What does gregarious mean?
Gregarious means sociable, outgoing, and comfortable in the company of other people. It often carries a positive connotation, suggesting that someone is friendly, lively, and inclined toward shared experiences. The word can also have a technical zoological meaning: gregarious animals are those that live, travel, or feed in groups, as many birds and grazing mammals do. In ordinary descriptions of people, the adjective is frequently used to characterize a person’s nature, personality, or instincts. For example, a gregarious child might readily join a new group, while a gregarious host might make strangers feel welcome. The word’s history is especially memorable: it comes from Latin gregarius, meaning “of a flock,” and ultimately from grex, the Latin word for a herd or flock. Its modern sense has therefore developed from an image of animals belonging together to a description of people who enjoy social connection. Gregarious is standard in both British and American English.
adjectiveSociable and fond of the company of others. In zoological contexts, it describes animals that live or move in groups rather than alone.
- Fond of company and eager to associate with other people.
- Living or moving in groups, as gregarious animals do.
"Her gregarious nature made her feel at home at the crowded community event."
"The gregarious host introduced nearly everyone to one another before dinner."
"Gregarious species such as zebras gain protection by remaining together in groups."
Gregarious literally means “of a flock,” a fittingly social origin for a word describing someone who thrives in company.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of gregarious
Gregarious comes from Latin gregarius, meaning “of a flock” or “belonging to a herd.” This adjective was ultimately based on grex, the Latin word for a flock, herd, or group, and developed a sense involving sociability or belonging to a group. English borrowed the word in the early 17th century, with its familiar meaning of being sociable emerging from the earlier idea of association with a flock or community.
Related word forms
How gregarious is actually used
In general use, the word is usually positive or neutral and often suggests ease, warmth, or enthusiasm in social situations. In biology, it describes group-forming behavior rather than a personality trait.
Easily confused with gregarious
Gregarious means sociable or fond of company, whereas egregious means exceptionally bad or objectionable.