ENGLISH
REFERENCE

socialite

n.
C1 Advanced US //ˈsoʊʃəˌɫaɪt// UK //sˈəʊʃəlˌaɪt// so·cialite

n. a person who spends a lot of time at social events and parties. You usually use this word for someone who is very famous or wealthy and attends many high-end gatherings.

n. a person who is frequently present at social events, particularly those involving high society or the elite. Often carries a connotation of being a celebrity or having significant wealth.


SIMPLE

The socialite was seen at every major party last night.

CONTEXTUAL

As a prominent socialite, she has a large following on social media and attends many charity galas.

COMPLEX

While some view the socialite as a mere spectator of high society, others argue that such individuals play a vital role in maintaining the cultural and economic networks of the elite.

Origin

From social (“pertaining to high society”) + -ite, perhaps as a play on social light, in imitation of words in -ite.

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