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GRE Society and culture

Issue & Argument: Society & community

Language for evaluating claims, assumptions, and the strength of support. 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.

nationalism
the desire by a group of people of the same race, origin, language etc to form an independent country
“A clear definition of the word “nationalism” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
bicameral
a bicameral legislature (= part of the government that makes laws ) consists of two parts, such as the Senate and the House of Representatives in the US Congress
“The report describes the community decision issue as bicameral.”
cleavage
a difference between two people or things that often causes problems or arguments
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “cleavage.””
polygamous
In a polygamous society, people can be legally married to more than one person at the same time. A polygamous person, especially a man, is married to more than one person.
“The report describes the community decision issue as polygamous.”
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.””
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.”
anarchist
someone who believes that governments, laws etc are not necessary
“The speaker used the word “anarchist” while explaining the community decision problem.”
anomie
lack of social or moral standards in an individual or society
“The speaker used the word “anomie” while explaining the community decision problem.”
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.”
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.””
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.”
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.”
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.”
persist
to continue to do something, although this is difficult, or other people oppose it
“Learners hear “persist” while following the community decision explanation.”
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.”
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.”
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.””
violate
to disobey or do something against an official agreement, law, principle etc
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “violate” describes an action or change.”
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.”
legislature
an institution that has the power to make or change laws
“The speaker used the word “legislature” while explaining the community decision problem.”
multitude
a very large number of people or things
“The speaker used the word “multitude” while explaining the community decision problem.”
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.”
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.””
argument
a situation in which two or more people disagree, often angrily
“A clear definition of the word “argument” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
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.”
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.”
disperse
if a group of people disperse or are dispersed, they go away in different directions
“A clear example helps learners use “disperse” in a sentence about the community decision.”
fierce
a fierce person or animal is angry or ready to attack, and looks very frightening
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as fierce.”
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.”
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.”
exposition
a large public event at which you show or sell products, art etc
“Learners saw the word “exposition” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
arguable
If you say that it is arguable that something is true, you believe that it can be supported by evidence and that many people would agree with it
“During the community decision discussion, “arguable” signals a particular quality.”
practice
something that people do often, especially a particular way of doing something or a social or religious custom
“A clear definition of the word “practice” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
defend
to use arguments to protect something or someone from criticism, or to prove that something is right
“Learners hear “defend” while following the community decision explanation.”
epoch
a period of history
“A clear definition of the word “epoch” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
humanity
people in general
“A clear definition of the word “humanity” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
parade
a public celebration when musical bands, brightly decorated vehicles etc move down the street
“The speaker used the word “parade” while explaining the community decision problem.”
socio-economic
Socioeconomic circumstances or developments involve a combination of social and economic factors
“During the community decision discussion, “socio-economic” signals a particular quality.”
fictitious
Fictitious is used to describe something that is false or does not exist, although some people claim that it is true or exists
“During the community decision discussion, “fictitious” signals a particular quality.”
fluorescent
a fluorescent light contains a tube filled with gas, which shines with a bright light when electricity is passed through it
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as fluorescent.”
independent
an independent organization is not owned or controlled by, or does not receive money from, another organization or the government
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as independent.”
migration
the movement of large numbers of people, birds or animals from one place to another
“Learners saw the word “migration” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
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.”
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.””
preponderance
if there is a preponderance of people or things of a particular type in a group, there are more of that type than of any other
“Learners saw the word “preponderance” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
solidarity
loyalty and general agreement between all the people in a group, or between different groups, because they all have a shared aim
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “solidarity.””
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.”
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.”
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.””
irreverent
someone who is irreverent does not show respect for organizations, customs, beliefs etc that most other people respect – often used to show approval
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as irreverent.”
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.”
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.””
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.”
satire
a way of criticizing something such as a group of people or a system, in which you deliberately make them seem funny so that people will see their faults
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “satire.””
citizenship
the legal right of belonging to a particular country
“Learners saw the word “citizenship” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
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.”
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.”
mortality
the number of deaths during a particular period of time among a particular type or group of people
“The speaker used the word “mortality” 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.”
restriction
a rule or law that limits or controls what people can do
“Learners saw the word “restriction” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
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.”
ally
to help and support other people or countries, especially in a war or disagreement
“Learners hear “ally” while following the community decision explanation.”
charity
an organization that gives money, goods, or help to people who are poor, sick etc
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “charity.””
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.”
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.”
flag
an expression meaning a country or organization and its beliefs, values, and people
“Learners saw the word “flag” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
government
the group of people who govern a country or state
“The speaker used the word “government” 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.””
rivalry
a situation in which two or more people, teams, or companies are competing for something, especially over a long period of time, and the feeling of competition between them
“The speaker used the word “rivalry” while explaining the community decision problem.”
withstand
to defend yourself successfully against people who attack, criticize, or oppose you
“Learners hear “withstand” while following the community decision explanation.”
admit
to agree unwillingly that something is true or that someone else is right
“A clear example helps learners use “admit” in a sentence about the community decision.”
alien
someone who is not a legal citizen of the country they are living or working in
“The speaker used the word “alien” while explaining the community decision problem.”
fiscal
relating to money, taxes, debts etc that are owned and managed by the government
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as fiscal.”
fraudulent
intended to deceive people in an illegal way, in order to gain money, power etc
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as fraudulent.”
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.”
milieu
the things and people that surround you and influence the way you live and think
“The speaker used the word “milieu” while explaining the community decision problem.”
pledge
a serious promise or agree-ment, especially one made publicly or officially
“The speaker used the word “pledge” while explaining the community decision problem.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
apportion
to decide how something should be shared among various people
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “apportion” 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.”
flamboyant
behaving in a confident or exciting way that makes people notice you
“The speaker uses “flamboyant” to characterize the community decision situation.”
focus
the thing, person, situation etc that people pay special attention to
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “focus.””
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.”
monster
an imaginary or ancient creature that is large, ugly, and frightening
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “monster.””
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.”
rebellious
deliberately not obeying people in authority or rules of behaviour
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as rebellious.”
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.”
utility
a service such as gas or electricity provided for people to use
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “utility.””
conform
to be similar to what people expect or think is usual
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “conform” describes an action or change.”
evacuate
to send people away from a dangerous place to a safe place
“Learners hear “evacuate” while following the community decision explanation.”
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.”
minority
a small group of people or things within a much larger group
“A clear definition of the word “minority” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
municipal
relating to or belonging to the government of a town or city
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as municipal.”
equitable
treating all people in a fair and equal way
“The report describes the community decision issue as equitable.”
glare
a bright unpleasant light which hurts your eyes
“A clear definition of the word “glare” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
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.”
hive
a place that is full of people who are very busy
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “hive.””
judicial
relating to the law, judges, or their decisions
“The speaker uses “judicial” to characterize the community decision situation.”
strife
trouble between two or more people or groups
“The speaker used the word “strife” while explaining the community decision problem.”
discord
disagreement or arguing between people
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “discord.””
bond
an official document promising that a government or company will pay back money that it has borrowed, often with interest
“A clear definition of the word “bond” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
knack
A knack is a particularly clever or skilful way of doing something successfully, especially something which most people find difficult
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “knack.””
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.”
poll
the process of finding out what people think about something by asking many people the same question, or the record of the result
“A clear definition of the word “poll” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
smirk
to smile in an unpleasant way that shows that you are pleased by someone else’s bad luck or think you are better than other people
“Learners hear “smirk” 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.”
appliance
a piece of equipment, especially electrical equipment, such as a cooker or washing machine , used in people’s homes
“The speaker used the word “appliance” while explaining the community decision problem.”
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.”
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.”
Paleolithic
relating to the stone age (= the period of time thousands of years ago when people used stone tools and weapons )
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as paleolithic.”
suborn
to persuade someone to tell lies in a court of law or to do something else that is illegal, especially for money
“The speaker explains how “suborn” is used in a report about the community decision.”
colonize
to establish political control over an area or over another country, and send your citizens there to settle
“A clear example helps learners use “colonize” in a sentence about the community decision.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
neolithic
relating to the last period of the stone age, about 10,000 years ago, when people began to live together in small groups and make stone tools and weapons
“During the community decision discussion, “neolithic” signals a particular quality.”
ostentation
when you deliberately try to show people how rich or clever you are, in order to make them admire you
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “ostentation.””
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.”
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.”
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.”
quell
to end a situation in which people are behaving violently or protesting, especially by using force
“A clear example helps learners use “quell” in a sentence about the community decision.”
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.”
comet
an object in space like a bright ball with a long tail, that moves around the sun
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “comet.””
conspiracy
a secret plan made by two or more people to do something that is harmful or illegal
“A clear definition of the word “conspiracy” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
critique
a detailed explanation of the problems of something such as a set of political ideas
“Learners saw the word “critique” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
flippant
not being serious about something that other people think you should be serious about
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as flippant.”
inaugurate
to hold an official ceremony when someone starts doing an important job in government
“The speaker explains how “inaugurate” is used in a report about the community decision.”
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.”
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.”
subversive
someone who secretly tries to damage or destroy the government or an established system
“Learners saw the word “subversive” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
communal
shared by a group of people or animals, especially a group who live together
“The report describes the community decision issue as communal.”
disclose
to make something publicly known, especially after it has been kept secret
“Learners hear “disclose” while following the community decision explanation.”
meld
A meld of things is a mixture or combination of them that is useful or pleasant
“Learners saw the word “meld” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
ordinance
a law, usually of a city or town, that forbids or restricts an activity
“A clear definition of the word “ordinance” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
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.”
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.””
cult
a group of people who are very interested in a particular thing
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “cult.””
emerald
a valuable bright green stone that is often used in jewellery
“Learners saw the word “emerald” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
revolt
a refusal to accept someone’s authority or obey rules or laws
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “revolt.””
tragedy
a very sad event, that shocks people because it involves death
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “tragedy.””
counterfeit
to copy something exactly in order to deceive people
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “counterfeit” describes an action or change.”
household
relating to looking after a house and the people in it
“During the community decision discussion, “household” signals a particular quality.”
abolition
when a law or a system is officially ended
“The speaker used the word “abolition” while explaining the community decision problem.”
codify
to arrange laws, principles, facts etc in a system
“Learners hear “codify” while following the community decision explanation.”
medication
medicine or drugs given to people who are ill
“The speaker used the word “medication” while explaining the community decision problem.”
remote
far from towns or other places where people live
“The report describes the community decision issue as remote.”
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.”
entertain
to invite people to your home for a meal, party etc, or to take your company’s customers somewhere to have a meal, drinks etc
“Learners hear “entertain” while following the community decision explanation.”
exponent
a sign written above and to the right of a number or letter to show how many times that quantity is to be multiplied by itself
“The speaker used the word “exponent” while explaining the community decision problem.”
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.”
appropriation
the process of saving money for a special purpose, or the money that is saved, especially by a business or government
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “appropriation.””
collective
a group of people who work together to run something such as a business or farm, and who share the profits equally
“Learners saw the word “collective” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
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.”
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.”
sodium
a common silver-white metal that usually exists in combination with other substances, for example in salt. It is a chemical element: symbol Na
“The speaker used the word “sodium” while explaining the community decision problem.”
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.”
infringement
An infringement is an action or situation that interferes with your rights and the freedom you are entitled to
“Learners saw the word “infringement” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
litigant
someone who is making a claim against someone or defending themselves against a claim in a court of law
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “litigant.””
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
utopian
Utopian is used to describe political or religious philosophies which claim that it is possible to build a new and perfect society in which everyone is happy
“The report describes the community decision issue as utopian.”
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.”
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.”
escort
a person or a group of people or vehicles that go with someone in order to protect or guard them
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “escort.””
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.”
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.”
massacre
to kill a lot of people or animals in a violent way, especially when they cannot defend themselves
“A clear example helps learners use “massacre” in a sentence about the community decision.”
nebula
a mass of gas and dust among the stars, which often appears as a bright cloud in the sky at night
“A clear definition of the word “nebula” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
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.”
bully
someone who uses their strength or power to frighten or hurt someone who is weaker
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “bully.””
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
obedient
always doing what you are told to do, or what the law, a rule etc says you must do
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as obedient.”
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.”
superiority
the quality of being better, more skilful, more powerful etc than other people or things
“A clear definition of the word “superiority” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
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.”
auditorium
the part of a theatre where people sit when watching a play, concert etc
“A clear definition of the word “auditorium” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
cooperative
a business or organization owned equally by all the people working there
“The speaker used the word “cooperative” while explaining the community decision problem.”
evil
someone who is evil deliberately does very cruel things to harm other people
“The report describes the community decision issue as evil.”
indignation
feelings of anger and surprise because you feel insulted or unfairly treated
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “indignation.””
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.”
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.”
treaty
a formal written agreement between two or more countries or governments
“The speaker used the word “treaty” while explaining the community decision problem.”
widespread
existing or happening in many places or situations, or among many people
“The report describes the community decision issue as widespread.”
brass
a very hard bright yellow metal that is a mixture of copper and zinc
“A clear definition of the word “brass” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
brief
a short spoken or written statement giving facts about a law case
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “brief.””
bulletin
an official statement that tells people about something important
“A clear definition of the word “bulletin” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
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.”
creative
involving the use of imagination to produce new ideas or things
“During the community decision discussion, “creative” signals a particular quality.”
delinquency
illegal or immoral behaviour or actions, especially by young people
“The speaker used the word “delinquency” while explaining the community decision problem.”
finance
the management of money by governments, large organizations etc
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “finance.””
intimidate
to frighten or threaten someone into making them do what you want
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “intimidate” describes an action or change.”
literature
books, plays, poems etc that people think are important and good
“The speaker used the word “literature” while explaining the community decision problem.”
mediate
to try to end a quarrel between two people, groups, countries etc
“The speaker explains how “mediate” is used in a report about the community decision.”
murmur
a soft low sound made by people speaking quietly or a long way away
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “murmur.””
prosper
If people or businesses prosper, they are successful and do well
“A clear example helps learners use “prosper” in a sentence about the community decision.”
psychology
the study of the mind and how it influences people’s behaviour
“The speaker used the word “psychology” while explaining the community decision problem.”
sociable
someone who is sociable is friendly and enjoys being with other people
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as sociable.”
violent
someone who is violent is likely to attack, hurt, or kill other people
“The speaker uses “violent” to characterize the community decision situation.”
assertive
behaving in a confident way, so that people notice you
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as assertive.”
discourteous
not polite, and not showing respect for other people
“The speaker uses “discourteous” to characterize the community decision situation.”
dispense
to give something to people, especially in fixed amounts
“A clear example helps learners use “dispense” in a sentence about the community decision.”
hypotenuse
the longest side of a triangle that has a right angle
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “hypotenuse.””
lobster
a sea animal with eight legs, a shell, and two large claws
“A clear definition of the word “lobster” helped the group discuss the community decision topic.”
mandatory
if something is mandatory, the law says it must be done
“During the community decision discussion, “mandatory” signals a particular quality.”
oath
a formal promise to tell the truth in a court of law
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “oath.””
seclusion
the state of being private and away from other people
“The speaker used the word “seclusion” while explaining the community decision problem.”
compassionate
feeling sympathy for people who are suffering
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as compassionate.”
destination
the place that someone or something is going to
“Learners saw the word “destination” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
glitter
to shine brightly with flashing points of light
“A clear example helps learners use “glitter” in a sentence about the community decision.”
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.”
timely
done or happening at exactly the right time
“The report describes the community decision issue as timely.”
destructive
causing damage to people or things
“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as destructive.”
legislate
to make a law about something
“Learners hear “legislate” while following the community decision explanation.”
playwright
someone who writes plays
“A clear definition of the word “playwright” 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.”
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.””
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.”
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.”
logistics
the practical arrangements that are needed in order to make a plan that involves a lot of people and equipment successful
“The speaker used the word “logistics” 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.”
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.”
stolid
someone who is stolid does not react to situations or seem excited by them when most people would react – used to show disapproval
“During the community decision discussion, “stolid” 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.”
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.”
acrobat
someone who entertains people by doing difficult physical actions such as walking on their hands or balancing on a high rope, especially at a circus
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “acrobat.””
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
invigorate
to make the people in an organization or group feel excited again, so that they want to make something successful
“In the community decision discussion, the verb “invigorate” describes an action or change.”
measles
an infectious illness in which you have a fever and small red spots on your face and body. People often have measles when they are children.
“Learners saw the word “measles” while comparing two sides of the community decision issue.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
clarification
the act of making something clearer or easier to understand, or an explanation that makes something clearer
“The community decision report includes a section on the word “clarification.””
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.”
deploy
to organize or move soldiers, military equipment etc so that they are in the right place and ready to be used
“The speaker explains how “deploy” is used in a report about the community decision.”