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GRE Society and culture

Verbal Reasoning: Society & community

Dense academic language for following arguments and selecting precise wording. Focus: society & community.

Independent GRE study resource — not official exam material.

  • Teens and up
  • Friends & social life
  • Advanced · C1
  • 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.

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.””
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.”
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.”
repressive
a repressive government or law controls people in a cruel and severe way
“The report describes the community decision issue as repressive.”
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.”
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.”
sophistry
the clever use of reasons or explanations that seem correct but are really false, in order to deceive people
“The speaker used the word “sophistry” while explaining the community decision problem.”
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.”
subculture
a particular group of people within a society and their behaviour, beliefs, and activities – often used to show disapproval
“Learners saw the word “subculture” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
suffrage
the right to vote in national elections
“A clear definition of the word “suffrage” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
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.””
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.”
infringe
to do something that is against a law or someone’s legal rights
“Learners hear “infringe” while following the community decision explanation.”
community
the people who live in the same area, town etc
“The speaker used the word “community” while explaining the community decision problem.”
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.”
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.””
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
agitation
public argument or action for social or political change
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “agitation.””
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.””
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.”
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.””
illicit
not allowed by laws or rules, or strongly disapproved of by society
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as illicit.”
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.”
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.”
issue
a subject or problem that is often discussed or argued about, especially a social or political matter that affects the interests of a lot of people
“The speaker used the word “issue” while explaining the community decision problem.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
expropriate
if a government or someone in authority expropriates your private property, they take it away for public use
“A clear example helps learners use “expropriate” in a sentence about the community decision.”
reciprocity
a situation in which two people, groups, or countries give each other similar kinds of help or special rights
“The speaker used the word “reciprocity” while explaining the community decision problem.”
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.”
agitate
to argue strongly in public for something you want, especially a political or social change
“A clear example helps learners use “agitate” in a sentence about the community decision.”
halo
a bright circle that is often shown above or around the heads of holy people in religious art
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “halo.””
snob
someone who thinks they are better than people from a lower social class – used to show disapproval
“Learners saw the word “snob” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
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.”
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.””
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
electorate
all the people in a country who have the right to vote
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “electorate.””
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.”
power
the ability or right to control people or events
“The speaker used the word “power” 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.”
gavel
a small hammer that the person in charge of a meeting, court of law, auction etc hits on a table in order to get people’s attention
“A clear definition of the word “gavel” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
moralistic
with very strong beliefs about what is right and wrong, especially when this makes you judge other people’s behaviour
“During the community decision discussion, “moralistic” signals a particular quality.”
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.”
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.””
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.”
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.”
pandemonium
a situation in which there is a lot of noise because people are angry, confused or frightened
“The speaker used the word “pandemonium” 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.”
gaffe
an embarrassing mistake made in a social situation or in public
“The speaker used the word “gaffe” while explaining the community decision problem.”
nationality
the state of being legally a citizen of a particular country
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “nationality.””
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.”
acoustic
relating to sound and the way people hear things
“During the community decision discussion, “acoustic” signals a particular quality.”
claimant
someone who claims something, especially money, from the government, a court etc because they think they have a right to it
“The speaker used the word “claimant” while explaining the community decision problem.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.””
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.”
sociology
the scientific study of societies and the behaviour of people in groups
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “sociology.””
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.”
equality
a situation in which people have the same rights, advantages etc
“Learners saw the word “equality” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
exhibit
to show something in a public place so that people can go to see it
“The speaker explains how “exhibit” is used in a report about the community decision.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
ardent
showing strong positive feelings about an activity and determination to succeed at it
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as ardent.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
eradicate
to completely get rid of something such as a disease or a social problem
“Learners hear “eradicate” while following the community decision explanation.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
differentiate
to recognize or express the difference between things or people
“Learners hear “differentiate” while following the community decision explanation.”
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.”
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.”
stringent
a stringent law, rule, standard etc is very strict and must be obeyed
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as stringent.”
antedate
to come from an earlier time in history than something else
“Learners hear “antedate” while following the community decision explanation.”
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.”
configuration
the combination of equipment needed to run a computer system
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “configuration.””
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.”
inalienable
an inalienable right, power etc cannot be taken from you
“The report describes the community decision issue as inalienable.”
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.”
reticent
Someone who is reticent does not tell people about things
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as reticent.”
sensitive
easily upset or offended by events or things that people say
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as sensitive.”
activism
Activism is the process of campaigning in public or working for an organization in order to bring about political or social change
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “activism.””
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.””
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.”
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.”
moralist
someone who has very strong beliefs about what is right and wrong and how people should behave – used to show disapproval
“A clear definition of the word “moralist” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
poser
someone who pretends to have a quality or social position they do not really have, usually in order to make people notice or admire them
“The speaker used the word “poser” while explaining the community decision problem.”
suffragist
A suffragist is a person who is in favour of women having the right to vote, especially in societies where women are not allowed to vote
“Learners saw the word “suffragist” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
caseload
The caseload of someone such as a doctor, social worker, or lawyer is the number of cases that they have to deal with
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “caseload.””
dubious
probably not honest, true, right etc
“During the community decision discussion, “dubious” signals a particular quality.”
internment
the practice of keeping people in prison during a war or for political reasons, without charging them with a crime
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “internment.””
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.”
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.””
treason
the crime of being disloyal to your country or its government, especially by helping its enemies or trying to remove the government using violence
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “treason.””
espousal
A government's or person's espousal of a particular policy, cause, or belief is their strong support of it
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “espousal.””
nomadic
nomadic people are nomads
“During the community decision discussion, “nomadic” signals a particular quality.”
paternalism
when people in charge of an organization or society protect the members and give them what they need but do not allow them any freedom or responsibility
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “paternalism.””
plutocracy
a ruling class or government that consists of rich people, or a country that is governed by rich people
“Learners saw the word “plutocracy” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
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.””
devolution
when a national government gives power to a group or organization at a lower or more local level
“The speaker used the word “devolution” while explaining the community decision problem.”
egalitarianism
Egalitarianism is used to refer to the belief that all people are equal and should have the same rights and opportunities, and to actions that are based on this belief
“Learners saw the word “egalitarianism” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
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.”
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.””
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.”
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.””
gut
a reaction or feeling that you are sure is right, although you cannot give a reason for it
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “gut.””
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
pogrom
a planned killing of large numbers of people, usually done for reasons of race or religion
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “pogrom.””
prejudiced
having an unreasonable dislike of someone or something, especially a dislike of a group of people who belong to a different race, sex, or religion – used to show disapproval
“During the community decision discussion, “prejudiced” signals a particular quality.”
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.”
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.”
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.””
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.””
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.”
coalition
a union of two or more political parties that allows them to form a government or fight an election together
“Learners saw the word “coalition” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
collision
an accident in which two or more people or vehicles hit each other while moving in different directions
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “collision.””
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.”
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.”
literati
a small group of people in a society who know a lot about literature
“Learners saw the word “literati” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
mecca
a place that many people want to visit for a particular reason
“The speaker used the word “mecca” while explaining the community decision problem.”
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.””
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.”
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.”
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.”
alienation
the feeling of not being part of society or a group
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “alienation.””
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.””
autonomous
an autonomous place or organization is free to govern or control itself
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as autonomous.”
gentry
people who belong to a high social class
“The speaker used the word “gentry” while explaining the community decision problem.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
proclaim
to say publicly or officially that something important is true or exists
“A clear example helps learners use “proclaim” in a sentence about the community decision.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
resplendent
very beautiful, bright, and impressive in appearance
“The report describes the community decision issue as resplendent.”
shrewd
good at judging what people or situations are really like
“The speaker uses “shrewd” to characterize the community decision situation.”
antagonism
hatred between people or groups of people
“The speaker used the word “antagonism” while explaining the community decision problem.”
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.”
bilateral
involving two groups or nations
“The report describes the community decision issue as bilateral.”
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.”
incandescent
producing a bright light when heated
“During the community decision discussion, “incandescent” signals a particular quality.”
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.””
pugnacious
very eager to argue or fight with people
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as pugnacious.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
expedition
a long and carefully organized journey, especially to a dangerous or unfamiliar place, or the people that make this journey
“The speaker used the word “expedition” while explaining the community decision problem.”
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.”
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.”
smear
to tell an untrue story about someone important in order to make people lose respect for them – used especially in newspapers
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “smear” describes an action or change.”
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.””
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.”
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.””
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.””
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
cater
To cater to a group of people means to provide all the things that they need or want
“A clear example helps learners use “cater” in a sentence about the community decision.”
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.”
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.”
equity
a situation in which all people are treated equally and no one has an unfair advantage
“The speaker used the word “equity” while explaining the community decision problem.”
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.”
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.”
jargon
words and expressions used in a particular profession or by a particular group of people, which are difficult for other people to understand – often used to show disapproval
“The speaker used the word “jargon” while explaining the community decision problem.”
contract
an official agreement between two or more people, stating what each will do
“Learners saw the word “contract” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
crusade
a determined attempt to change something because you think you are morally right
“A clear definition of the word “crusade” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
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.”
ethnic
relating to a particular race, nation, or tribe and their customs and traditions
“During the community decision discussion, “ethnic” signals a particular quality.”
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.”
exodus
a situation in which a lot of people leave a particular place at the same time
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “exodus.””
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.”
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.”
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.”
testify
to make a formal statement of what is true, especially in a court of law
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “testify” describes an action or change.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
disguise
to change someone’s appearance so that people cannot recognize them
“The speaker explains how “disguise” is used in a report about the community decision.”
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.”
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.”
proponent
someone who supports something or persuades people to do something
“The speaker used the word “proponent” while explaining the community decision problem.”
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.”
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.”
commend
to praise or approve of someone or something publicly
“A clear example helps learners use “commend” in a sentence about the community decision.”
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.”
advocate
someone who publicly supports someone or something
“A clear definition of the word “advocate” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
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.”
sustenance
food that people or animals need in order to live
“The speaker used the word “sustenance” while explaining the community decision problem.”
unequal
used to describe a situation or a social system which is unfair because some groups or people have more power than others
“During the community decision discussion, “unequal” signals a particular quality.”
acclaim
to praise someone or something publicly
“Learners hear “acclaim” while following the community decision explanation.”
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.”
department
one of the groups of people who work together in a particular part of a large organization such as a hospital, university, company, or government
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “department.””
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.”
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.””
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.”
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.”
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.””
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.””