Words Matter
A living civic dictionary defining key concepts such as empathy, social empathy, democracy, dignity, and nonviolence.
This space clarifies language, challenges misuse, and highlights why words matter in shaping how societies think and act.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
Affective Empathy
Standard definition:
The ability to share or resonate with another person’s emotional experience. (APA Dictionary of Psychology)
House of US definition:
The individual capacity to emotionally resonate with another person’s feelings—to sense and experience aspects of their emotional state. Affective empathy involves emotional attunement and responsiveness, but on its own does not determine how a person interprets, regulates, or acts on those emotions.
Accountability
Standard definition:
The obligation or willingness to accept responsibility for one’s actions and to be answerable to others. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The expectation that individuals, institutions, and those in positions of power are answerable for their actions and decisions. Accountability requires transparency, responsibility, and consequences, and it is essential for trust, justice, and the healthy functioning of democratic society.
Advocacy
Standard definition:
Public support for or recommendation of a particular cause, policy, or group. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The act of speaking up, raising awareness, and supporting others in pursuit of social causes and positive change. Advocacy seeks to amplify voices, address harm or exclusion, and influence decisions through informed, ethical, and nonviolent engagement.
Agency
Standard definition:
The capacity of individuals to act independently and make their own free choices. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The ability to make choices, take initiative, and influence one’s own life and surroundings. Agency empowers individuals to participate, advocate, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and to society at large.
A
Authoritarianism
Standard definition:
A form of government or leadership that favors strong central power, limits political freedoms, and restricts individual rights, often suppressing opposition. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
A system or practice of power that concentrates authority in the hands of a few while limiting agency, voice, and accountability. Authoritarianism relies on control and enforced loyalty rather than consent, discourages participation, and weakens the social trust necessary for a healthy and inclusive society.
Key Distinction:
Authoritarianism describes the structure of power; fascism describes an ideology that justifies and intensifies that power.
Antisemitism
Standard definition:
Hostility toward, prejudice against, or discrimination against Jews as a religious, ethnic, or cultural group.
House of US definition:
A form of prejudice and discrimination directed at Jewish individuals, communities, or institutions based on their identity. It may include stereotypes, conspiracy narratives, denial or distortion of Jewish history, exclusion, harassment, or violence. Recognizing antisemitism helps protect human dignity, minority rights, and pluralistic societies.
B
Belonging
Standard definition:
The feeling of being accepted, included, and valued as part of a group or community. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The experience of being recognized, accepted, and valued for who one is, without needing to conform or hide parts of oneself. Belonging grows where dignity is respected, differences are acknowledged, and people are able to participate fully in social and civic life.
C
Care
Standard definition:
The provision of what is necessary for the health, well-being, or protection of someone or something. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The intentional practice of attentiveness, concern, and responsibility toward others. Care involves recognizing needs, responding with empathy, and taking action to support well-being in personal relationships, communities, and society.
Community
Standard definition:
A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
A group of individuals connected by shared experiences, values, or purpose, who support one another and participate in collective life. Community is built through trust, care, and participation, and it provides the foundation for belonging and social cohesion.
Coexistence
Standard definition:
The state of living or existing together, especially peacefully, despite differences. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The ability of individuals and groups with differing identities, beliefs, or perspectives to live alongside one another with mutual respect and without violence or exclusion. Coexistence does not require agreement, but it depends on tolerance, dignity, and shared responsibility within a pluralistic society.
Compassion
Standard definition:
Sympathetic concern for the suffering or misfortune of others. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The awareness of another’s suffering combined with the desire to respond with care and support. Compassion goes beyond feeling concern; it involves attentiveness, empathy, and a willingness to act to reduce harm and promote well-being.
C
Collectiveness
Standard definition:
The quality of emphasizing shared participation, cooperation, or group effort rather than individual action alone. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The orientation toward shared responsibility, cooperation, and mutual support within a group or society. Collectiveness highlights the importance of working together to address common challenges, while respecting individual dignity, agency, and difference.
Cognitive Empathy
Standard definition:
The ability to understand another person’s perspective, thoughts, or mental state without necessarily sharing their emotions. (Adapted from APA Dictionary of Psychology)
House of US definition:
The individual capacity to recognize and understand how another person thinks, interprets situations, and makes meaning of their experiences- without requiring emotional identification. Cognitive empathy supports clear communication, perspective-taking, and thoughtful response, particularly in situations of disagreement or difference.
Civic Responsibility
Standard definition:
The duties and obligations of citizens to participate in and contribute to the well-being of their community and society. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The shared responsibility of individuals to engage thoughtfully and respectfully in public life. Civic responsibility includes staying informed, participating in civic processes, and actively strengthening civil society as the foundational pillar of democratic life, while upholding shared values and contributing to the common good.
Civil Society
Standard definition:
The collection of voluntary organizations, associations, and networks that exist independently of the state and the market, through which people organize to pursue shared interests and values. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The space where individuals come together to engage, organize, and act for the common good outside of government and commercial institutions. A strong civil society operates within the rule of law, fosters participation, trust, and social empathy, and serves as a foundational pillar of democratic life.
C
Checks and Balances
Standard definition:
A system in which separate branches or institutions of government limit and regulate one another’s powers to prevent any single entity from becoming too powerful. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
A framework of shared power designed to prevent the concentration and abuse of authority. In democratic systems, checks and balances protect agency, accountability, and the public interest by ensuring that power is monitored, questioned, and constrained through independent oversight rather than personal loyalty or unchecked control.
Collective Responsibility
Standard definition:
The shared obligation of members of a group or society to act for the benefit of the whole.
House of US definition:
The principle that individuals and institutions share a duty to contribute to the well-being of society and address challenges affecting the community.
Common Good
Standard definition:
The benefit or interests of all members of a society.
House of US definition:
The conditions that allow individuals and communities to flourish together, including safety, justice, opportunity, and mutual respect.
D
Dignity
Standard definition:
The state or quality of being worthy of respect and honor. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The fundamental worth of every person, independent of status, ability, beliefs, or circumstances. Dignity affirms that each individual deserves respect and fair treatment simply by being human, and it shapes how we relate to one another in personal, social, and civic life.
Democracy
Standard definition:
A system of government in which power is vested in the people, who exercise it directly or through freely elected representatives. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
A system of collective self-governance grounded in equal participation, shared responsibility, and the rule of law. Democracy depends on informed citizens, accountable institutions, and a strong civil society, and it is sustained through respect for dignity, freedom, and the rights of all.
Dehumanization
Standard definition:
The process of depriving a person or group of human qualities or dignity.
House of US definition:
A psychological and social process in which individuals or groups are portrayed as less than fully human, weakening empathy and making harm easier to justify.
Democratic Culture
Standard definition:
The values and norms that support the functioning of a democratic system.
House of US definition:
The shared habits and behaviors that enable democratic life, including respect for rights, dialogue across differences, accountability, and participation.
D
Digital / Media Literacy
Standard definition:
The ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create, and communicate information across media platforms.
House of US definition:
The capacity to critically engage with information, recognize bias or manipulation, and participate responsibly in public life.
E
Empathy
Standard definition:
The ability to understand and share the feelings of another. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The individual capacity to intentionally understand another person’s experiences, emotions, and perspective. Empathy begins internally- with attention, openness, and restraint- and shapes how a person listens, responds, and treats others.
Equality
Standard definition:
The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The principle that all people have equal worth and are entitled to equal rights, protections, and consideration. Equality does not deny difference; it affirms that differences should not determine a person’s access to opportunity, justice, or participation in social and civic life.
Executive Branch
Standard definition:
The branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws and policies, typically led by a president, prime minister, or executive authority. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The branch of government tasked with carrying out and administering laws passed by the legislative branch. In democratic systems, executive power is limited by law, oversight, and accountability to prevent the concentration of authority and to ensure governance serves the public interest rather than personal or partisan loyalty.
Example (United States):
In the United States, the executive branch includes the President, Vice President, Cabinet, and federal agencies. Its role is to enforce and carry out the laws passed by Congress.
Echo Chambers
Standard definition:
Environments in which people encounter information that reinforces their existing beliefs.
House of US definition:
Informational spaces, often amplified online, where repeated agreement reduces openness to new perspectives and deepens polarization.
E
Executive Branch
Standard definition:
The branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws.
House of US definition:
The branch tasked with carrying out laws, limited by oversight and accountability to prevent concentration of power.
F
Freedom
Standard definition:
The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without undue restraint. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The ability to think, express, and live without coercion or fear, within a framework that respects the dignity and rights of others. Freedom is sustained when individual liberties are protected. It is strengthened by responsibility toward the shared life of a democratic society.
Fairness
Standard definition:
The quality of treating people equally, justly, and without favoritism or discrimination. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The practice of making decisions and taking actions in ways that are just, impartial, and respectful of all people. Fairness considers context and impact, seeks to prevent bias and exclusion, and is essential for trust, dignity, and social cohesion in a democratic society.
Fascism
Standard definition:
An authoritarian political ideology characterized by centralized power, extreme nationalism, suppression of opposition, and the subordination of individual rights to the state or a dominant leader. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
A political ideology and system of power that combines authoritarian control with enforced loyalty, exclusionary nationalism, and the rejection of pluralism. Fascism elevates obedience over consent, suppresses dissent and independent institutions, and erodes dignity, agency, and social trust by defining belonging through conformity rather than shared humanity.
Key Distinction:
Fascism is a political ideology that relies on authoritarian systems of power, but not all authoritarian systems are fascist.
First Amendment
Standard definition:
An amendment to the United States Constitution that protects fundamental freedoms, including religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition, by limiting the power of the government. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
A constitutional safeguard within the United States Constitution that protects essential civil liberties by limiting government power over belief, expression, and civic participation. The First Amendment guarantees five core freedoms—religion (including both establishment and free exercise), speech, press, peaceful assembly, and petition—ensuring that individuals can think, speak, worship, and organize freely.
Together, these protections form a foundation for democratic accountability, pluralism, and public trust, and guard against the concentration and abuse of power.
F
Freedom of Assembly
Standard definition:
The right of people to gather peacefully for demonstrations, protests, or other collective expression without undue restriction by the government. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The right of individuals to gather peacefully in public or private spaces to express ideas, raise concerns, and participate collectively in civic life. Freedom of assembly enables shared voice, solidarity, and democratic engagement by allowing people to organize, protest, and advocate for change without fear of repression.
Example (United States):
Protected by the First Amendment.
Freedom of Religion
Standard definition:
The right to practice, change, or abstain from religion without coercion or interference, protected as a fundamental human and civil right. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The right of individuals to hold, practice, change, or not practice religious beliefs without discrimination or coercion. Freedom of religion protects individual dignity and agency by ensuring that belief is a matter of personal conscience rather than state enforcement.
Example (United States):
Protected by the First Amendment through the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause.
Freedom of Speech
Standard definition:
The right to express opinions and ideas without censorship, restraint, or punishment by the government. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The right to express ideas, opinions, and beliefs without government interference or punishment. Freedom of speech enables open dialogue, dissent, and the exchange of ideas essential to democratic participation, accountability, and social progress.
Freedom of the Press
Standard definition:
The right to publish information, opinions, and news without censorship or restraint by the government. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The right of journalists and media organizations to gather, publish, and share information without government interference or retaliation. Freedom of the press supports transparency, accountability, and an informed public.
G
Grassroots
Standard definition:
Relating to or involving ordinary people at a local or community level, especially in collective action or decision-making. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
Community-driven action that originates from individuals and local groups rather than from centralized power or institutions. Grassroots efforts reflect lived experience, local knowledge, and collective initiative, and they play a vital role in building civil society and democratic participation.
Genocide
Standard definition:
Acts committed with intent to destroy a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.
House of US definition:
The deliberate and systematic attempt to eliminate a protected group through coordinated actions.
H
Humanity
Standard definition:
The quality of being human; the shared characteristics, experiences, and dignity of all human beings. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The shared condition of being human, grounded in inherent dignity, vulnerability, and interdependence. Humanity recognizes that while individuals and cultures differ, all people are bound by common needs, capacities, and moral worth-forming the basis for empathy, responsibility, and coexistence in a pluralistic society.
How the Three Branches Work Together
In democratic systems, the executive, legislative, and judicial branches are designed to work together while remaining independent.
The legislative branch creates laws and represents the will of the people. The executive branch carries out and enforces those laws. The judicial branch interprets the laws and ensures they are applied fairly and in accordance with the constitution.
Through separation of powers and checks and balances, each branch can limit the power of the others, helping prevent the concentration of authority and maintain accountability.
Holocaust
Standard definition:
The systematic, state-sponsored persecution and genocide of six million Jews by Nazi Germany (1933–1945).
House of US definition:
A centrally organized campaign of persecution and extermination rooted in extremist ideology and totalitarian control.
I
Intergenerational Perspective
Standard definition:
An approach considering impacts of decisions across generations.
House of US definition:
A way of thinking that balances immediate needs with long-term consequences and responsibilities to future generations.
Islamophobia
Standard definition:
Fear, hatred, or prejudice against Islam or Muslims.
House of US definition:
Discrimination or hostility directed at individuals perceived to be Muslim, often based on stereotypes or misunderstanding.
J
Justice
Standard definition:
The quality of being fair and reasonable; the principle of moral rightness based on ethics, law, and equity. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The commitment to fairness in how people are treated, how decisions are made, and how rights and responsibilities are upheld. Justice affirms that all people are equal before the law, that dignity is respected, harm is addressed, and opportunities are not shaped by bias, exclusion, or abuse of power.
Judicial Branch
Standard definition:
The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws, resolving legal disputes, and determining whether laws or government actions comply with the constitution. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The branch of government tasked with interpreting laws and upholding constitutional principles, serving as an independent check on power.
Example (United States):
Led by the Supreme Court and lower federal courts.
Justification of Exclusion or Harm
Standard definition:
Reasoning used to legitimize denying equal treatment or causing harm.
House of US definition:
Narratives that frame discrimination or mistreatment as necessary or morally acceptable.
L
Legislative Branch
Standard definition:
The branch of government responsible for making, amending, and repealing laws, often through elected representative bodies such as parliaments or congresses. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The branch responsible for creating laws, representing the public, and providing oversight of executive power.
Example (United States):
Congress, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Legitimacy
Standard definition:
The state or quality of being in accordance with the law or accepted standards; the rightfulness or validity of authority or action. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The recognized and justified right to exercise power, grounded in consent, fairness, transparency, and accountability.
M
Moral Disengagement
Standard definition:
Cognitive processes that allow individuals to justify unethical behavior.
House of US definition:
A psychological distancing from the moral consequences of harmful actions.
O
Othering
Standard definition:
Portraying a group as fundamentally different or outside one’s own.
House of US definition:
A process that defines groups as separate and often inferior, weakening empathy and increasing exclusion.
P
Pluralism
Standard definition:
A condition or system in which multiple groups, beliefs, or ways of life coexist within a society, with recognition and respect for diversity. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The recognition and acceptance of diversity within a shared social and civic framework. Pluralism affirms that differences in identity, belief, and perspective can coexist without hierarchy or exclusion, and that mutual respect and dialogue are essential for a healthy, democratic society.
Participation
Standard definition:
The act of taking part in something. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The active involvement of individuals in decisions, processes, and actions that affect their lives and communities. Participation enables voice, strengthens accountability, and is essential for inclusive, democratic, and resilient societies.
Power
Standard definition:
The ability or capacity to influence or control the behavior of others or the course of events. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The capacity to influence decisions, outcomes, and access to resources. Power can be exercised constructively or abusively, and its legitimacy depends on accountability, transparency, and respect for dignity, rights, and the rule of law.
Polarization
Standard definition:
Division into opposing groups with little common ground.
House of US definition:
A process in which differences become rigid and adversarial, reducing dialogue and compromise.
P
Propaganda
Standard definition:
Biased or misleading information used to promote a cause.
House of US definition:
Deliberate communication designed to shape perceptions and influence behavior while discouraging critical thinking.
R
Responsibility
Standard definition:
The state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or to take care of someone or something. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The obligation to consider the impact of one’s actions and choices on others and on the wider community. Responsibility involves accountability, care, and follow-through, and it shapes how individuals contribute to shared life in personal, social, and civic contexts.
Rights
Standard definition:
Moral or legal entitlements that allow individuals to act, be treated, or be protected in certain ways. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The protections and freedoms to which all people are entitled, enabling them to live with dignity, security, and agency. Rights set boundaries on the use of power and are upheld through law, institutions, and shared responsibility within society.
Rule of Law
Standard definition:
The principle that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable under the law, which is fairly applied and enforced. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The principle that laws apply equally to everyone and are enforced fairly, transparently, and consistently. The rule of law protects rights, limits the abuse of power, and provides the legal foundation for justice, accountability, and trust in democratic society.
Right to Petition
Standard definition:
The right of individuals or groups to formally express grievances or requests to the government without fear of punishment or retaliation. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The right of individuals and communities to address the government with concerns, demands, or requests for change through lawful and peaceful means.
R
Racism
Standard definition:
Prejudice or discrimination based on race or ethnicity.
House of US definition:
A system of attitudes and practices that treat people differently based on perceived racial characteristics.
Resilience
Standard definition:
The capacity to adapt to and recover from adversity.
House of US definition:
The ability of individuals or institutions to endure challenges while preserving core values.
Right to Petition
Standard definition:
The right to formally express grievances to the government.
House of US definition:
The ability to seek accountability and request change through lawful civic engagement.
S
Solidarity
Standard definition:
Unity or mutual support among individuals or groups, especially based on shared interests, goals, or values. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The commitment to stand with others in recognition of shared humanity and mutual responsibility. Solidarity is expressed through support, cooperation, and action -particularly in the face of injustice, exclusion, or harm- and strengthens social cohesion and collective resilience.
Social Empathy
Standard definition:
The ability to understand the experiences of individuals and groups within their broader social, cultural, economic, and political contexts, and to recognize how structural conditions shape those experiences. (Adapted from Elizabeth A. Segal)
House of US definition:
The collective capacity to understand individual experiences within their social and structural contexts and to translate that understanding into shared responsibility and informed action. Social empathy builds on individual empathy, cognitive empathy, and affective empathy, extending them beyond personal interaction to guide how communities, institutions, and societies respond to inequality, difference, and common challenges.
Secularism
Standard definition:
The principle of separating religious institutions and beliefs from the functions of government and public policy. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
A governing principle that ensures political decisions are based on shared civic principles rather than religious authority, protecting pluralism and equal rights.
Separation of Powers
Standard definition:
The division of governmental authority among different branches or institutions to prevent the concentration of power. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
A governing principle that distributes power among independent branches to safeguard accountability and democratic legitimacy.
S
Scapegoating
Standard definition:
Unfairly blaming a person or group for problems.
House of US definition:
A social and political process of assigning fault to a visible “other” to simplify complex issues.
Social Cohesion
Standard definition:
Strength of relationships and solidarity within a society.
House of US definition:
A sense of belonging and cooperation across differences.
Social Trust
Standard definition:
Belief that others act honestly and fairly.
House of US definition:
Confidence that individuals and institutions will behave predictably and justly.
Stewardship
Standard definition:
Responsible management of entrusted resources.
House of US definition:
A principle of caring for shared goods and institutions for future generations.
S
Sustainability
Standard definition:
Meeting present needs without compromising future generations.
House of US definition:
Balancing environmental, social, and economic well-being over the long term.
T
Tolerance
Standard definition:
The willingness to accept or allow beliefs, practices, or differences that one may not agree with or approve of. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The capacity to respect and coexist with differences in belief, identity, or perspective without requiring agreement. Tolerance sets a minimum standard for peaceful coexistence, creating space for dialogue, pluralism, and the protection of dignity within a diverse society.
Trust
Standard definition:
Firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The confidence that others will act with integrity, fairness, and care. Trust is built over time through honesty, transparency, accountability, and consistency, and it is essential for healthy relationships, strong institutions, and a functioning civil society.
The Three Branches of Government
Standard definition:
The division of governmental power into three separate branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—each with distinct responsibilities. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
A structure of governance designed to prevent the concentration of power and uphold accountability, rights, and legitimacy.
Theocracy
Standard definition:
A system of government in which political authority is held by religious leaders or religious doctrine determines laws and policies. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
A system of governance in which political power is justified through religious authority rather than democratic consent, limiting pluralism and equal rights.
V
Values
Standard definition:
Principles or standards of behavior; what is considered important in life. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The shared principles that guide how individuals and communities think, act, and make decisions. Values shape responsibility and provide a moral compass for how people relate to one another and contribute to a just and inclusive society.
Voice
Standard definition:
The ability or right to express opinions, ideas, or feelings. (Oxford Languages)
House of US definition:
The ability to express one’s perspective and be heard with respect. Voice enables participation, representation, and agency, and it is essential for inclusion, accountability, and a healthy democratic society.