society
suh-SEYE-uh-tee
Society (noun) means a large group of people who share a culture, laws, and way of life, typically within a country or region. Example: “Modern society relies heavily on technology.”
noun
1
A large group of people who share a culture, laws, and way of life, typically within a country or region.
"Modern society relies heavily on technology."
"The novel critiques the values of Victorian society."
"In a free society, people can speak openly about their opinions."
2
An organized group of people who share a common interest or purpose.
"She joined the local history society."
"He is the secretary of the local photography society."
"The university drama society puts on a play every term."
How to use society
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPeople living together as a community, or a club/organization built around a shared interest.
Common pairings
modern society
a debating society
high society
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Word forms
- Plural
- societies
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Modern _____ relies heavily on technology.
Etymology
From Old French societé, from Latin societas ("fellowship, alliance"), from socius ("companion, ally") — first used in English in the 1530s.
Class of 1530
society joined the language around 1530.
See the full Class of 1530 →
Synonyms
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Rhymes for society
See all rhymes for society →Frequently asked questions
What does “society” mean?
The word “society” means a large group of people who share a culture, laws, and way of life, typically within a country or region. In plain terms, people living together as a community, or a club/organization built around a shared interest.
How do you pronounce “society”?
“Society” is pronounced suh-SEYE-uh-tee (/səˈsaɪ.ə.ti/ in IPA).
How do you use “society” in a sentence?
Here is “society” used in a sentence: “Modern society relies heavily on technology.”
What part of speech is “society”?
“Society” is a noun.
Where does the word “society” come from?
The word “society” dates back to around 1530 and comes from Latin. From Old French societé, from Latin societas ("fellowship, alliance"), from socius ("companion, ally") — first used in English in the 1530s.
Is “society” a common word?
“Society” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “society” have?
“Society” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large group of people who share a culture, laws, and way of life, typically within a country or region.
What is the difference between society and culture?
Society is the group of people themselves — those who live together and share laws and a way of life. Culture is what they share: the beliefs, customs, language, and traditions that shape how they live. In short, society is the who, and culture is the what that binds it together.
What is the difference between a society and a community?
A community is usually smaller and more local — a village, neighbourhood, or group bound by a shared interest or place. A society is larger and broader, often spanning a whole country or region, with its own laws and institutions. Every society contains many communities within it.
What are the types of society?
Historians often group societies by how they support themselves. Hunter-gatherer societies live off wild food; agricultural societies farm settled land; industrial societies rely on manufacturing and machines; and post-industrial societies centre on services, information, and technology. Each stage tends to bring larger populations and more complex social structures.
Can 'society' mean an organization?
Yes. Besides meaning a whole population, 'society' can name an organized group formed around a shared purpose — such as a historical society, a debating society, or a choral society. In this sense it is close to a club or association, a smaller body of members united by a common interest.
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