially state that a law, decision, or agreement is no longer effective
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “revoke” describes an action or change.”
despoil
to steal from a place or people using force, especially in a war
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “despoil” describes an action or change.”
empower
to give a person or organization the legal right to do something
“A clear example helps learners use “empower” in a sentence about the community decision.”
tout
to try to persuade people to buy goods or services you are offering
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “tout” describes an action or change.”
agriculturalist
An agriculturalist is someone who is an expert on agriculture and who advises farmers
“A clear definition of the word “agriculturalist” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
essayist
someone who writes essays giving their ideas about politics, society etc
“The speaker used the word “essayist” while explaining the community decision problem.”
industrialism
the system by which a society gets its wealth through industries and machinery
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “industrialism.””
palpable
a feeling that is palpable is so strong that other people notice it and can feel it around them
“The speaker uses “palpable” to characterize the community decision situation.”
periodization
the act or process of dividing history into periods
“The speaker used the word “periodization” while explaining the community decision problem.”
predate
to happen or exist earlier in history than something else
“The speaker explains how “predate” is used in a report about the community decision.”
prehistory
the time in history before anything was written down
“The speaker used the word “prehistory” while explaining the community decision problem.”
horticultural
Horticultural means concerned with horticulture
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as horticultural.”
absolve
to say publicly that someone is not guilty or responsible for something
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “absolve” describes an action or change.”
nonagricultural
not of or relating to agriculture
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as nonagricultural.”
plaintiff
someone who brings a legal action against another person in a court of law
“The speaker used the word “plaintiff” while explaining the community decision problem.”
ethical
relating to principles of what is right and wrong
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as ethical.”
bilateral
involving two groups or nations
“The report describes the community decision issue as bilateral.”
anarchy
a situation in which there is no effective government in a country or no order in an organization or situation
“Learners saw the word “anarchy” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
bravado
Bravado is an appearance of courage or confidence that someone shows in order to impress other people
“A clear definition of the word “bravado” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
dogmatic
someone who is dogmatic is completely certain of their beliefs and expects other people to accept them without arguing
“The report describes the community decision issue as dogmatic.”
humane
treating people or animals in a way that is not cruel and causes them as little suffering as possible
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as humane.”
impasse
a situation in which it is impossible to continue with a discussion or plan because the people involved cannot agree
“Learners saw the word “impasse” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
motley
a group of people or things that are very different from each other and do not seem to belong together
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as motley.”
reconciliation
a situation in which two people, countries etc become friendly with each other again after quarrelling
“A clear definition of the word “reconciliation” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
altruistic
altruistic behaviour shows that you care about and will help other people, even though this brings no advantage for yourself
“The report describes the community decision issue as altruistic.”
amicable
an amicable agreement, relationship etc is one in which people feel friendly towards each other and do not want to quarrel
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as amicable.”
archive
a place where a large number of historical records are stored, or the records that are stored
“Learners saw the word “archive” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
bug
a small piece of electronic equipment for listening secretly to other people’s conversations
“Learners saw the word “bug” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
condescend
to do something in a way that shows you think it is below your social or professional position – used to show disapproval
“Learners hear “condescend” while following the community decision explanation.”
hoary
a hoary joke, remark etc is so well-known that people no longer find it amusing or interesting
“During the community decision discussion, “hoary” signals a particular quality.”
perceptive
someone who is perceptive notices things quickly and understands situations, people’s feelings etc well – used to show approval
“During the community decision discussion, “perceptive” signals a particular quality.”
persistent
continuing to do something, although this is difficult, or other people warn you not to do it
“The speaker uses “persistent” to characterize the community decision situation.”
qualm
a feeling of slight worry or doubt because you are not sure that what you are doing is right
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “qualm.””
balk
to not want to do or try something, because it seems difficult, unpleasant, or frightening
“Learners hear “balk” while following the community decision explanation.”
barrier
a rule, problem etc that prevents people from doing something, or limits what they can do
“A clear definition of the word “barrier” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
collusion
a secret agreement that two or more people make in order to do something dishonest
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “collusion.””
deport
to make someone leave a country and return to the country they came from, especially because they do not have a legal right to stay
“Learners hear “deport” while following the community decision explanation.”
extrovert
someone who is active and confident, and who enjoys spending time with other people
“A clear definition of the word “extrovert” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
heretical
A belief or action that is heretical is one that most people think is wrong because it disagrees with beliefs that are generally accepted
“The speaker uses “heretical” to characterize the community decision situation.”
macabre
very strange and unpleasant and connected with death or with people being seriously hurt
“During the community decision discussion, “macabre” signals a particular quality.”
reactionary
someone who strongly opposes any social or political change - used to show disapproval
“The speaker used the word “reactionary” while explaining the community decision problem.”
subvert
to try to destroy the power and influence of a government or the established system
“A clear example helps learners use “subvert” in a sentence about the community decision.”
usurp
to take someone else’s power, position, job etc when you do not have the right to
“A clear example helps learners use “usurp” in a sentence about the community decision.”
vaccine
a substance which contains a weak form of the bacteria or virus that causes a disease and is used to protect people from that disease
“The speaker used the word “vaccine” while explaining the community decision problem.”
virulent
a poison, disease etc that is virulent is very dangerous and affects people very quickly
“The speaker uses “virulent” to characterize the community decision situation.”
zealot
someone who has extremely strong beliefs, especially religious or political beliefs, and is too eager to make other people share them
“A clear definition of the word “zealot” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
acquit
to give a decision in a court of law that someone is not guilty of a crime
“A clear example helps learners use “acquit” in a sentence about the community decision.”
blockade
something that is used to stop vehicles or people entering or leaving a place
“The speaker used the word “blockade” while explaining the community decision problem.”
egocentric
thinking only about yourself and not about what other people might need or want
“During the community decision discussion, “egocentric” signals a particular quality.”
expurgate
If someone expurgates a piece of writing, they remove parts of it before it is published because they think those parts will offend or shock people
“The speaker explains how “expurgate” is used in a report about the community decision.”
gullible
too ready to believe what other people tell you, so that you are easily tricked
“The report describes the community decision issue as gullible.”
hypercritical
too eager to criticize other people and things, especially about small details
“During the community decision discussion, “hypercritical” signals a particular quality.”
introvert
someone who is quiet and shy, and does not enjoy being with other people
“The speaker used the word “introvert” while explaining the community decision problem.”
perfunctory
a perfunctory action is done quickly, and is only done because people expect it
“The speaker uses “perfunctory” to characterize the community decision situation.”
relinquish
to let someone else have your position, power, or rights, especially unwillingly
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “relinquish” describes an action or change.”
surreptitious
done secretly or quickly because you do not want other people to notice
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as surreptitious.”
carnage
when a lot of people are killed and injured, especially in a war
“The speaker used the word “carnage” while explaining the community decision problem.”
debase
to make someone or something lose its value or people’s respect
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “debase” describes an action or change.”
persuasive
able to make other people believe something or do what you ask
“During the community decision discussion, “persuasive” signals a particular quality.”
assertive
behaving in a confident way, so that people notice you
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as assertive.”
canary
a small yellow bird that people often keep as a pet
“Learners saw the word “canary” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
decry
to state publicly that you do not approve of something
“A clear example helps learners use “decry” in a sentence about the community decision.”
rescind
to officially end a law, or change a decision or agreement
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “rescind” describes an action or change.”
resplendent
very beautiful, bright, and impressive in appearance
“The report describes the community decision issue as resplendent.”
waive
to state officially that a right, rule etc can be ignored
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “waive” describes an action or change.”
callous
not caring that other people are suffering
“During the community decision discussion, “callous” signals a particular quality.”
compassionate
feeling sympathy for people who are suffering
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as compassionate.”
outcry
an angry protest by a lot of ordinary people
“Learners saw the word “outcry” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
acne
a medical problem which causes a lot of red spots on your face and neck and mainly affects young people
“A clear definition of the word “acne” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
caucus
a meeting of the members of a political party to choose people to represent them in a larger meeting, election etc
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “caucus.””
impropriety
behaviour or an action that is wrong or unacceptable according to moral, social, or professional standards
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “impropriety.””
petition
a written request signed by a lot of people, asking someone in authority to do something or change something
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “petition.””
purgatory
in Roman Catholic belief, a place where the souls of dead people suffer until they are pure enough to enter heaven
“The speaker used the word “purgatory” while explaining the community decision problem.”
agenda
a list of problems or subjects that a government, organization etc is planning to deal with
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “agenda.””
bombast
Bombast is trying to impress people by saying things that sound impressive but have little meaning
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “bombast.””
obsequious
very eager to please or agree with people who are powerful – used in order to show disapproval
“During the community decision discussion, “obsequious” signals a particular quality.”
pillory
a wooden frame with holes for someone’s head and hands to be locked into, used in the past as a way of publicly punishing someone
“A clear definition of the word “pillory” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
preach
to talk about a religious subject in a public place, especially in a church during a service
“A clear example helps learners use “preach” in a sentence about the community decision.”
recant
to say publicly that you no longer have a political or religious belief that you had before
“The speaker explains how “recant” is used in a report about the community decision.”
scandal
an event in which someone, especially someone important, behaves in a bad way that shocks people
“Learners saw the word “scandal” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
supercilious
behaving as if you think that other people are less important than you – used to show disapproval
“During the community decision discussion, “supercilious” signals a particular quality.”
sycophant
someone who praises powerful people too much because they want to get something from them – used in order to show disapproval
“The speaker used the word “sycophant” while explaining the community decision problem.”
altruism
when you care about or help other people, even though this brings no advantage to yourself
“The speaker used the word “altruism” while explaining the community decision problem.”
cession
the act of giving up land, property, or rights, especially to another country after a war, or something that is given up in this way
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “cession.””
conspiracy
a secret plan made by two or more people to do something that is harmful or illegal
“A clear definition of the word “conspiracy” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
despotic
If you say that someone is despotic, you are emphasizing that they use their power over other people in a very unfair or cruel way
“During the community decision discussion, “despotic” signals a particular quality.”
disparate
consisting of things or people that are very different and not related to each other
“The speaker uses “disparate” to characterize the community decision situation.”
eloquent
able to express your ideas and opinions well, especially in a way that influences people
“The speaker uses “eloquent” to characterize the community decision situation.”
litigious
very willing to take disagreements to a court of law – often used to show disapproval
“The speaker uses “litigious” to characterize the community decision situation.”
nexus
a connection or network of connections between a number of people, things, or ideas
“A clear definition of the word “nexus” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
odious
If you describe people or things as odious, you think that they are hateful or disgusting
“During the community decision discussion, “odious” signals a particular quality.”
trenchant
expressed very strongly, effectively, and directly without worrying about offending people
“During the community decision discussion, “trenchant” signals a particular quality.”
abjure
to state publicly that you will give up a particular belief or way of behaving
“The speaker explains how “abjure” is used in a report about the community decision.”
autocracy
a system of government in which one person or group has unlimited power
“A clear definition of the word “autocracy” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
fraud
the crime of deceiving people in order to gain something such as money or goods
“Learners saw the word “fraud” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
haven
a place where people or animals can live peacefully or go to in order to be safe
“Learners saw the word “haven” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
lambaste
If you lambaste someone, you criticize them severely, usually in public
“The speaker explains how “lambaste” is used in a report about the community decision.”
prosecutor
In some countries, a prosecutor is a lawyer or official who brings charges against someone or tries to prove in a trial that they are guilty
“Learners saw the word “prosecutor” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
protest
to come together to publicly express disapproval or opposition to something
“The speaker explains how “protest” is used in a report about the community decision.”
recondite
recondite facts or subjects are not known about or understood by many people
“The speaker uses “recondite” to characterize the community decision situation.”
retinue
a group of people who travel with someone important to help and support them
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “retinue.””
unctuous
too friendly and praising people too much in a way that seems very insincere
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as unctuous.”
compliant
willing to obey or to agree to other people’s wishes and demands
“During the community decision discussion, “compliant” signals a particular quality.”
convoke
to tell people that they must come together for a formal meeting
“The speaker explains how “convoke” is used in a report about the community decision.”
monster
an imaginary or ancient creature that is large, ugly, and frightening
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “monster.””
pedant
someone who pays too much attention to rules or to small unimportant details, especially someone who criticizes other people in an extremely annoying way
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “pedant.””
potentate
A potentate is a ruler who has complete power over his people
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “potentate.””
rapacious
always wanting more money, goods etc than you need or have a right to
“During the community decision discussion, “rapacious” signals a particular quality.”
stipulate
if an agreement, law, or rule stipulates something, it must be done
“A clear example helps learners use “stipulate” in a sentence about the community decision.”
usury
the practice of lending money to people and making them pay interest14
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “usury.””
avow
to make a public statement about something you believe in
“The speaker explains how “avow” is used in a report about the community decision.”
category
a group of people or things that are all of the same type
“Learners saw the word “category” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
contentious
causing a lot of argument and disagreement between people
“During the community decision discussion, “contentious” signals a particular quality.”
cower
to bend low and move back because you are frightened
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “cower” describes an action or change.”
default
to fail to pay money that you owe at the right time
“The speaker explains how “default” is used in a report about the community decision.”
discourteous
not polite, and not showing respect for other people
“The speaker uses “discourteous” to characterize the community decision situation.”
hypotenuse
the longest side of a triangle that has a right angle
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “hypotenuse.””
inalienable
an inalienable right, power etc cannot be taken from you
“The report describes the community decision issue as inalienable.”
promulgate
to spread an idea or belief to as many people as possible
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “promulgate” describes an action or change.”
redound
If an action or situation redounds to your benefit or advantage, it gives people a good impression of you or brings you something that can improve your situation
“The speaker explains how “redound” is used in a report about the community decision.”
seclusion
the state of being private and away from other people
“The speaker used the word “seclusion” while explaining the community decision problem.”
spineless
lacking courage and determination – used to show disapproval
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as spineless.”
urbane
behaving in a relaxed and confident way in social situations
“The speaker uses “urbane” to characterize the community decision situation.”
beneficent
helping people, or resulting in something good
“During the community decision discussion, “beneficent” signals a particular quality.”
complaisance
willingness to do what pleases other people
“A clear definition of the word “complaisance” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
malevolent
a malevolent person wants to harm other people
“During the community decision discussion, “malevolent” signals a particular quality.”
revocation
the act of revoking a law, decision, or agreement
“Learners saw the word “revocation” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
trickery
the use of tricks to deceive or cheat people
“The speaker used the word “trickery” while explaining the community decision problem.”
deportment
the way that someone behaves in public
“Learners saw the word “deportment” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
indomitable
having great determination or courage
“The report describes the community decision issue as indomitable.”
multitude
a very large number of people or things
“The speaker used the word “multitude” while explaining the community decision problem.”
populace
the people who live in a country
“The speaker used the word “populace” while explaining the community decision problem.”
pusillanimous
frightened of taking even small risks
“The speaker uses “pusillanimous” to characterize the community decision situation.”
timorous
lacking confidence and easily frightened
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as timorous.”
juridical
relating to judges or the law
“During the community decision discussion, “juridical” signals a particular quality.”
oration
a formal public speech
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “oration.””
historical
relating to the past
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as historical.”
alike
used to emphasize that you mean both the people, groups, or things that you have just mentioned
“The team responded alike when the community decision plan changed.”
besiege
to surround a city or castle with military force until the people inside let you take control
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “besiege” describes an action or change.”
feminist
someone who supports the idea that women should have the same rights and opportunities as men
“A clear definition of the word “feminist” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
incompatible
two people who are incompatible have such diffe-rent characters, beliefs etc that they cannot have a friendly relationship
“During the community decision discussion, “incompatible” signals a particular quality.”
jocular
If you say that someone has a jocular manner, you mean that they are cheerful and often make jokes or try to make people laugh
“The report describes the community decision issue as jocular.”
philanthropic
a philanthropic person or institution gives money and help to people who are poor or in trouble
“The speaker uses “philanthropic” to characterize the community decision situation.”
publication
The publication of a book or magazine is the act of printing it and sending it to stores to be sold
“Learners saw the word “publication” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
rapprochement
the establishment of a good relationship between two countries or groups of people, after a period of unfriendly relations
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “rapprochement.””
regress
When people or things regress, they return to an earlier and less advanced stage of development
“A clear example helps learners use “regress” in a sentence about the community decision.”
relic
an old object or custom that reminds people of the past or that has lived on from a past time
“A clear definition of the word “relic” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
sanctuary
a peaceful place that is safe and provides protection, especially for people who are in danger
“Learners saw the word “sanctuary” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
steadfast
being certain that you are right about something and refusing to change your opinion in any way
“During the community decision discussion, “steadfast” signals a particular quality.”
vernacular
a form of a language that ordinary people use, especially one that is not the official language
“A clear definition of the word “vernacular” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
admissible
admissible reasons, facts etc are acceptable or allowed, especially in a court of law
“The speaker uses “admissible” to characterize the community decision situation.”
barbarian
someone from a different tribe or land, who people believe to be wild and not civilized
“Learners saw the word “barbarian” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
confrontation
a situation in which there is a lot of angry disagreement between two people or groups
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “confrontation.””
deplore
to disapprove of something very strongly and criticize it severely, especially publicly
“A clear example helps learners use “deplore” in a sentence about the community decision.”
hinterland
an area of land that is far from the coast, large rivers, or the places where people live
“The speaker used the word “hinterland” while explaining the community decision problem.”
monk
a member of an all-male religious group that lives apart from other people in a monastery
“The speaker used the word “monk” while explaining the community decision problem.”
panacea
something that people think will make everything better and solve all their problems
“The speaker used the word “panacea” while explaining the community decision problem.”
peddle
to sell goods to people, especially goods that people disapprove of because they are illegal, harmful, or of not very high quality
“Learners hear “peddle” while following the community decision explanation.”
teem
If you say that a place is teeming with people or animals, you mean that it is crowded and the people and animals are moving around a lot
“A clear example helps learners use “teem” in a sentence about the community decision.”
transgress
to do something that is against the rules of social behaviour or against a moral principle
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “transgress” describes an action or change.”
admit
to agree unwillingly that something is true or that someone else is right
“A clear example helps learners use “admit” in a sentence about the community decision.”
announce
to officially tell people about something, especially about a plan or a decision
“A clear example helps learners use “announce” in a sentence about the community decision.”
inflammatory
an inflammatory speech, piece of writing etc is likely to make people feel angry
“During the community decision discussion, “inflammatory” signals a particular quality.”
orchid
a plant that has flowers which are brightly coloured and usually shaped
“The speaker used the word “orchid” while explaining the community decision problem.”
publicize
to give information about something to the public, so that they know about it
“A clear example helps learners use “publicize” in a sentence about the community decision.”
scruple
a belief about what is right and wrong that prevents you from doing bad things
“Learners saw the word “scruple” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
usher
someone who shows people to their seats at a theatre, cinema, wedding etc
“A clear definition of the word “usher” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
absolute
something that is considered to be true or right in all situations
“A clear definition of the word “absolute” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
assembly
the meeting together of a group of people for a particular purpose
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “assembly.””
batch
a group of people or things that arrive or are dealt with together
“Learners saw the word “batch” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
choral
related to music that is sung by a large group of people together
“The speaker uses “choral” to characterize the community decision situation.”
Conversation
an informal talk in which people exchange news, feelings, and thoughts
“A clear definition of the word “conversation” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
domesticate
to make an animal able to work for people or live with them as a pet
“Learners hear “domesticate” while following the community decision explanation.”
parentage
someone’s parents and the country and social class they are from
“A clear definition of the word “parentage” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
quality
very good – used especially by people who are trying to sell something
“The speaker uses “quality” to characterize the community decision situation.”
retrench
if a government or organization retrenches, it spends less money
“A clear example helps learners use “retrench” in a sentence about the community decision.”
evacuate
to send people away from a dangerous place to a safe place
“Learners hear “evacuate” while following the community decision explanation.”
freeze
a time when people are not allowed to increase prices or pay
“The speaker used the word “freeze” while explaining the community decision problem.”
incursion
a sudden attack into an area that belongs to other people
“Learners saw the word “incursion” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
justice
the quality of being right and deserving fair treatment
“A clear definition of the word “justice” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
legislature
an institution that has the power to make or change laws
“The speaker used the word “legislature” while explaining the community decision problem.”
nervous
worried or frightened about something, and unable to relax
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as nervous.”
orator
someone who is good at making speeches and persuading people
“A clear definition of the word “orator” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
prohibitive
a prohibitive rule prevents people from doing things
“The speaker uses “prohibitive” to characterize the community decision situation.”
violation
an action that breaks a law, agreement, principle etc
“The speaker used the word “violation” while explaining the community decision problem.”
complicity
involvement in a crime, together with other people
“The speaker used the word “complicity” while explaining the community decision problem.”
crime
an illegal action, which can be punished by law
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “crime.””
forthright
direct and honest - used in order to show approval
“The speaker uses “forthright” to characterize the community decision situation.”
hive
a place that is full of people who are very busy
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “hive.””
misbehave
to behave badly, and cause trouble or annoy people
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “misbehave” describes an action or change.”
tyranny
cruel or unfair control over other people
“The speaker used the word “tyranny” while explaining the community decision problem.”
brotherhood
a feeling of friendship between people
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “brotherhood.””
habitable
good enough for people to live in
“The report describes the community decision issue as habitable.”
nightmare
A nightmare is a very frightening dream
“A clear definition of the word “nightmare” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
throng
a large group of people in one place
“Learners saw the word “throng” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
artful
clever at deceiving people
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as artful.”
frightful
unpleasant or bad
“During the community decision discussion, “frightful” signals a particular quality.”
aftermath
the period of time after something such as a war, storm, or accident when people are still dealing with the results
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “aftermath.””
amendment
a small change, improvement, or addition that is made to a law or document, or the process of doing this
“The speaker used the word “amendment” while explaining the community decision problem.”
clinic
a place, often in a hospital, where medical treatment is given to people who do not need to stay in the hospital
“Learners saw the word “clinic” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
conciliate
to do something to make people more likely to stop arguing, especially by giving them something they want
“A clear example helps learners use “conciliate” in a sentence about the community decision.”
copyright
the legal right to be the only producer or seller of a book, play, film, or record for a specific length of time
“The speaker used the word “copyright” while explaining the community decision problem.”
coupon
a small piece of printed paper that gives you the right to pay less for something or get something free
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “coupon.””
crass
behaving in a stupid and offensive way which shows that you do not understand or care about other people’s feelings
“The report describes the community decision issue as crass.”
culmination
something, especially something important, that happens at the end of a long period of effort or development
“A clear definition of the word “culmination” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
enactment
The enactment of a law is the process in a legislature by which the law is agreed upon and made official
“A clear definition of the word “enactment” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
hearsay
something that you have heard about from other people but do not know to be definitely true or correct
“The speaker used the word “hearsay” while explaining the community decision problem.”
maze
a specially designed system of paths, often in a park or public garden, which is difficult to find your way through
“The speaker used the word “maze” while explaining the community decision problem.”
mediator
a person or organization that tries to end a quarrel between two people, groups, countries etc by discussion
“The speaker used the word “mediator” while explaining the community decision problem.”
monument
a building, statue , or other large structure that is built to remind people of an important event or famous person
“A clear definition of the word “monument” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
moral
relating to the principles of what is right and wrong behaviour, and with the difference between good and evil
“During the community decision discussion, “moral” signals a particular quality.”
mordent
a melodic ornament consisting of the rapid alternation of a note with a note one degree lower than it
“The speaker used the word “mordent” while explaining the community decision problem.”
mosquito
a small flying insect that sucks the blood of people and animals, sometimes spreading the disease malaria
“The speaker used the word “mosquito” while explaining the community decision problem.”
movement
a group of people who share the same ideas or beliefs and who work together to achieve a particular aim
“A clear definition of the word “movement” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
pact
a formal agreement between two groups, countries, or people, especially to help each other or to stop fighting
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “pact.””
powerless
unable to stop or control something because you do not have the power, strength, or legal right to do so
“The report describes the community decision issue as powerless.”
proclamation
an official public statement about something that is important, or when someone makes such a statement
“The speaker used the word “proclamation” while explaining the community decision problem.”
quorum
the smallest number of people who must be present at a meeting so that official decisions can be made
“The speaker used the word “quorum” while explaining the community decision problem.”
resonate
if something such as an event or a message resonates, it seems important or good to people, or continues to do this
“The speaker explains how “resonate” is used in a report about the community decision.”
serendipity
Serendipity is the luck some people have in finding or creating interesting or valuable things by chance
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “serendipity.””
temerity
when someone says or does something in a way that shows a lack of respect for other people and is likely to offend them
“A clear definition of the word “temerity” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
blaspheme
to speak in a way that insults God or people’s religious beliefs, or to use the names of God and holy things when swearing
“The speaker explains how “blaspheme” is used in a report about the community decision.”
citadel
a strong fort (= small castle ) built in the past as a place where people could go for safety if their city was attacked
“Learners saw the word “citadel” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
considerate
Someone who is considerate pays attention to the needs, wishes, or feelings of other people
“The speaker uses “considerate” to characterize the community decision situation.”
deviant
Deviant behaviour or thinking is different from what people normally consider to be acceptable
“During the community decision discussion, “deviant” signals a particular quality.”
dissolute
having an immoral way of life, for example drinking too much alcohol or having sex with many people
“The report describes the community decision issue as dissolute.”
ferry
to carry people or things a short distance from one place to another in a boat or other vehicle
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “ferry” describes an action or change.”
heir
the person who has the legal right to receive the property or title of another person when they die
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “heir.””