Sociable: meaning, definitions and examples

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sociable

 

[ˈsəʊʃəb(ə)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

friendly

Likable and friendly in social situations, enjoying the company of others and easily making friends.

Synonyms

friendly, gregarious, outgoing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sociable

Used to describe someone who enjoys talking and being with other people.

  • Sarah is very sociable; she loves attending parties and meeting new people.
  • The new employee is sociable and has already made many friends in the office.
friendly

Used to describe someone who is kind and pleasant, and who makes others feel comfortable.

  • The hotel staff were very friendly and made us feel at home.
  • Mark is friendly to everyone he meets, always with a smile and warm greeting.
outgoing

Used to describe someone who is confident in social situations and is not shy about meeting new people. This word often implies a readiness to engage with others actively.

  • Tim is outgoing and never has any trouble starting a conversation with strangers.
  • As an outgoing person, Jane enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures.
gregarious

Used to describe someone who enjoys the company of others and is often found in large social gatherings. This word sometimes implies liveliness and an active social life.

  • Laura is gregarious and loves going to social events and parties.
  • During college, Jake was very gregarious and always surrounded by friends.

Examples of usage

  • She is a sociable person who always enjoys meeting new people.
  • The sociable atmosphere at the party made everyone feel welcome.
Context #2 | Adjective

group activities

Inclined to participate in social activities, gatherings, or events with others.

Synonyms

convivial, gregarious, social.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sociable

Used for describing someone who enjoys being with other people and is friendly.

  • She is a sociable person who makes friends easily.
  • He has always been very sociable and loves attending parties.
social

A broad term that can relate to anything involving people or society. Can describe someone who enjoys social interactions, or it can relate to societal aspects.

  • She has a busy social life with many friends.
  • Social issues are often debated in the media.
convivial

Best for describing a lively, friendly, and enjoyable atmosphere, often associated with enjoyable social gatherings and events.

  • The wedding was a convivial event, filled with laughter and joy.
  • We had a convivial dinner party with close friends.
gregarious

Refers to someone who is fond of company and tends to live in flocks or large groups. Often used for people who enjoy socializing a lot.

  • He is a gregarious man who loves attending social events.
  • Her gregarious nature makes her the life of every party.

Examples of usage

  • She is very sociable and always eager to join group outings.
  • The sociable nature of the club attracted many new members.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'sociabilis', meaning 'able to be associated with' or 'friendly'.
  • It entered the English language in the early 19th century, expanding the description of people's personalities.
  • Related words include 'society' and 'social', which revolve around groups of people interacting together.

Psychology

  • Studies show that sociability can be linked to positive mental health outcomes, like lower stress levels.
  • Extroverted individuals, who tend to be more sociable, often seek out social situations to recharge their energy.
  • Social connections foster resilience and can lead to greater life satisfaction.

Pop Culture

  • Many sitcoms and movies celebrate sociable characters who bring humor and connection, such as Joey from 'Friends'.
  • Social media has transformed concepts of sociability, creating virtual connections and friendships that cross geographic boundaries.
  • Reality TV often features sociable personalities that attract viewers through their engaging interactions.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures have varying norms about sociability; for instance, collectivist societies prioritize group harmony and social bonds.
  • In some cultures, being too sociable can be seen as oversharing, while in others, it's encouraged as a way to build community.
  • Festivals and communal activities worldwide often promote sociability, celebrating togetherness through music, food, and dance.

Education

  • Sociable children tend to excel in group activities and collaborative learning environments, fostering teamwork skills.
  • Educators emphasize the importance of social skills in the classroom to enhance learning and peer relationships.
  • Role-playing and group discussions in schools help students develop sociable traits and the ability to communicate effectively.

Translations

Translations of the word "sociable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sociável

🇮🇳 मिलनसार

🇩🇪 gesellig

🇮🇩 ramah

🇺🇦 товариський

🇵🇱 towarzyski

🇯🇵 社交的 (しゃこうてき)

🇫🇷 sociable

🇪🇸 sociable

🇹🇷 sosyal

🇰🇷 사교적인 (사교적이다)

🇸🇦 اجتماعي

🇨🇿 společenský

🇸🇰 spoločenský

🇨🇳 社交的 (shèjiāo de)

🇸🇮 družaben

🇮🇸 félagslyndur

🇰🇿 әлеуметтік

🇬🇪 სოციალური

🇦🇿 sosial

🇲🇽 sociable

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,293, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.