social function
4
3.5
- noun
- /ˈsoʊʃəl ˈfʌŋkʃən/
- Formal
:
función social
- I make it a point not to discuss business at social functions.
- serve a social function
- perform a social function
- important social function
Examples
-
Guess I might as well just get used to you being at the same social functions as me, huh?
-
However, having a social function at the beginning of the school year allows students to interact outside of rehearsal.
Academic text (2009) -
The party was a purely social function, given the cost of Strickland's old dinners to a number of people.
-
Needless to say, when the ceremony was over, Carlos was bombarded with invitations to scientific and social functions.
Fiction book (1992) -
Brooks's characterization of the social function of melodrama echoes Benedict Anderson's description of nationalism.
Academic text (1993) -
The charity gala was a formal social function intended to raise funds for local schools.
-
At the wedding reception, the couple organized several social functions for their guests to enjoy.
-
The organization regularly hosts social functions to foster community engagement and networking.
Synonyms
∞
1.0
A group of people who come together for a planned purpose or to be social
942
3.1
A special time or event when something happens
901
2.5
A formal event that follows traditional rules for a special occasion
267
3.7
A formal social event with food, music, and speeches
253
2.6
A large formal dance where people wear elegant clothes
167
3.3
A formal party after a ceremony to welcome guests
74
4.2
A formal social event such as a party or ceremony
19
1.9
A gathering where people meet to talk and enjoy themselves
15
1.6
A friendly meeting where people talk and have fun
7
2.7
An event where people meet to talk and spend time together
3
2.8
An event where people meet to celebrate or spend time together
1
6.0
A fancy formal party with entertainment to celebrate or raise money
1
4.9
A formal gathering with planned rituals to mark an important event
A formal party or ceremony where many people meet
Antonyms
How Formal
901
2.5
- Formal
4
3.5
- Informal
298
3.0
- Informal
46
1.9
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a formal social gathering' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'social' (relating to communal interaction) with 'function' (a formal event). This compositional interpretation follows normal English noun modification patterns and is likely immediately understandable to a B1 learner who knows both constituent words.
Etymology
Social function comes from an older use of function to mean a formal event. Imagine people gathering to play social roles—greet, celebrate, or meet new people—so a social function is an event held for a particular 'purpose'.