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français
social — meaning in English: social
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social
gouvernement
meilleure
social
matériel
bancaire
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neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers use the word 'social' in various contexts, such as discussing events that promote community engagement, like 'un événement social', or in academic settings when referring to social sciences, like 'sciences sociales'. You might hear it in conversations about social media as well, such as 'réseaux sociaux'.
Synonyms & nuances
'Social' is often used interchangeably with 'sociable', but while 'sociable' describes a person's personality, 'social' relates more to collective societal interactions or structures. For instance, you would choose 'social' when discussing issues like 'justice sociale' (social justice) rather than simply describing a friendly person.
Culture
The word 'social' is derived from the Latin 'socialis', which means 'of companionship' or 'allied'. In French culture, social gatherings have deep significance, often reflecting the community's values and connections. Historically, social clubs or salons played a crucial role in intellectual discourse during the Enlightenment, showcasing the importance of social interactions in shaping ideas.
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