What is society? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of society

societynoun

/səˈsʌɪəti/
Definition & pronunciation of society

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "society" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈsɒsɪti/ (rhymes with "mossy-tea")

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. "so-": This sounds like "so" as in "soap." Short and quick.
  2. "ci-": This is the tricky part! It's pronounced like "sigh" – a quick, breathy "s" sound. It's not like the "c" in "cat." It's almost like a small "s" sound followed by a quick “ee” sound.
  3. "ty": This sounds like "tea."

Here's a phonetic transcription (which is more precise):

[ˈsɔː.sɪ.ti] (British English) [ˈsɑː.sɪ.ti] (American English)

Tips to help you:

  • Focus on the "sigh" sound: Really concentrate on making that quick "s" sound followed by a "ee" sound. This is the key to getting it right.
  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to a native speaker’s pronunciation (you can find examples on YouTube or online dictionaries).
  • Practice slowly: Don’t rush it. Say it slowly at first, focusing on each syllable.

Resources for Hearing Pronunciation:

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you more examples of words with similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word society in English

Let's break down how to use the word "society" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with a lot of nuances.

1. Basic Definition:

At its most basic, "society" refers to a group of people living together in an organized way. It's about a community with shared values, institutions, and a way of life.

2. Common Usages:

Here's how you commonly use "society" in sentences, broken down by category:

  • Referring to a group of people:

    • "Our society is becoming increasingly diverse." (Referring to the population)
    • "The society is debating the merits of universal healthcare." (Referring to a group of people engaged in discussion)
    • "She’s a respected member of the scientific society." (Referring to an organization of scientists)

  • Referring to the structure/system of a group:

    • "He criticized the rigid social hierarchy of that society." (Referring to the way power and status are organized)
    • "The legal society developed a complex system of laws." (Referring to the rules and institutions that govern a group)

  • Referring to social behavior and norms:

    • "The society values honesty and integrity." (Referring to the shared beliefs and expectations)
    • "He struggled to adapt to the norms of that society." (Referring to the way people behave in a group)

  • Referring to a specific type of society (historical or cultural):

    • "Ancient Egyptian society was highly stratified." (Referring to a specific, historical social structure)
    • "The Inuit society is based on hunting and fishing." (Referring to a specific cultural group)

3. Different Forms & Nuances:

  • Societal: (Adjective) – Describes something related to society.

    • " Societal changes are occurring rapidly."
    • "The problem is a societal one, not just an individual one."

  • Societies: (Plural) – Refers to multiple groups or communities.

    • “There are many different societies around the world.”

  • Civil Society: This is a specific and important usage. It refers to the organizations and groups outside of government that work on social and political issues. Examples include charities, NGOs (non-governmental organizations), advocacy groups, and community organizations.

    • "The civil society plays a crucial role in holding the government accountable."

4. Examples in Context:

  • "The decline in birth rates is a significant challenge for many modern societies."
  • "His research focuses on understanding the dynamics of society and how people interact."
  • "The education society is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the 21st century."
  • “She’s trying to make a positive impact on society through her work.”

5. Tips for Using "Society" Correctly:

  • Consider the nuance: Think about whether you’re talking about a group of people, a system, a set of behaviors, or a specific type of group.
  • Avoid overuse: “Society” can be a vague term. Sometimes, more specific words (like “community,” “group,” “culture,” “population”) will be more precise.
  • Be aware of “civil society”: This is a specialized term with a particular meaning.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you doing? (e.g., essay, conversation, email, creative writing?)
  • Can you provide a specific sentence or context where you're trying to use “society”? (That would let me show you exactly how to phrase it.)

Synonyms for the word society

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