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social event

social event

19 1.9
A gathering where people meet to talk and enjoy themselves
  • noun
  • /ˈsoʊʃəl ɪˈvɛnt/
translation icon : evento social
  • After months of planning, the wedding reception turned out to be the perfect social event for the couple and their friends.
  • political and social events
  • social events and extracurricular activities
  • community and social events

So sometimes I'll skip social events or I'll cut them short.

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Examples

  • Unlike most social events at the Camus Hall, this is a sit-down dinner.

    Academic text (1991)
  • I love this town and would love to see more social events for everyone to attend.

    Blog text (33)
  • I mean, really, this is the social event of the season.

  • And I want you to know, this is the biggest social event of the year!

  • 'N: It was the social event of the year for the cream of Sydney society.

  • This is a purely social event.

  • The Watertown Festival was her favorite social event of the year.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • This is going to be the biggest social event in Moose Jaw in years.

  • Faculty can also initiate social events that include family members of all ages.

    Academic text (2005)
  • Well, she would come to an occasional social event that we'd organised in London.

Synonyms

meeting
vssocial event
1.0

A group of people who come together for a planned purpose or to be social

is oriented to general interaction rather than specific work or discussion
dance
vssocial event
463 1.0

A social event where people move to music

is broader, not limited to occasions centered on dancing
affair
vssocial event
  • Formal
267 3.7

A formal social event with food, music, and speeches

is the broader term that also includes casual meetups
ball
vssocial event
253 2.6

A large formal dance where people wear elegant clothes

is the general category that also covers casual meetups and parties
gathering
vssocial event
203 1.0

A meeting of people for a social or special purpose

is broader, applying to any occasion for people to interact
reception
vssocial event
167 3.3

A formal party after a ceremony to welcome guests

is the general occasion type not limited to postceremony welcomes
assembly
vssocial event
162 2.5

A group of people who meet for a common purpose

is more focused on social interaction rather than purpose driven group activity
function
vssocial event
  • Formal
74 4.2

A formal social event such as a party or ceremony

is more general and includes informal and ad hoc meetings
big event
vssocial event
38 2.0

An important occasion when people come together, like a wedding or concert

is the ordinary term for any size or importance of occasion
soiree
vssocial event
  • Formal
23 7.5

An evening party at someone's home

is wider, covering daytime and formal gatherings as well
mixer
vssocial event
22 2.6

A social event where people meet and talk to make new friends

is wider, covering any gathering for conversation or celebration
wedding reception
vssocial event
19 1.8

A party after a wedding where people celebrate the marriage

is the general concept that covers many types of gatherings
social
vssocial event
  • Informal
15 1.6

A friendly meeting where people talk and have fun

is the general category that includes both informal and formal occasions
social gathering
vssocial event
7 2.7

An event where people meet to talk and spend time together

is the general term covering many kinds of such occasions
social function
vssocial event
  • Formal
4 3.5

A formal event where people meet for a special purpose

is the broader label for any occasion where people come together
social occasion
vssocial event
3 2.8

An event where people meet to celebrate or spend time together

is the general name for any coming together, important or simple
viewing party
vssocial event
  • US
3 3.1

A group of people who meet to watch a TV show or event together

is broader, applying to any meeting for conversation or celebration
gala affair
vssocial event
  • Formal
1 6.0

A fancy formal party with entertainment to celebrate or raise money

is the neutral term that includes less elaborate occasions
sociable
vssocial event
  • UK
3.8

A friendly meeting where people come to talk and share food

is the neutral umbrella term rather than the informal friendly form
social affair
vssocial event
  • Formal
3.8

A formal party or ceremony where many people meet

is the inclusive concept that covers both official and casual occasions
community event
vssocial event
  • Texting
2.8

An online gathering for people with a common interest, like a webinar or livestream

is the inperson or general category not limited to online formats
socials
vssocial event
  • Slang
3.2

Online social media accounts or informal events where people meet

is the clear term for any inperson or organised meeting for interaction

Antonyms

172 3.7

A state of being alone and cut off from other people physically or emotionally

How Big

festival
178 1.0
reception
167 3.3
party
1.0
social event
19 1.9
gathering
203 1.0
get-together
  • Informal
46 1.9

Surface Forms

social event singular
social events plural

Morphology

social + event

The meaning 'an occasion where people gather for social interaction' is directly and compositionally derived from 'social' (relating to social interaction) + 'event' (an occurrence or occasion). This is a straightforward, common noun–modifier combination found across languages (e.g. Spanish 'evento social'), so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily understand it.

Etymology

Social event combines two simple words: social (people being together) and event (a happening or occasion). Picture friends meeting for tea, a party, or a picnic — that image shows why social event means 'an occasion where people gather to talk and enjoy each other's company'.