How to pronounce social
Say it like SOH-shul. Social has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SOH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce social. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SOH
- shul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Social pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SOHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- shulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of social
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: SOH-shul.
What does social mean?
- relating to human society and its members“social institutions”“societal evolution”
- living together or enjoying life in communities or organized groups“a human being is a social animal”“mature social behavior”
- relating to or belonging to or characteristic of high society“made fun of her being so social and high-toned”“a social gossip colum”
- a party of people assembled to promote sociability and communal activity
Where does social come from?
From Middle French social, from Latin sociālis (“of or belonging to a companion or companionship or association, social”), from socius (“a companion, fellow, partner, associate, ally”), from sequor (“follow”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying social
How do you pronounce social?
Say SOH-shul. The American pronunciation is /ˈsoʊʃəl/. In British English it is /ˈsəʊʃəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in social?
Social has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SOH). Broken into parts: SOH · shul.
Is social pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˈsəʊʃəl/ (SOH-shul).