What does society mean?
Society means the people who live together in a shared community, together with the institutions, customs, and relationships that shape their collective life. The word is broad: it can refer to a whole society, such as modern society or democratic society, to a particular community or social class, or more formally to the upper strata of society. In its less common sense, society means the company or companionship of other people, as in someone seeking “the society of friends.” The term is especially useful when discussing collective life rather than isolated individuals, including topics such as social customs, institutions, inequality, and cultural change. Its history also reflects its central idea: the word comes from a Latin root associated with companionship, fellowship, and partnership.
People living together in a community, especially as a collective with shared institutions and customs.
"The country’s society has changed rapidly over the past decade."
This is the dominant modern sense and is commonly used with adjectives such as democratic, modern, industrial, and civil.
The upper or fashionable social classes collectively.
"Their engagement was announced throughout high society."
Usually appears in the expression “high society” and may sound formal or old-fashioned.
The company or companionship of other people.
"He preferred the society of his family to large social gatherings."
This sense is more literary and less common than the collective sense of society.
Used when referring to distinct communities, social groups, or historical social organizations.
"The lecture explored how societies respond to major technological changes."
Society comes from the Latin socius, meaning “companion” or “ally”: its roots begin with the idea of people forming bonds with one another.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does society come from?
Society derives from Latin societas, meaning “fellowship,” “association,” or “community,” and ultimately from socius, meaning “companion” or “ally.” The English word entered through Old French société and was established in English with the sense of a community or organized body of people. Its relatives include associate, association, and sociable, all reflecting the same broader Latin vocabulary of social connection and companionship.
Related word forms
How society is actually used
In its most common sense, society is a collective concept and does not normally take a verb such as “is.” The phrase “high society” refers specifically to socially elite or fashionable people and may carry a somewhat formal or historical tone.
Easily confused with society
Society generally means people considered as a broad social whole, often including institutions and shared ways of life, whereas community more often emphasizes local relationships and a common identity.
An association is usually a formal organization or group formed for a purpose, while society refers more broadly to people living together as a community.