What is social? Pronunciation and usage in English

social means . Learn how to pronounce and use social through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of social

socialadjective

/ˈsəʊʃl/
Definition & pronunciation of social

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "social." It's a trickier word than it looks because it has a bit of a "split" sound. Here's a breakdown:

The Basic Pronunciation:

  • so-SHUL

Let's break that down further:

  1. "so": Pronounced like the word "so" (as in "so sad"). It's a short, quick "so."

  2. "SH": This is pronounced like the "sh" in "ship" or "shoe."

  3. "uhl": This is the tricky part! It's a very subtle, almost swallowed "uhl" sound. Think of it as a very short “uh” sound followed by a quick “l”. It's not like a full "uh" sound like in "about". It's a very light, breathy ‘uh’ sound. Some people struggle with this the most.

Tips to help you:

Common Mistakes:

  • Saying "so-cial" (without the extra "uhl" sound) – This is the most frequent error.
  • Pronouncing the "sh" too strongly – It’s subtle!

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word social in English

Let's break down how to use the word "social" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a few different meanings and uses. Here's a categorized breakdown:

1. As an Adjective (Describing People & Activities):

  • Relating to Society/People: This is the most common meaning. It describes things that involve interaction between people.

    • Example: "He's a very social person and loves meeting new people." (He enjoys interacting with others)
    • Example: "They live in a very social community." (They live in a community where people interact a lot)
    • Example: " Social media is a huge part of modern communication." (Referring to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, etc.)

  • Connected to Society/Culture:

    • Example: "The museum’s social history exhibit focused on the daily lives of people in the 19th century." (Relating to how people lived)
    • Example: "She’s interested in social issues like poverty and inequality." (Issues affecting society)

2. As a Noun (Referring to Interaction & Systems):

  • Social Interaction: This is the act of interacting with others.
    • Example: "There was a lot of social interaction at the party." (People talking and connecting)
  • Social System: A group of people who interact regularly and have a shared culture or purpose.
    • Example: "The social class system in medieval Europe was very rigid."
  • Social Behavior: How people act in social situations.
    • Example: "He displayed inappropriate social behavior at the dinner party."
  • Social Status: A person’s position in a social hierarchy.
    • Example: "Her social status is largely determined by her wealth."

3. As a Verb (Describing Actions):

  • To Interact Socially: To engage with other people.
    • Example: "They socialized with their neighbors after the game." (They talked to their neighbors)
  • To Be Social (With Someone): To become acquainted with someone.
    • Example: "I need to socialize more – I've been working from home for too long." (I need to meet people)

4. Phrases Using "Social":

  • Social event: A party, gathering, or celebration.
  • Social life: The activities and interactions a person has with others.
  • Social responsibility: The idea that individuals and organizations should contribute to the well-being of society.
  • Socially conscious: Aware of and concerned about social issues.
  • Socially awkward: Uncomfortable or lacking skills in social situations.

Tips for Using "Social" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of "social" depends heavily on the context.
  • Synonyms: Consider synonyms like "sociable," "interactive," "community-based," or "relating to people" to give you more nuance.
  • Avoid Overuse: Don't use "social" excessively. Sometimes simpler words are better.

Could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use "social" in? (e.g., a sentence, a paragraph, an essay?)
  • Do you have a specific example you'd like help with? Knowing the context will help me give you the most relevant advice.

Synonyms for the word social

Practice with vocabulary social

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company's commitment to environmental sustainability is part of its corporate ______ responsibility program.
  2. Developing strong ______ communication skills is key to resolving workplace conflicts and building cohesive teams.
  3. Effective ______ skills are crucial for building strong professional relationships and networking successfully.
  4. The new urban development plan aims to improve ______ transport accessibility in underserved areas.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following terms describe platforms designed for people to connect, share information, and interact online? A) Digital networks B) Social media C) Communication hubs D) Virtual communities

  2. Addressing widespread poverty, inequality, and housing shortages is a major ______ challenge for many governments globally. A) economic B) political C) social D) environmental

  3. The team's ability to work together effectively relies heavily on strong ______ bonds among its members, fostering a sense of shared purpose. A) individual B) personal C) collective D) private

  4. What kind of intelligence involves understanding and managing emotions in oneself and others, and navigating complex human interactions effectively? A) Emotional intelligence B) Interpersonal intelligence C) Social intelligence D) Practical intelligence

  5. It's essential to foster a sense of ______ within the workplace to ensure everyone feels valued, included, and has a strong sense of belonging. A) community B) company C) society D) corporation

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original sentence: People need to talk and connect with others regularly to maintain their mental well-being and reduce feelings of isolation. Rewrite using "social" or a related word form:

  2. Original sentence: All employees share the responsibility for keeping the kitchen clean and tidy, as it is a shared space. Rewrite without using "social" or any related word forms:

  3. Original sentence: The government has implemented new policies to help those in need and improve living standards for everyone in the country. Rewrite using "social" or a related word form:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. social
  2. interpersonal
  3. social
  4. public

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. A) Digital networks, B) Social media, C) Communication hubs, D) Virtual communities
  2. C) social
  3. C) collective
  4. A) Emotional intelligence, B) Interpersonal intelligence, C) Social intelligence
  5. A) community

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Maintaining mental well-being often requires regular social interaction and connection with others.
  2. Maintaining a clean and tidy kitchen is a communal responsibility for all employees.
  3. The government's new policies aim to enhance social welfare and improve living standards for everyone.

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