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societies - 2 dictionary results

so⋅ci⋅e⋅ty

  [suh-sahy-i-tee] noun, plural -ties, adjective
Use societies in a Sentence
–noun
1. an organized group of persons associated together for religious, benevolent, cultural, scientific, political, patriotic, or other purposes.
2. a body of individuals living as members of a community; community.
3. the body of human beings generally, associated or viewed as members of a community: the evolution of human society.
4. a highly structured system of human organization for large-scale community living that normally furnishes protection, continuity, security, and a national identity for its members: American society.
5. such a system characterized by its dominant economic class or form: middle-class society; industrial society.
6. those with whom one has companionship.
7. companionship; company: to enjoy one's society.
8. the social life of wealthy, prominent, or fashionable persons.
9. the social class that comprises such persons.
10. the condition of those living in companionship with others, or in a community, rather than in isolation.
11. Biology. a closely integrated group of social organisms of the same species exhibiting division of labor.
12. Ecclesiastical. an ecclesiastical society.
–adjective
13. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of elegant society: a society photographer.
Origin:
1525–35; < MF societe < L societās, equiv. to soci(us) partner, comrade + -etās, var. of -itās- -ity

Related forms:
so⋅ci⋅e⋅ty⋅less, adjective

Synonyms:
1. association, fellowship, fraternity, brotherhood, company. See circle. 7. fellowship.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To societies
so·ci·e·ty   (sə-sī'ĭ-tē)   
n.   pl. so·ci·e·ties
    1. The totality of social relationships among humans.
    2. A group of humans broadly distinguished from other groups by mutual interests, participation in characteristic relationships, shared institutions, and a common culture.
    3. The institutions and culture of a distinct self-perpetuating group.
    4. The rich, privileged, and fashionable social class.
    5. The socially dominant members of a community.
  2. An organization or association of persons engaged in a common profession, activity, or interest: a folklore society; a society of bird watchers.
    1. The rich, privileged, and fashionable social class.
    2. The socially dominant members of a community.
  4. Companionship; company: enjoys the society of friends and family members.
  5. Biology A colony or community of organisms, usually of the same species: an insect society.

[French société, from Old French, from Latin societās, fellowship, from socius, companion; see sekw-1 in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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