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Where does the word "social" come from? It comes from Latin socialis, passing through French before entering English (1560s).
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Where does the word "social" come from? It comes from Latin socialis, passing through French before entering English (1560s).
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.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient socialis "of companions", from 'socius', companion.
- Stage 2 · French · 1500s social "social", Rousseau's 'Du contrat social' (1762) gave 'social contract'.
- Stage 3 · English · 1560s social "allied", 'social media' dates from the 2000s.