Etymology Map
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Social

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means relating to society; friendly

Where does the word "social" come from? It comes from Latin socialis, passing through French before entering English (1560s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
socialis
Latin · ancient
"of companions"
from 'socius', companion
2
Stage 2 of 3
social
French · 1500s
"social"
Rousseau's 'Du contrat social' (1762) gave 'social contract'
3
Stage 3 of 3
social
English · 1560s
"allied"
'social media' dates from the 2000s
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Read the full story

Social’s story begins in Latin: socialis meant “of companions.” From 'socius', companion. By 1500s, the word had taken hold in French as social. Rousseau's 'Du contrat social' (1762) gave 'social contract'. It reached English by 1560s as social. 'social media' dates from the 2000s. Today, social means relating to society; friendly.