social

1 adjective

1 SOCIETY concerning human society and its organization, or the quality of people's lives: Various social issues, such as unemployment and education, were discussed. | social trends | demands for social change

2 RANK related to the position in society that you have, according to your job, family, wealth etc: social status | a wide circle of friends from different social backgrounds | social class (=a group of people who have the same social position): every social class, from manual workers to aristocrats | social mobility (=ability to move into a higher social class)

3 MEETING PEOPLE related to the way you meet people and form relationships: social skills (=ability to meet people easily and deal well with them): College gives you an opportunity to develop your social skills. | social contacts (=people you meet outside work) | social graces (=attractive manners, behaviour etc when you meet people)

4 WITH FRIENDS related to the time you spend with your friends for enjoyment: social life (=activities with your friends): You sure seem to have a busy social life these days! | social club/evening/gathering etc (=a club or occasion at which people can enjoy being together) | social drinking (=drinking alcohol with your friends)

5 ANIMALS forming groups or living together in their natural state: Elephants are social animals.

—see also: anti­social, sociable 1, unsocial — socially adverb: socially acceptable behaviour | Do you and your colleagues ever meet socially? 2 noun (C) old-fashioned a planned informal party for the members of a group, club or church