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adj. 1. a. Of or relating to human society and its modes of organization: social classes; social problems; a social issue. b. Of or relating to rank and status in society: social standing. c. Of, relating to, or occupied with matters affecting human welfare: social programs. 2. a. Interacting with other people and living in communities: Humans are social creatures. b. Biology Living together in organized groups or similar close aggregates: Ants are social insects. 3. a. Inclined to seek out or enjoy the company of others; sociable: He's outgoing and very social. b. Spent in or marked by friendly relations or companionship: How has your social life been lately? c. Intended for convivial activities: a social club. 4. Linguistics Of or relating to a variety of a language that is used by a group of people sharing some characteristic, such as ethnicity or income level, and differs in pronunciation, grammar, or vocabulary from the standard variety. n. 1. An informal social gathering, as of the members of a church congregation. 2. Informal A Social Security number. [Middle English sociale, domestic, from Old French social, from Latin sociālis, of companionship, from socius, companion; see sekw-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] social·ly adv. Synonyms: social, companionable, convivial, gregarious, sociable These adjectives mean inclined to, marked by, or passed in friendly companionship with others: a friendly social gathering; a companionable colleague; a cheery, convivial disposition; a gregarious person who avoids solitude; a sociable conversation. |
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