social

The word “social” means relating to society, communities, or how people interact with each other. In plain terms, to do with people living, working, or interacting together — or, informally, a person who enjoys company.

“Social” is pronounced SOH-shuhl (/ˈsoʊ.ʃəl/ in IPA).

Here is “social” used in a sentence: “The report looked at the social effects of long-term unemployment.”

The opposite of “social” — its antonyms — are antisocial, unsocial and asocial.

“Social” is an adjective.

The word “social” comes from Latin. From Middle French social, from Latin socialis ("of companionship"), from socius ("companion, ally").

“Social” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

“Social” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to society, communities, or how people interact with each other.

Social describes anything relating to society or the way people interact, such as social issues or social media. Sociable describes a person who enjoys the company of others and is friendly and outgoing. You can attend a social event without being especially sociable — the first refers to the setting, the second to personality.

Both relate to society, but societal is narrower and more formal, referring to society as a whole and its structures — societal norms, societal change. Social is broader and more everyday, covering personal interaction too, as in social life or social skills. Societal almost always describes large-scale, collective matters.

Social is generally neutral or positive. Calling someone social suggests they enjoy company and connect easily with others, which is usually a compliment. In broader use — social policy, social issues — it is simply descriptive, carrying no praise or criticism on its own. Context decides any emotional colouring.

Social appears in many everyday phrases. Social skills are the abilities used to interact with others, a social gathering is an event for company and enjoyment, and social media refers to online platforms for connection. In each case the word points to people relating to one another or to society at large.