Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: "Gregarious" Hosted by Merriam-Webster | Released on March 8, 2025

Introduction

In the March 8th episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, hosted by Peter Sokolowski, the focus is on the adjective "gregarious." This episode delves deep into the meaning, usage, history, and applications of the word, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding to enhance their vocabulary.

Definition and Usage

Peter Sokolowski begins by clearly defining "gregarious":

"Gregarious is an adjective. It's used to describe someone who enjoys the company of other people."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:42]

To illustrate its usage, he references a sentence from the BBC by David Robson:

"How can we reap the benefits of deep connection if we are not naturally gregarious and extroverted?"
— David Robson, BBC [00:42]

This example highlights how "gregarious" is employed to discuss social behavior and the importance of social connections.

Insights on Social Skills

Sokolowski offers insightful observations on social skills, equating them to muscles:

"Our social skills are like our muscles. The more we use them, the stronger they become."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:42]

He emphasizes that even individuals who identify as introverts can develop and enhance their sociability if they choose to, suggesting that "gregariousness" isn't solely an innate trait but can be cultivated.

Historical Context and Etymology

The episode traces the origins of "gregarious," noting its initial association with animals:

"Everyone knows that birds of a feather flock together, so it comes as no surprise that the word gregarious was applied mainly to animals when it first began appearing in English texts in the 17th century."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:42]

He explains that the term derives from the Latin noun "grex," meaning flock or herd. This connection underscores the inherent social nature of certain animals, making the term a natural fit.

Application to the Animal Kingdom

Using the example of starlings, Sokolowski illustrates "gregariousness" in the animal world:

"Take starlings, for example, which congregate in massive numbers. We define the word starling as any of a family of usually dark, gregarious birds, meaning that starlings are inclined to associate with others of their kind."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:42]

This example serves to bridge the gap between the word's historical use and its modern application to human behavior.

Evolution of Meaning Over Time

By the 18th century, the term "gregarious" expanded beyond the animal kingdom to describe humans:

"By the 18th century, gregarious was being used to describe social human beings as well, be they Chatty Cathys or convivial Connors who relish being in the company of others."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:42]

This evolution reflects societal changes and the increasing recognition of social traits in humans.

Conclusion

Peter Sokolowski wraps up the episode by reinforcing the versatility and depth of the word "gregarious," encouraging listeners to incorporate it into their own vocabulary to describe both themselves and others more accurately.

"With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowski."
— Peter Sokolowski [02:20]

Additional Resources

For listeners interested in exploring more, Sokolowski directs them to Merriam-Webster's website:

"Visit merriamwebster.com today for definitions, wordplay and trending word lookups."
— Host [02:20]

Key Takeaways

• Definition: Gregarious describes someone who enjoys the company of others.
• Usage Example: Emphasizes the importance of social connections for benefits.
• Social Skills: Comparable to muscles; can be developed over time.
• Etymology: Originates from Latin "grex," meaning flock or herd.
• Historical Usage: Initially applied to animals, later to humans by the 18th century.
• Modern Application: Describes both extroverted individuals and social behaviors.

This episode provides a rich exploration of "gregarious," offering listeners not only a definition but also practical applications and historical context, making it a valuable addition to anyone's vocabulary toolkit.