| Date: | 1500-1600 |
| Language: | French |
| Origin: | société, from Latin societas, from socius; SOCIAL1 |
1 people in general, considered in relation to the laws, organizations etc that make it possible for them to live together :
technology and its effects on modern society
people in general
[uncountable]
technology and its effects on modern society2 a particular large group of people who share laws, organizations, customs etc :
Britain is now a multi-racial society.
the capitalist societies of the West
a particular group
[uncountable and countable]SS
Britain is now a multi-racial society.
the capitalist societies of the West3 an organization or club with members who share similar interests, aims etc :
the university film society
the American Cancer Society
club
[countable]SSO
the university film society
the American Cancer Society4 the fashionable group of people who are rich and powerful :
a society wedding
upper class
[uncountable]
a society wedding high society (=the richest, most fashionable etc people)
5 when you are together with other people
being with people
[uncountable] formal society of
Holidays are a time to enjoy the society of your family.
Holidays are a time to enjoy the society of your family.6 middle or upper class people who behave correctly in social situations
polite society
in polite society (=among middle or upper class people)
The subject was rarely mentioned in polite society.
The subject was rarely mentioned in polite society.