Word
gregarious
Phoneticsgre·gar·i·ous, stress on the second syllable
US/ɡɹəˈɡɛɹiəs/
UK/ɡɹɛɡˈeəɹɪəs/
Definition
adj. describing a plant or animal that grows or lives in groups. It can also describe a person who enjoys being around other people.
adj. relating to or characteristic of a species that lives or grows in groups. In a botanical context, it describes plants that grow in clusters or colonies.
Examples
“The gregarious plants grow in thick clusters along the riverbank.”
“The botanist noted that the gregarious species thrived in the moist, shaded environment of the forest floor.”
“While some species prefer solitary habitats, gregarious organisms often benefit from collective defense mechanisms and shared resources, which can significantly increase their survival rates in competitive ecosystems.”
Examples
simple
“The gregarious plants grow in thick clusters along the riverbank.”
contextual
“The botanist noted that the gregarious species thrived in the moist, shaded environment of the forest floor.”
complex
“While some species prefer solitary habitats, gregarious organisms often benefit from collective defense mechanisms and shared resources, which can significantly increase their survival rates in competitive ecosystems.”
Real-World Examples
“He was a quieter presence, while Geldzahler was famously “gregarious and witty,” according to Hockney biographer Christopher Simon Sykes .” “However, I’m pretty sure his irascibility will be mellowed by the “dog park divas”, an eccentric band of gregarious day drinkers.” Etymology
First attested in 1688; borrowed from Latin gregārius, see -ious.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/gregarious