Social vs Sociable
In most occasions people tend to confuse the two words, social and sociable as synonymous and use them interchangeably when these two do not mean the same thing as there exists a difference between the two terms, social and sociable. We can understand it in this manner. Social refers to the preference for the company as living in a community or group whereas sociable tends to explain an individual being fond of company. This highlights the significant difference between the two terms. The article attempts to provide a better understanding of the two terms while highlighting the difference between social and sociable.
What does Social mean?
The Oxford English Dictionary defines the term in many ways. They are as needing the company of others, of society and its organization, in which people meet for pleasure and as living in organized communities. Of these four definitions when comparing with the word sociable we can create a simple definition which sets the word apart from sociable. So let us define social as any instance related to a gathering of people. For example, when we say that the man is a social being. It means human beings in general prefer to live as groups and not in isolation. However, this cannot be related to any personal characteristic that human beings possess but contains a general observation of people.
What does Sociable mean?
Once again, according to the Oxford English Dictionary the word sociable can be defined as enjoying the company of others or else marked by friendliness. This indicates that social and sociable are not actually the same. Sociable seems to highlight more of a personal trait that an individual possesses. It expresses an inclination for company. For example, when we say she is very sociable, this does not mean to say that she prefers to live in groups or as a community but on the contrary it means she prefers the company of others and is gregarious. Social usually refers to a gathering of people such as a social organization, a social club, etc. However, sociable usually refers to individuals who prefer the society of others and like to be in social situations.
What is the difference bet ween Social and Sociable?
• Social refers to the preference for the company as living in a community or group.
• It can refer to social situations, social organizations, social institutions, etc. of which people are all a part of.
• Sociable refers to an individual being fond of company.
• Sociable highlights more of a personal trait that an individual possesses.
• In this sense, the two terms social and sociable cannot be used interchangeably as they denote two concepts.
To sum up, bear in mind that while people in general are social creatures who live with others, as communities, groups in social atmospheres, not all people are sociable. Some people prefer to stay alone whereas others like the company of people and are very friendly. Hence, sociable is more of a personal trait whereas social is more of a gathering of people.