I. so ‧ cial 1 S1 W1 /ˈsəʊʃ ə l $ ˈsoʊ-/ BrE AmE adjective
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ society , ↑ sociologist , ↑ sociology , ↑ sociability , ↑ social , ↑ socialism , ↑ socialist , ↑ socialite , ↑ socialization , ↑ sociopath ; adjective : ↑ sociable ≠ ↑ unsociable , ↑ social ≠ ANTI-SOCIAL , ↑ unsocial , ↑ socialist , ↑ socialistic , ↑ societal , ↑ sociological , ↑ sociopathic ; adverb : ↑ socially , ↑ sociably , ↑ sociologically ; verb : ↑ socialize ]
[ Date: 1600-1700 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: socialis , from socius 'someone you spend time with' ]
1 . SOCIETY relating to human society and its organization, or the quality of people’s lives:
social issues, such as unemployment and education
the country’s serious social problems
a challenge to the social order (=how a particular society is organized)
2 . RANK relating to your position in society, according to your job, family, wealth etc:
The students come from a variety of social classes (=groups of people that have the same social position) .
the social status of her family
3 . MEETING PEOPLE relating to meeting people, forming relationships with them, and spending time with them:
social interaction
a club with lots of social events
Exercise classes are a good way to keep fit and improve your social life.
Group play helps children develop social skills (=ability to deal with people easily) .
He lacked social graces (=good and polite behaviour towards other people) .
4 . someone who is social enjoys meeting and talking to other people SYN sociable
5 . ANIMALS forming groups or living together in their natural state OPP solitary :
Elephants are social animals.
—socially adverb :
socially acceptable behaviour
socially disadvantaged families
⇨ ↑ antisocial , ↑ sociable , ↑ unsocial
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 3)
■ nouns
▪ somebody's social life (=activities that involve being with other people for pleasure)
Teenagers enjoy an active social life.
▪ social skills (=the ability to deal with people easily)
In school, the children also learn social skills.
▪ social graces (=good and polite behaviour towards other people)
I had none of the social graces of my fellow pupils.
▪ social contact/interaction
Work provides social contact.
▪ a social call (=one that does not relate to business)
Don't misunderstand, this is purely a social call.
II. social 2 BrE AmE noun
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ society , ↑ sociologist , ↑ sociology , ↑ sociability , ↑ social , ↑ socialism , ↑ socialist , ↑ socialite , ↑ socialization , ↑ sociopath ; adjective : ↑ sociable ≠ ↑ unsociable , ↑ social ≠ ANTI-SOCIAL , ↑ unsocial , ↑ socialist , ↑ socialistic , ↑ societal , ↑ sociological , ↑ sociopathic ; adverb : ↑ socially , ↑ sociably , ↑ sociologically ; verb : ↑ socialize ]
1 . [countable] a party for the members of a group, club, or church
2 . the social British English ↑ social security