Social Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

👫
Add to dictionary

social

[ˈsəʊʃ(ə)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

media

relating to society or its organization.

Synonyms

civil, community, societal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
social

Used to describe activities or situations that involve people interacting with each other, often in a friendly or informal setting.

  • She is very social and loves attending parties.
  • Social media has changed the way we communicate.
societal

Pertaining to society as a whole, especially in terms of its structure, institutions, and collective behaviors or norms.

  • Societal norms often dictate people's behavior in public settings.
  • She studies the societal impacts of online education.
community

Used to describe a group of people living in the same area or having a particular characteristic in common, often associated with mutual support or interest.

  • Our community organized a clean-up event for the neighborhood.
  • The local community center offers various classes and activities.
civil

Typically refers to behavior, actions, or laws related to citizens' rights and duties. It can also describe polite and respectful behavior.

  • The protest was peaceful and followed all civil guidelines.
  • Despite their differences, they maintained a civil conversation.

Examples of usage

  • social issues
  • social media platforms are popular among young people
Context #2 | Noun

interaction

an informal social gathering, especially one organized by the members of a particular club or group.

Synonyms

gathering, get-together, party.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
social

A general term for any kind of event where people come together to interact. It can be both formal and informal.

  • The college organized a social for the new students to meet each other.
  • There was a social event at the community center last weekend.
gathering

An assembly of people, often small to medium in size, usually for a specific purpose or casually. Can be both formal and informal.

  • We had a small family gathering to celebrate my grandmother's birthday.
  • A gathering of scientists to discuss the latest research in climate change.
get-together

A casual meeting of friends or family primarily for fun or relaxation. It is informal and friendly.

  • Let's have a get-together this weekend at my place.
  • We often have a get-together with old classmates every year.
party

A fun and lively event, often involving music, dancing, and sometimes drinking. It is informal and usually larger in size compared to a get-together.

  • He threw a big birthday party with a DJ and lots of food.
  • We had a pool party to cool off during the summer heat.

Examples of usage

  • We went to a social at the local community center.
  • The company organized a social for the employees.
Context #3 | Noun

welfare

a welfare program funded by the government for those in need.

Synonyms

assistance, benefits, welfare.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
social

Used to describe activities or events where people gather to interact with each other.

  • We are going to a social gathering this evening.
  • She is very social and enjoys meeting new people.
welfare

Generally used to describe the health, happiness, and fortunes of a person or group. In a governmental context, it means financial support given to people in need.

  • We are concerned about the welfare of all our employees.
  • She applied for welfare to help support her family.
benefits

Usually refers to advantages or payments made by an employer, insurance company, or the government to support individuals.

  • She receives benefits from her employer, including health insurance.
  • The unemployment benefits helped him get through tough times.
assistance

Refers to help or support provided to someone, often in a formal or organized manner.

  • She offered assistance to the homeless family.
  • The government provides financial assistance to low-income families.

Examples of usage

  • The government provides various social programs to help the disadvantaged.
  • She works for a social organization that supports homeless people.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies show that social connections can improve mental health, reducing feelings of loneliness and depression.
  • Social interaction releases oxytocin, often referred to as the 'love hormone', fostering feelings of trust and emotional bonding.

Sociology

  • Social structures shape human behavior, influencing how individuals interact based on rules, roles, and institutions.
  • Modern societies often value individualism, but communal practices still play a crucial role in maintaining social ties.

Pop Culture

  • Social media platforms have dramatically transformed how people interact, allowing for connections that transcend geographical barriers.
  • Television shows often portray social dynamics in exaggerated forms, reflecting and shaping our understanding of relationships.

Education

  • Group projects in schools are designed to enhance social skills, teaching children the importance of collaboration.
  • Social learning theory emphasizes that people learn from one another through observation and imitation in social contexts.

Origin of 'social'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'social' comes from the Latin word 'socialis', meaning 'of companionship or allies'.
  • It evolved in the 14th century, initially referring to companionship and eventually expanding to include society as a whole.

The word 'social' has its origins in the Latin word 'socialis', which means 'allied' or 'friendly'. It has evolved over time to encompass various meanings related to society, interaction, and welfare. The concept of social activities and programs has been integral to human civilization for centuries, reflecting the interconnected nature of communities and the importance of social bonds in human life.


Word Frequency Rank

With position #220, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.