Social Meaning
Social Definition & Usage
Relating to the organization, activities, or affairs of society or community.
Examples
- "She is very social and enjoys attending gatherings."
- "Social issues like homelessness need more attention from governments."
- "They have a social responsibility to help those less fortunate."
- "His social skills make him a great fit for the marketing department."
- "The social impact of new technology is still being debated."
Enjoying interacting with others, being friendly or outgoing.
Examples
- "She’s a very social person and loves going to parties."
- "He prefers quiet evenings at home, but he can be social when necessary."
- "The social atmosphere at the event made it easy to make new friends."
- "Although he is typically reserved, he can be quite social in the right settings."
- "They both enjoyed socializing with the guests at the wedding."
Pertaining to social groups, structures, or interactions in society.
Examples
- "Social mobility allows individuals to move between different socio-economic classes."
- "The social contract theory is a key idea in political philosophy."
- "Social institutions like education and healthcare play a crucial role in society."
- "The social divide between urban and rural areas has grown in recent decades."
- "Many countries are addressing social inequality through various reforms."
Cultural Context
The word 'social' derives from the Latin 'socialis', meaning 'of a companion, ally, or associate'. It reflects human tendencies to live in groups and build structures around community living. Over time, the term has evolved to cover various aspects of human interaction, including behavior, institutions, and responsibilities.
A Social Affair
Story
A Social Affair
It was a warm Saturday afternoon when Sarah decided to host her first major social gathering at her apartment. She had always been a bit of an introvert, but over the past year, she had become more social, pushing herself to attend events and meet new people. Today, she had invited a mix of old friends and coworkers to help break her out of her shell. The guest list included Jane, a colleague who was known for her social nature, and David, a neighbor who was quieter but still had a few good friends he would bring along. As the guests began to arrive, Sarah found herself feeling a little nervous. Would people get along? Would they feel comfortable? But as soon as Jane entered the room, she took charge of the social atmosphere, greeting everyone with a warm smile and starting up easy conversations. 'You know,' Jane said, 'I think being social is all about making people feel at ease. It's not just about chatting; it's about creating a vibe.' Throughout the evening, Sarah watched as her apartment transformed into a lively hub of activity. People were laughing, sharing stories, and exchanging ideas. She could see how much she had grown, how social interaction, which had once intimidated her, now felt enjoyable. Even David, who had been a bit reserved at first, had found common ground with a few guests and was now engaged in a deep discussion about social issues. As the night wound down, Sarah stood by the window, reflecting on the evening. The event had been a success—not just because of the food or the setting, but because of the connections formed. 'This,' Sarah thought, 'is what socializing is all about.' The evening had not only helped her practice her social skills but had also allowed her to explore the broader concept of social responsibility. Later that week, Sarah would even bring up the idea of starting a community project to help those in need, inspired by the conversations she'd had about social equity. She smiled, feeling more confident than ever. Sarah had come to understand that being social was not just about attending parties—it was about engaging with the world around her and contributing to the greater good.
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