Words / C2

gri-GAIRR-ee-uh-s/ɡrɪˈɡeəriəs/

Gregarious means fond of company; sociable: a gregarious colleague, gregarious animals (living in groups). Sociable and outgoing are everyday; garrulous (already in the dictionary) is talkative to a fault. Do not call a quiet professional unfriendly merely for not being gregarious.

Meaning

Liking to be with other people; sociable.

Examples

• “A gregarious dean still had to sign a solitary fire report.”
• “Sociable is everyday. Outgoing is similar. Garrulous is too talkative (already in C2). Solitary and aloof sit at the other end. Introversion is not a moral failing in a sign-off.”

Good to know

Outgoing; fond of company. Everyday: sociable. Contrast: garrulous (too talkative). Quiet competence is not rudeness.

Near in meaning

sociable

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