socially

American  

[soh-shuh-lee] / ˈsoʊ ʃə li /

adverb

1. in the friendly company of others; in a genial or gregarious manner.

   We met through mutual friends who gather socially several times a month.

2. in a manner that relates to human society and its configuration as a community.

   Her art strives to be both beautifully evocative and socially responsible.

3. in a manner that relates to the division of human society into classes according to status.

   Socially and economically, these children are repressed by disadvantages we cannot imagine.

4. with attention or regard to rules about behavior.

   In my day, carousing on a Sunday was socially unacceptable.

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Other Word Forms

• nonsocially adverb
• unsocially adverb

Etymology

Origin of socially

First recorded in 1610–30; social ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )

Example Sentences

But first, a reminder that the “peace dividend” — that is, the surge of available resources for socially beneficial spending after the cessation of hostilities — has always been an elusive concept.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

In such a socially competitive and professionally rapacious city, having a dinner party is intimidating, too much work, and very few people, even with boatloads of cash, end up hosting one.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

"It's like Covid again where everyone is socially distancing and not making plans to go out," she said.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

Earlier research has shown that people who cycle tend to be more physically active and socially engaged.

From Science Daily • Mar. 18, 2026

She had been working very diligently with the children on good manners, socially useful phrases and appropriate party conversation topics; perhaps this expedition could serve as a valuable rehearsal.

From "The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book I: The Mysterious Howling" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• culturally
• philosophically
• politically
• psychologically