Gregariousness: meaning, definitions and examples

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gregariousness

 

[ɡrɪˌɡɛːrɪəsnəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

social behavior

The quality of being sociable and outgoing. It is the tendency to seek and enjoy the company of others. Gregariousness is often characterized by a friendly and cheerful demeanor, as well as a willingness to engage in social activities.

Synonyms

friendliness, outgoingness, sociability.

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Word Description / Examples
gregariousness

Describing someone who loves being with others and thrives in social settings. Often used in more formal or descriptive contexts.

  • Her gregariousness made her a popular figure at social gatherings
  • The child's gregariousness was evident from a young age
sociability

Describing the ability to engage with others easily and enjoyably. It is often used in neutral or academic contexts.

  • Sociability is an important trait in many professions
  • His sociability made him a favorite in the office
outgoingness

Referring to someone who is very sociable and enjoys communicating with a wide range of people. Commonly used in informal settings.

  • Her outgoingness was the first thing you noticed about her
  • He showed his outgoingness by striking up conversations with strangers
friendliness

Talking about a person’s warm and welcoming nature. Suitable for everyday conversation and general description.

  • His friendliness won him many friends quickly
  • You could always count on her friendliness to make new guests feel welcome

Examples of usage

  • He was known for his gregariousness, always surrounded by friends and acquaintances.
  • Her gregariousness made her the life of the party wherever she went.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • Derived from the Latin word 'gregarius,' meaning 'belonging to a herd,' showing its connection to social groups.
  • The root 'grex' in Latin translates to 'flock,' highlighting the idea of animals or people gathering together.

Psychology

  • Studies show that gregarious individuals often have higher self-esteem and are generally happier due to their social interactions.
  • Extroversion, a personality trait involving gregariousness, is often measured using psychological assessments like the Big Five personality test.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, gregariousness is valued as it fosters community bonds and social support networks.
  • Various societies celebrate communal gatherings, such as festivals and holidays, emphasizing the importance of togetherness.

Literature

  • Famous literary characters, like Jay Gatsby from 'The Great Gatsby,' embody gregariousness by hosting lavish parties to attract others.
  • Many poets and writers explore themes of loneliness vs. gregariousness, highlighting the human need for connection.

Biology

  • In animal behavior, gregarious species, like certain birds and fish, thrive in groups for protection, hunting, and social interaction.
  • Research in social animals suggests that gregariousness can enhance survival rates and access to resources.

Translations

Translations of the word "gregariousness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sociabilidade

🇮🇳 मिलनसारिता

🇩🇪 Geselligkeit

🇮🇩 keramahan

🇺🇦 товариськість

🇵🇱 towarzyskość

🇯🇵 社交性

🇫🇷 sociabilité

🇪🇸 sociabilidad

🇹🇷 sosyallik

🇰🇷 사교성

🇸🇦 اجتماعية

🇨🇿 společenskost

🇸🇰 spoločenskosť

🇨🇳 社交性

🇸🇮 družabnost

🇮🇸 félagslyndi

🇰🇿 қоғамшылдық

🇬🇪 სოციალურობა

🇦🇿 sosiallıq

🇲🇽 sociabilidad

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,147, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.