noun
Uncommon
sociology
soh-see-O-luhd-zhee
Sociology (noun) means the academic study of society, human social behavior, and the relationships and institutions people form. Example: “She majored in sociology at university.”
noun
1
The academic study of society, human social behavior, and the relationships and institutions people form.
"She majored in sociology at university."
"Our sociology lecture this week looks at how families have changed over time."
"Sociology helps us understand why people in different neighbourhoods behave in different ways."
How to use sociology
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe academic study of how people behave in groups and how societies work.
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Word forms
- Plural
- sociologies
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Etymology
Coined in French in 1834 by Auguste Comte, combining Latin socius ("companion") with the Greek suffix -logia ("study of").
Class of 1834
sociology joined the language around 1834.
See the full Class of 1834 →
Synonyms
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social science
Rhymes for sociology
See all rhymes for sociology →Frequently asked questions
What does “sociology” mean?
The word “sociology” means the academic study of society, human social behavior, and the relationships and institutions people form. In plain terms, the academic study of how people behave in groups and how societies work.
How do you pronounce “sociology”?
“Sociology” is pronounced soh-see-O-luhd-zhee (/ˌsoʊsiˈɑləd͡ʒi/ in IPA).
How do you use “sociology” in a sentence?
Here is “sociology” used in a sentence: “She majored in sociology at university.”
What part of speech is “sociology”?
“Sociology” is a noun.
Where does the word “sociology” come from?
The word “sociology” dates back to around 1834 and comes from Latin. Coined in French in 1834 by Auguste Comte, combining Latin socius ("companion") with the Greek suffix -logia ("study of").
Is “sociology” a common word?
“Sociology” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between sociology and psychology?
Sociology studies society, human social behavior, and the relationships and institutions people form, focusing on groups and social structures. Psychology, by contrast, focuses on individual mental processes and behavior, making sociology more concerned with collective patterns than individual minds.
What is the difference between sociology and anthropology?
Sociology examines society and social behavior generally, often within modern, industrialized settings and institutions. Anthropology takes a broader, often cross-cultural or historical approach to studying human societies, though the two fields overlap significantly in methods and subject matter.
What topics does the academic study of sociology cover?
Sociology covers human social behavior, relationships, and the institutions people form, such as families, education systems, governments, and communities. It examines how these structures shape and are shaped by the people within them.
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