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.

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