Advanced Reading: Society & community

impropriety

behaviour or an action that is wrong or unacceptable according to moral, social, or professional standards

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

motley

a group of people or things that are very different from each other and do not seem to belong together

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as motley.”

pedant

someone who pays too much attention to rules or to small unimportant details, especially someone who criticizes other people in an extremely annoying way

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

sanctimonious

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

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

bombast

Bombast is trying to impress people by saying things that sound impressive but have little meaning

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

bug

a small piece of electronic equipment for listening secretly to other people’s conversations

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

flaunt

to show your money, success, beauty etc so that other people notice it – used to show disapproval

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

obsequious

very eager to please or agree with people who are powerful – used in order to show disapproval

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

ostracize

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

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

philanthropic

a philanthropic person or institution gives money and help to people who are poor or in trouble

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

qualm

a feeling of slight worry or doubt because you are not sure that what you are doing is right

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

recant

to say publicly that you no longer have a political or religious belief that you had before

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

supercilious

behaving as if you think that other people are less important than you – used to show disapproval

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

collusion

a secret agreement that two or more people make in order to do something dishonest

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

odious

If you describe people or things as odious, you think that they are hateful or disgusting

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

panacea

something that people think will make everything better and solve all their problems

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

reactionary

someone who strongly opposes any social or political change - used to show disapproval

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

recluse

someone who chooses to live alone, and does not like seeing or talking to other people

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

subvert

to try to destroy the power and influence of a government or the established system

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

trenchant

expressed very strongly, effectively, and directly without worrying about offending people

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

virulent

a poison, disease etc that is virulent is very dangerous and affects people very quickly

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

autocracy

a system of government in which one person or group has unlimited power

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

blockade

something that is used to stop vehicles or people entering or leaving a place

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

egalitarian

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

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

egocentric

thinking only about yourself and not about what other people might need or want

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

elocution

good clear speaking in public, involving voice control, pronunciation etc

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

gullible

too ready to believe what other people tell you, so that you are easily tricked

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

recondite

recondite facts or subjects are not known about or understood by many people

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

surreptitious

done secretly or quickly because you do not want other people to notice

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as surreptitious.”

unctuous

too friendly and praising people too much in a way that seems very insincere

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as unctuous.”

carnage

when a lot of people are killed and injured, especially in a war

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

compliant

willing to obey or to agree to other people’s wishes and demands

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

convoke

to tell people that they must come together for a formal meeting

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

grisly

extremely unpleasant and involving people being killed or injured

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as grisly.”

populous

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

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

potentate

A potentate is a ruler who has complete power over his people

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

rapacious

always wanting more money, goods etc than you need or have a right to

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

avow

to make a public statement about something you believe in

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

cower

to bend low and move back because you are frightened

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

efficacy

the ability of something to produce the right result

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

promulgate

to spread an idea or belief to as many people as possible

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

scrutiny

careful and thorough examination of someone or something

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

sequester

to keep a person or a group of people away from other people

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

spineless

lacking courage and determination – used to show disapproval

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as spineless.”

urbane

behaving in a relaxed and confident way in social situations

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

waive

to state officially that a right, rule etc can be ignored

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

callous

not caring that other people are suffering

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

complaisance

willingness to do what pleases other people

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

ferocious

violent, dangerous, and frightening

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

propriety

correctness of social or moral behaviour

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

pusillanimous

frightened of taking even small risks

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

timorous

lacking confidence and easily frightened

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as timorous.”

preferential

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

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

agreement

an arrangement or promise to do something, made by two or more people, companies, organizations etc

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

overthrow

the defeat and removal from power of a leader or government, especially by force

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

determination

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

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

malevolent

a malevolent person wants to harm other people

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

privacy

the state of being free from public attention

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

populace

the people who live in a country

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

asylum

protection given to someone by a government because they have escaped from fighting or political trouble in their own country

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

pillory

a wooden frame with holes for someone’s head and hands to be locked into, used in the past as a way of publicly punishing someone

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

unbiased

unbiased information, opinions, advice etc is fair because the person giving it is not influenced by their own or other people’s opinions

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

dogmatic

someone who is dogmatic is completely certain of their beliefs and expects other people to accept them without arguing

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

esoteric

If you describe something as esoteric, you mean it is known, understood, or appreciated by only a small number of people

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as esoteric.”

gene

a part of a cell in a living thing that controls what it looks like, how it grows, and how it develops. People get their genes from their parents

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

acne

a medical problem which causes a lot of red spots on your face and neck and mainly affects young people

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

gimmick

a trick or something unusual that you do to make people notice someone or something – used to show disapproval

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

inequality

an unfair situation, in which some groups in society have more money, opportunities, power etc than others

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

liberty

the freedom and the right to do whatever you want without asking permission or being afraid of authority

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

aborigine

someone who belongs to the race of people who have lived in Australia from the earliest times

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

arrogate

to claim that you have a particular right, position etc, without having the legal right to it

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

astrology

the study of the positions and movements of the stars and how they might influence people and events

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

civilian

In a military situation, civilian is used to describe people or things that are not military

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

cosmopolitan

a cosmopolitan place has people from many different parts of the world – use this to show approval

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

influx

the arrival of large numbers of people or large amounts of money, goods etc, especially suddenly

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

jurisdiction

the right to use an official power to make legal decisions, or the area where this right exists

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

notoriety

the state of being famous or well-known for something that is bad or that people do not approve of

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

professional

someone who earns money by doing a job, sport, or activity that many other people do just for fun

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

redound

If an action or situation redounds to your benefit or advantage, it gives people a good impression of you or brings you something that can improve your situation

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

absence

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

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

anthology

a set of stories, poems, songs etc by different people collected together in one book

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

balk

to not want to do or try something, because it seems difficult, unpleasant, or frightening

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

gossip

someone who likes talking about other people’s private lives – used to show disapproval

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

litigious

very willing to take disagreements to a court of law – often used to show disapproval

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

lottery

a game used to make money for a state or a charity in which people buy tickets with a series of numbers on them. If their number is picked by chance, they win money or a prize.

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

macabre

very strange and unpleasant and connected with death or with people being seriously hurt

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

respondent

someone who has to defend their own case in a law court, especially in a divorce case

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

summit

an important meeting or set of meetings between the leaders of several governments

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

survey

to ask a large number of people questions in order to find out their attitudes or opinions

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

usurp

to take someone else’s power, position, job etc when you do not have the right to

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

acquit

to give a decision in a court of law that someone is not guilty of a crime

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

distribution

the act of sharing things among a large group of people in a planned way

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

emancipate

to give someone the political or legal rights that they did not have before

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

hypercritical

too eager to criticize other people and things, especially about small details

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

inflammatory

an inflammatory speech, piece of writing etc is likely to make people feel angry

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

lambaste

If you lambaste someone, you criticize them severely, usually in public

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

liberal

allowing people or organizations a lot of political or economic freedom

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

overlord

someone with great power over a large number of people, especially in the past

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

recreational

Recreational means relating to things people do in their spare time to relax

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

retinue

a group of people who travel with someone important to help and support them

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

acquittal

an official statement in a court of law that someone is not guilty

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

automation

the use of computers and machines instead of people to do a job

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

barrister

a lawyer in Britain who can argue cases in the higher law courts

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

condone

to accept or forgive behaviour that most people think is morally wrong

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

persuasive

able to make other people believe something or do what you ask

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

posterity

all the people in the future who will be alive after you are dead

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

retrench

if a government or organization retrenches, it spends less money

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

sensitivity

when someone is easily upset or offended by things that people say

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

stumble

to stop or make a mistake when you are reading to people or speaking

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

terrace

the wide steps that the people watching a football match can stand on

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

usury

the practice of lending money to people and making them pay interest14

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

aloof

unfriendly and deliberately not talking to other people

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

attendance

the number of people who attend a game, concert, meeting etc

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

decry

to state publicly that you do not approve of something

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

incite

to deliberately encourage people to fight, argue etc

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

orator

someone who is good at making speeches and persuading people

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

prohibitive

a prohibitive rule prevents people from doing things

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

aristocrat

someone who belongs to the highest social class

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

beneficent

helping people, or resulting in something good

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

ethical

relating to principles of what is right and wrong

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as ethical.”

revocation

the act of revoking a law, decision, or agreement

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

trickery

the use of tricks to deceive or cheat people

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

tyranny

cruel or unfair control over other people

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

circumscribe

to limit power, rights, or abilities

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

deportment

the way that someone behaves in public

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

furbish

to make bright by polishing; burnish

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

habitable

good enough for people to live in

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

indomitable

having great determination or courage

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

pantheon

a group of famous and important people

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

legislative

concerned with making laws

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

oration

a formal public speech

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

statutory

fixed or controlled by law

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

flame

to burn brightly

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

historical

relating to the past

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as historical.”

birthright

something such as a right, property, money etc that you believe you should have because of the family or country you belong to

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

deport

to make someone leave a country and return to the country they came from, especially because they do not have a legal right to stay

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

descendant

someone who is related to a person who lived a long time ago, or to a family, group of people etc that existed in the past

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

dogma

a set of firm beliefs held by a group of people who expect other people to accept these beliefs without thinking about them

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

feckless

If you describe someone as feckless, you mean that they lack determination or strength, and are unable to do anything properly

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

flagrant

a flagrant action is shocking because it is done in a way that is easily noticed and shows no respect for laws, truth etc

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

flighty

a woman who is flighty changes her ideas and opinions often, and only remains interested in people or things for a short time

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

impound

if the police or law courts impound something you have or own, they keep it until it has been decided that you can have it back

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

jocular

If you say that someone has a jocular manner, you mean that they are cheerful and often make jokes or try to make people laugh

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

liaison

the regular exchange of information between groups of people, especially at work, so that each group knows what the other is doing

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

miscellaneous

a miscellaneous set of things or people includes many different things or people that do not seem to be connected with each other

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

municipality

a town, city, or other small area, which has its own government to make decisions about local affairs, or the officials in that government

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

oracle

someone who the ancient Greeks believed could communicate with the gods, who gave advice to people or told them what would happen

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

preeminent

If someone or something is preeminent in a group, they are more important, powerful, or capable than other people or things in the group

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

rapprochement

the establishment of a good relationship between two countries or groups of people, after a period of unfriendly relations

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

condemnation

an expression of very strong disapproval of someone or something, especially something you think is morally wrong

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

condition

the situation in which people live or work, especially the physical things that affect the quality of their lives

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

dalliance

If two people have a brief romantic relationship, you can say that they have a dalliance with each other, especially if they do not take it seriously

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

defame

to write or say bad or untrue things about someone or something, so that people will have a bad opinion of them

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

gesticulate

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

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

impeach

if a government official is impeached, they are formally charged with a serious crime in a special government court

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

slanderous

a slanderous statement about someone is not true, and is intended to damage other people’s good opinion of them

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

temerity

when someone says or does something in a way that shows a lack of respect for other people and is likely to offend them

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

association

an organization that consists of a group of people who have the same aims, do the same kind of work etc

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

casualty

the part of a hospital that people are taken to when they are hurt in an accident or suddenly become ill

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

clannish

a group of people who are clannish are very close to each other, and seem unfriendly towards strangers

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

culmination

something, especially something important, that happens at the end of a long period of effort or development

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

eclectic

including a mixture of many different things or people, especially so that you can use the best of all of them

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

feral

Feral animals are wild animals that are not owned or controlled by anyone, especially ones that belong to species which are normally owned and kept by people

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as feral.”

fiat

an official order given by someone in a position of authority, without considering what other people want

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

flinch

to move your face or body away from someone or something because you are in pain, frightened, or upset

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

forfeiture

when someone has their property or money officially taken away because they have broken a law or rule

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

forger

someone who illegally copies documents, money, paintings etc and tries to make people think they are real

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

magistrate

someone, not usually a lawyer, who works as a judge in a local court of law, dealing with less serious crimes

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

palpitate

If someone's heart palpitates, it beats very fast in an irregular way, because they are frightened or anxious

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

perjury

the crime of telling a lie after promising to tell the truth in a court of law, or a lie told in this way

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

plaza

a public square or market place surrounded by buildings, especially in towns in Spanish-speaking countries

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

polarize

to divide into clearly separate groups with opposite beliefs, ideas, or opinions, or to make people do this

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

proclamation

an official public statement about something that is important, or when someone makes such a statement

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

sack

a situation in which an army goes through a place, destroying or stealing things and attacking people

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

sanctum

a private place or room that only a few important people are allowed to enter – often used humorously

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

tamper

If someone tampers with something, they interfere with it or try to change it when they have no right to do so

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

tendentious

a tendentious speech, remark, book etc expresses a strong opinion that is intended to influence people

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as tendentious.”

bombastic

If you describe someone as bombastic, you are criticizing them for trying to impress other people by saying things that sound impressive but have little meaning

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

clause

a part of a written law or legal document covering a particular subject of the whole law or document

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

festive

looking or feeling bright and cheerful in a way that seems suitable for celebrating something

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as festive.”

heir

the person who has the legal right to receive the property or title of another person when they die

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

impolitic

behaving in a way that is not careful and that could make people think you are not sensible

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as impolitic.”

insurrection

an attempt by a large group of people within a country to take control using force and violence

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

multinational

a multinational company has factories, offices, and business activities in many different countries

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

observance

when someone obeys a law or does something because it is part of a religion, custom, or ceremony

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

odium

a strong feeling of hatred that a lot of people have for someone because of something they have done

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

persistent

continuing to do something, although this is difficult, or other people warn you not to do it

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

regress

When people or things regress, they return to an earlier and less advanced stage of development

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

sport

to be wearing something or have something on your body and show it to people in a proud way

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

steadfast

being certain that you are right about something and refusing to change your opinion in any way

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

symposium

a formal meeting in which people who know a lot about a particular subject have discussions about it

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

adjudicate

to officially decide who is right in a disagreement and decide what should be done

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

amnesty

an official order by a government that allows a particular group of prisoners to go free

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

beacon

a light that is put somewhere to warn or guide people, ships, vehicles, or aircraft

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

camaraderie

a feeling of friendship that a group of people have, especially when they work together

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

canard

a piece of news that is false and is told to people deliberately in order to harm someone

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

character

the particular combination of qualities that makes someone a particular type of person

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

confrontation

a situation in which there is a lot of angry disagreement between two people or groups

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

crafty

good at getting what you want by clever planning and by secretly deceiving people

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

elixir

a magical liquid that is supposed to cure people of illness, make them younger etc

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

fad

something that people like or do for a short time, or that is fashionable for a short time

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

flout

to deliberately disobey a law, rule etc, without trying to hide what you are doing

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

gabble

to say something so quickly that people cannot hear you clearly or understand you properly

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

harmonious

harmonious relationships are ones in which people are friendly and helpful to one another

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

hysteria

extreme excitement that makes people cry, laugh, shout etc in a way that is out of control

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

ignominy

an event or situation that makes you feel ashamed or embarrassed, especially in public

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

locution

a phrase, especially one used in a particular area or by a particular group of people

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

misgiving

a feeling of doubt or fear about what might happen or about whether something is right

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

pretence

a way of behaving which is intended to make people believe something that is not true

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

queue

to form or join a line of people or vehicles waiting to do something or go somewhere

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

skittish

an animal, especially a horse, that is skittish gets excited or frightened very easily

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

stipulation

something that must be done, and which is stated as part of an agreement, law, or rule

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

tolerate

to allow people to do, say, or believe something without criticizing or punishing them

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

transgress

to do something that is against the rules of social behaviour or against a moral principle

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

voyeur

someone who gets sexual pleasure from secretly watching other people’s sexual activities

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

absent

to not go to a place or take part in an event where people expect you to be

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

ambassador

an important official who represents his or her government in a foreign country

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

ambulance

a special vehicle that is used to take people who are ill or injured to hospital

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

blasphemy

something you say or do that is insulting to God or people’s religious beliefs

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

column

a tall solid upright stone post used to support a building or as a decoration

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

decorum

Decorum is behaviour that people consider to be correct, polite, and respectable

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

demean

To demean someone or something means to make people have less respect for them

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

depth

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

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

diplomat

someone who officially represents their government in a foreign country

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

dissociate

to regard two things or people as separate and not connected to each other

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

evince

to show a feeling or have a quality in a way that people can easily notice

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

evocative

making people remember something by producing a feeling or memory in them

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as evocative.”

expediency

Expediency means doing what is convenient rather than what is morally right

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

fallacy

a false idea or belief, especially one that a lot of people believe is true

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

gangway

a large board or steps between a boat and the shore for people to walk down

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

humiliate

to make someone feel ashamed or stupid, especially when other people are present

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

immigration

the process of entering another country in order to live there permanently

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

impersonate

to copy someone’s voice and behaviour, especially in order to make people laugh

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

mettle

courage and determination to do something even when it is very difficult

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

parity

the state of being equal, especially having equal pay, rights, or power

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

permissive

not strict, and allowing behaviour that many other people would disapprove of

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

responsive

eager to communicate with people, and to react to them in a positive way

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as responsive.”

righteous

strong feelings of anger when you think a situation is not morally right or fair

“Researchers describe the community decision evidence as righteous.”

romance

an exciting and often short relationship between two people who love each other

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

sententious

telling people how they should behave – used in order to show disapproval

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

unqualified

not having the right knowledge, experience, or education to do something

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

agnostic

someone who believes that people cannot know whether God exists or not

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

anonymity

when other people do not know who you are or what your name is

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

ashen

looking very pale because you are ill, shocked, or frightened

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

bumptious

too proud of your abilities in a way that annoys other people

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

colleague

someone you work with – used especially by professional people

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

contravene

to do something that is not allowed according to a law or rule

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

coronation

the ceremony at which someone is officially made king or queen

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

dehumanize

to treat people so badly that they lose their good human qualities

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

difference

a way in which two or more people or things are not like each other

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

The words