sociably

IPA/ˈsəʊʃəbli/
IPA/ˈsəʊʃəbli/

sociably — adverb

1. in a friendly, outgoing way when you are with other people — laughing, making co

1.adverbB2
Definition

in a friendly, outgoing way when you are with other people — laughing, making conversation, and joining in group activities without being asked.

Example

At the community picnic, Mrs. Chen chatted sociably with neighbours she had never met before.

adverb modifying 'chatted': describes the manner of talking

The two managers smiled sociably at each other across the conference table before the meeting began.

adverb modifying 'smiled': describes the manner of the greeting

Common collocations
  • chat sociably
  • smile sociably
  • nod sociably
  • greet someone sociably
Synonyms
  • amiably

    focuses on a pleasant, likeable manner rather than outgoing behaviour

  • cordially

    more formal and often implies warmth with politeness, such as in business settings

  • gregariously

    stronger, emphasises a very active fondness for being in groups; less common in everyday speech

Antonyms
  • unsociably

    in a way that avoids or dislikes company

  • reservedly

    keeps distance or hold back rather than actively avoiding people

Grammar Patterns

verb + sociably

sociably + verb (before the verb)

Common Mistakes

He is a sociably person.
He is a sociable person.
'sociably' is an adverb that describes an action (how you do something); use the adjective 'sociable' to describe a person or thing.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

All three describe a friendly manner when interacting with others, but they differ in nuance. 'Sociably' is the most general — it simply suggests a natural enjoyment of company. 'Amiably' focuses on giving off a pleasant, agreeable impression; someone acting amiably makes others feel comfortable through good-natured remarks. 'Cordially' carries a slightly more formal tone, often used in business or public settings to describe polite warmth — for example, delegates are greeted cordially at a conference. 'Gregariously' is the strongest and least common; it implies an active, almost enthusiastic desire to be around others, like a guest who moves from group to group at a party. Use 'sociably' for everyday friendliness, 'cordially' for polite occasions, and reserve 'gregariously' for very outgoing behaviour.

amiably ↗cordially ↗gregariously ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • chat sociably
  • smile sociably
  • nod sociably
  • greet someone sociably

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'sociably' comes from Latin 'sociabilis', meaning 'close, intimate, easy to unite with', from 'sociare' (to join, associate), from 'socius' (companion, ally). It passed through French 'sociable' into English in the mid-1500s, and the '-ly' adverb form appeared in the 1600s.