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REFERENCE

social

adj. · n.
US //ˈsoʊʃəɫ// UK //sˈəʊʃəl// so·cial
  1. 1 relating to society (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    relating to society and the way people live together in a community.

    relating to the organization of society and the collective relations between people.

    Example

    The government is trying to solve several social problems like poverty and housing.

    Example

    The researcher examined the social implications of urban development on marginalized communities within the city center.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun.
  2. 2 outgoing and friendly (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    enjoying spending time with other people and being friendly.

    inclined to seek out or enjoy the company of others; gregarious.

    Example

    She is a very social person who loves going to parties and meeting new people.

    Example

    Even the most social individuals may require periods of solitude to recharge after intense periods of networking.
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  1. 3 social media (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    relating to websites and apps that let people share content and talk to each other.

    pertaining to digital platforms and networks designed for communal interaction and content sharing.

    Example

    Most companies now have a social media strategy to reach younger customers.

    Example

    The rapid evolution of social networking has fundamentally altered how news is disseminated and consumed globally.
  2. 4 living in groups (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    living or growing together in organized groups rather than alone.

    living in organized communities or colonies; characterized by mutual cooperation.

    Example

    Ants are social insects that work together to build complex nests.

    Example

    The study of social animals provides insight into the evolutionary advantages of altruistic behavior within a species.
  3. 5 a party or gathering (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a party or an informal meeting organized by a club or group.

    a festive gathering or informal party intended to promote communal interaction among members of a group.

    Example

    The tennis club is holding a Christmas social for all its members next week.

    Example

    The department organized a monthly social to encourage collaboration between researchers who rarely interacted during the work week.
  4. 6 social media account (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Computing

    a social media account or the name you use on it.

    a social media profile or handle; often used in the plural to refer to multiple platforms.

    Example

    Follow our socials to see the latest photos from the event.

    Example

    The influencer managed several socials simultaneously, ensuring a consistent brand voice across every digital platform.
  5. 7 social security number (n.)
    C1 Advanced American English Informal

    a short way of saying your Social Security number.

    a colloquial ellipsis for a Social Security number, used for identification and tax purposes.

    Example

    You need to provide your social to complete the job application.

    Example

    The HR department requested his social to finalize the payroll documentation before his start date.

    Teacher's tip

    This is very common in American spoken English but should be avoided in formal writing where the full term is preferred.
    • ID number
Origin

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.

Word family
Idioms3 entries

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