What does antisocially mean?
"Antisocially" is an adverb describing actions performed in a way that runs counter to the accepted norms of society. It most often characterizes behavior that is inconsiderate, disruptive, or actively harmful to others — playing loud music late at night, vandalizing property, or ignoring basic courtesies — and in British English it is closely tied to the legal notion of "anti-social behaviour." In psychological contexts, the related adjective "antisocial" carries a still stronger sense: a persistent disregard for the rights and feelings of other people, as in antisocial personality disorder. In looser everyday speech, particularly in American usage, the word is sometimes stretched to describe simple social withdrawal or introversion, though careful writers prefer "asocially" for that neutral sense. Formed from "antisocial" with the adverbial suffix "-ly," the word ultimately derives from Latin roots: "anti-" (against) and "socialis" (of companionship, from socius, an ally or companion). Its connotations are almost always negative, marking conduct that damages the fabric of shared life.
adverbIn a manner that is contrary to the norms of society; in a way that shows a lack of consideration for others or an unwillingness to engage in normal social interaction.
- In a manner that violates social norms or shows disregard for others (e.g., disruptive, inconsiderate, or harmful behavior).
- In a manner marked by avoidance of or unwillingness to participate in social interaction.
"He behaved antisocially at the party, refusing to speak to anyone and turning up the music past midnight."
"The tenants complained that their neighbor was behaving antisocially by playing loud music at three in the morning."
"She spent the holiday antisocially, declining every invitation and staying home with her books."
Despite its name, being antisocial isn't about avoiding people — it's about working against them; psychologists reserve 'antisocial' for behavior that disregards others' rights.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of antisocially
"Antisocially" derives from the adjective "antisocial," formed from the prefix "anti-" (from Greek, via Latin, meaning "against") combined with "social," which comes from the Latin "socialis," meaning "of companionship or alliance," itself derived from "socius" (a companion or ally). The adjective "antisocial" entered English in the early 17th century, and the adverb was formed later by adding the standard English suffix "-ly." It shares its Latin root with words such as "society," "social," and "associate."
Related word forms
How antisocially is actually used
In everyday British English, especially in housing and legal contexts, "antisocially" strongly connotes nuisance or harmful conduct (as in "anti-social behaviour"). In psychology, it carries a more serious connotation of disregard for others' rights, as in antisocial personality disorder. In casual American usage, it is often loosely applied to mere introversion or social withdrawal, though purists prefer "asocial" for that meaning.
Easily confused with antisocially
"Asocially" means without interest in social interaction (neutral), while "antisocially" implies actively going against social norms or harming others.