social
- 01 A2 Elementary
adj.relating to society and the way people live together in a community.
adj.relating to the organization of society and the collective relations between people.
Simple“The government is trying to solve several social problems like poverty and housing.”
In context“The researcher examined the social implications of urban development on marginalized communities within the city center.”
UsageUsually placed before the noun.
Antonyms - 02 B1 Intermediate
adj.enjoying spending time with other people and being friendly.
adj.inclined to seek out or enjoy the company of others; gregarious.
Simple“She is a very social person who loves going to parties and meeting new people.”
In context“Even the most social individuals may require periods of solitude to recharge after intense periods of networking.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 B1 Intermediate
adj.relating to websites and apps that let people share content and talk to each other.
adj.pertaining to digital platforms and networks designed for communal interaction and content sharing.
Simple“Most companies now have a social media strategy to reach younger customers.”
In context“The rapid evolution of social networking has fundamentally altered how news is disseminated and consumed globally.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.living or growing together in organized groups rather than alone.
adj.living in organized communities or colonies; characterized by mutual cooperation.
Simple“Ants are social insects that work together to build complex nests.”
In context“The study of social animals provides insight into the evolutionary advantages of altruistic behavior within a species.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 05 B1 Intermediate
n.a party or an informal meeting organized by a club or group.
n.a festive gathering or informal party intended to promote communal interaction among members of a group.
Simple“The tennis club is holding a Christmas social for all its members next week.”
In context“The department organized a monthly social to encourage collaboration between researchers who rarely interacted during the work week.”
- 06 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a social media account or the name you use on it.
n.a social media profile or handle; often used in the plural to refer to multiple platforms.
Simple“Follow our socials to see the latest photos from the event.”
In context“The influencer managed several socials simultaneously, ensuring a consistent brand voice across every digital platform.”
- 07 C1 Advanced
n.a short way of saying your Social Security number.
n.a colloquial ellipsis for a Social Security number, used for identification and tax purposes.
Simple“You need to provide your social to complete the job application.”
In context“The HR department requested his social to finalize the payroll documentation before his start date.”
Teacher's tipThis is very common in American spoken English but should be avoided in formal writing where the full term is preferred.
SynonymsID number
Usage social media · arise social · barrier social
From Middle French social, from Latin sociālis (“of or belonging to a companion or companionship or association, social”), from socius (“a companion, fellow, partner, associate, ally”), from sequor (“follow”). Cognate with English seg (“man, companion, fellow”). More at seg.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.