socialise

socialise — verb

1. to be with other people for fun and relaxation rather than for work — for exampl

1.verbintransitiveB2
Definition

to be with other people for fun and relaxation rather than for work — for example, going to a party, having a meal together, or simply chatting

Example

After work, Yumi likes to socialise with her colleagues at a nearby cafe.

socialise + with + [person]

Haruto finds it hard to socialise at large parties where he does not know anyone.

find it + adj + to socialise

Common collocations
  • socialise with friends
  • socialise with colleagues
  • socialise after work
  • a chance to socialise
  • go out and socialise
Synonyms
  • mingle

    suggests moving around a group and talking to different people, especially at parties or events; more specific than socialise

  • interact

    more formal and broader in scope — can refer to any kind of communication, not just social enjoyment

  • network

    focuses on making professional contacts rather than relaxing with friends

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

socialise + with + [person]

Usage Note

Intransitive only — you cannot 'socialise someone' in this sense. Use the preposition 'with' to name who you spend time with.

Common Mistakes

We should socialise the new members over lunch.
We should socialise with the new members over lunch.
Sense 1 is intransitive and takes 'with', not a direct object.

2. to help a person or an animal learn how to act according to the unwritten rules

2.verbtransitiveC1
Definition

to help a person or an animal learn how to act according to the unwritten rules of a group, so that they fit in with other members

Example

Primary schools help socialise children by teaching them to share and take turns.

socialise + [person] + by + [method]

Sade worked hard to socialise her rescue dog with other animals at the local park.

Common collocations
  • socialise children
  • socialise puppies
  • socialise new members
  • socialise into the culture
  • properly socialised
Synonyms
  • train

    broader — can refer to any skill or behaviour; socialise carries the specific sense of fitting into a group or society

  • acculturate

    more formal and specifically about adapting to a different culture; less common than socialise

  • civilise

    outdated and can sound judgmental; socialise is neutral

Antonyms
  • alienate

    to cause someone to feel isolated from a group, the opposite of fitting in

Grammar Patterns

socialise + [person/animal] + into + [group/context]

be socialised + to-infinitive

Usage Note

Takes a direct object (the person or animal being trained). Frequently used in the passive. The preposition 'into' introduces the group or environment; 'to' introduces the target behaviour.

Common Mistakes

The school socialised with the children about good behaviour.
The school socialised the children to behave well.
Sense 2 takes a direct object, not the preposition 'with'.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

All five words describe connecting with people, but they differ in purpose and tone. 'Socialise' is the most general and neutral — it simply means spending enjoyable time with others, whether friends, colleagues, or strangers. 'Mingle' implies moving around within a group, talking briefly to many different people, typically at a party or event. 'Network' focuses on building professional relationships that may lead to career opportunities; it is more strategic than purely social. 'Interact' is the broadest and most formal — it covers any kind of communication or contact, from a conversation to a business meeting. 'Fraternise' often carries a slightly disapproving or military tone, suggesting socialising with people you should not associate with, such as a manager fraternising with junior staff. In everyday use, if you simply want to enjoy time with people, 'socialise' is the safest choice.

socialise ↗mingle ↗network ↗interact ↗fraternise

Common collocations

Nouns

  • opportunity to socialise
  • chance to socialise
  • need to socialise
  • way to socialise

Adverbs

  • socialise together
  • socialise freely
  • socialise easily
  • socialise actively

Phrases

  • go out and socialise
  • socialise with friends
  • meet and socialise

Prepositions

  • socialise with
  • socialise among
  • socialise into (sense 2)

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Derives from Latin 'socius' meaning 'companion' or 'ally'. This gave rise to Late Latin 'sociare' (to join or share), which passed into French as 'socialiser'. English borrowed the word in the 19th century, first as a transitive verb (sense 2, training someone to fit into society), and later took on the intransitive sense of spending time with companions.