Sociability Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sociability

[หŒsษ™สŠ.sษช.ษ™หˆbษชl.ษช.ti ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

social behavior

The quality or state of being sociable; the tendency to seek or enjoy the company of others; the extent to which a person is friendly, outgoing, and willing to engage in social activities.

Synonyms

affability, friendliness, gregariousness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sociability

Suitable for describing someoneโ€™s general tendency to seek and enjoy social interactions. Often used in psychological or general descriptions.

  • Her sociability made her a natural choice for the event organizer
  • The party thrived on his sociability
friendliness

A more general term that can refer to an overall friendly nature. It is suitable for both casual and formal settings.

  • Her friendliness was the first thing you noticed
  • The friendliness of the staff made the hotel feel like home
gregariousness

Used to describe a personโ€™s habit of seeking company and enjoying being part of a group. This term is often used in contexts emphasizing social behavior.

  • His gregariousness drew people to him like a magnet
  • In college, her gregariousness helped her make a lot of friends quickly
affability

Specifically used to describe someoneโ€™s pleasantness and ease in talking to people. It often conveys a sense of warmth and approachability.

  • His affability made him popular among colleagues
  • She greeted everyone with such affability that people felt instantly comfortable

Examples of usage

  • She had a natural sociability that made her popular among her peers.
  • His sociability and charm allowed him to easily make new friends.
  • The team spirit and sociability of the group made the project enjoyable for everyone.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People who score high in sociability often enjoy strong friendships and feel less lonely.
  • Sociability can be influenced by personality traits such as extroversion, which is a preference for interacting with others.
  • Studies show that pets can enhance a personโ€™s sociability by encouraging interactions with others.

Cultural Insights

  • In some cultures, sociability is highly valued and is important for building trust and community bonds.
  • Different cultures have varying norms on sociability; for example, some may prioritize large gatherings, while others may enjoy intimate gatherings.
  • Socializing styles can be influenced by cultural contexts, where some encourage direct communication and others favor more indirect approaches.

Historical Origins

  • The term 'sociability' has its roots in the Latin word 'sociabilis,' which means 'to join with others.'
  • Sociability as a concept has been studied since ancient philosophy, where thinkers like Aristotle discussed the importance of community.
  • Over time, the meaning of sociability evolved, reflecting changing views on community and individualism in society.

Impact on Health

  • High levels of sociability are often linked to better mental health and lower rates of depression.
  • Engaging socially can boost your immune system, making you healthier overall.
  • Sociability can lead to increased physical activity as friends often motivate each other to stay active together.

Literature and Media

  • Many characters in novels and films are defined by their sociability, often serving as connectors who bring people together.
  • Famous works in literature, such as Jane Austen's novels, often explore themes of sociability and relationships within society.
  • Sociability is a central theme in social media, where platforms encourage users to connect and interact with others.

Origin of 'sociability'

The term 'sociability' originated in the late 18th century from the Latin word 'sociabilitas', which means 'fellowship' or 'companionable'. It reflects the human need for social interaction and connection, highlighting the importance of relationships and communication in society.


See also: antisocial, resocialization, socialist, socialite, socialization, socialize, unsociable.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,939, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.