societal
societal
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "societal" is /səˈsaɪə.təl/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
so: /sə/ - This syllable starts with an "s" sound, followed by a schwa sound (the "uh" sound in "about").
ci: /ˈsaɪ/ - This syllable begins with an "s" sound, followed by the diphthong /aɪ/ (as in "eye"). The stress falls on this syllable.
e: /ə/ - This is a schwa sound.
tal: /təl/ - This syllable starts with a "t" sound, followed by a schwa sound and ends with an "l" sound.
Word Form Variations
The word "societal" primarily functions as an adjective. Therefore, it doesn't have typical singular/plural variations like nouns do. However, related forms exist:
societal: This is the base adjective form, meaning "relating to society or its organization."
society: This is the noun form, referring to a group of people living together in an ordered community. It does have singular and plural forms:
society (singular)
societies (plural)
social: This is another adjective, closely related to "societal," but often used in slightly different contexts. It also does not have singular/plural forms. It also has a related noun form:
socials (plural) which refers to social gatherings or events.
So, while "societal" itself doesn't inflect for number, it's derived from and related to the noun "society," which does.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
"Societal" primarily functions as an adjective. Here's a breakdown:
Adjective:
Definition: Relating to or characteristic of society or its structures; concerning the general welfare of a community. This encompasses the organization, interactions, and collective behavior of people living together.
Synonyms: Social, communal, collective, public, civic, general, cultural, demographic.
Antonyms: Individual, personal, private, isolated, solitary.
Example: "The government's policies had a significant societal impact."
Noun (Less Common, often used attributively):
While "societal" isn't typically used as a noun on its own, it can sometimes function attributively (like an adjective but acting more like a noun). In these cases it refers to a societal factor or influence.
Definition: A societal influence, factor, or force that shapes or affects a community. This usage is less standard and more implicit.
Synonyms: Influence, factor, force, trend, current, movement, condition.
Antonyms: (Difficult to define direct antonyms when used this way, as it depends on the specific context. One might consider "individual factor" or "personal influence" as loose opposites, but these aren't perfect).
Example: "Addressing the societal level of poverty requires multifaceted solutions." (Here, "societal" acts almost like a noun representing the societal aspects of poverty).
Other Word Classes:
"Societal" does not function as a verb or adverb in standard English usage. You wouldn't say "to societal" something or describe something as happening "societally."
Examples of Use
Books:
"The book explores the societal impact of technological advancements on employment."
"Understanding the societal context of the French Revolution is crucial for interpreting its causes and consequences."
Newspapers/Online Publications:
"The article discusses the societal challenges of an aging population."
"Experts debate the societal implications of artificial intelligence."
"Rising income inequality is a major societal concern."
Entertainment Mediums/Platforms:
"The documentary examines the societal factors contributing to the opioid crisis."
"The film explores the societal pressures faced by young people today."
"Video games often reflect and sometimes critique societal norms and values."
General Public Discourse:
"There's a growing societal awareness of environmental issues." (Common phrase used in everyday conversations and discussions.)
"We need to address the societal stigma surrounding mental health." (Common phrase used in everyday conversations and discussions.)
"The pandemic has had a profound societal impact." (Common phrase used in everyday conversations and discussions.)
10 Famous Quotes Using Societal
"Societal transformation begins with individual awakening." — Eckhart Tolle (paraphrased from teachings)
"Racism is not just an individual attitude — it is a societal disease that infects institutions and minds alike." — Angela Davis
"Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable — it must reflect societal truths." — César A. Cruz (often quoted in activist and artistic circles)
"Societal progress is measured not by wealth, but by how we treat the most vulnerable among us." — Mahatma Gandhi (adapted from his principle of justice)
"Every societal collapse begins with the breakdown of truth and shared reality." — Yuval Noah Harari (paraphrased from Sapiens)
"We must be alert to the societal consequences of technologies that outpace our ethics." — Sherry Turkle
"Societal norms often masquerade as moral absolutes — and that is where oppression hides." — bell hooks
"Gender is a societal construct, and like all constructs, it can be questioned, reshaped, or torn down." — Judith Butler
"The measure of a society is found in how it treats those who have the least — a societal mirror we often ignore." — Cornel West
"Environmental degradation is not just an ecological issue, it’s a societal failure." — Wangari Maathai
Etymology
Root: The core of the word is "society." This comes from the Latin word "societas," which meant "partnership," "association," or "fellowship." Think of it as the bond between people.
Suffix: We add "-al" to "society" to make it "societal." The suffix "-al" is a common one in English, and it turns a noun (society) into an adjective (societal). It basically means "relating to" or "pertaining to."
Putting it together: So, "societal" literally means "relating to society." It describes things that have to do with how people live together in groups, their interactions, their communities, and their cultures.
It's tricky to pinpoint the very first use of "societal" because language evolves gradually. However, its use became more common in the 19th century as the study of society (sociology) developed and as people became more interested in understanding how societies function. You'll find increasing usage in written works from that period onward, dealing with social issues, political structures, and the overall organization of communities. The meaning has remained consistent: relating to or characteristic of society.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Societal
1. Phrases using "societal":
Societal norms: This is a common collocation, referring to the unwritten rules that govern behavior in a society.
Societal impact: This phrase is frequently used to discuss the effects of policies, technologies, or events on society.
Societal change: Refers to shifts in the structure, values, or behaviors of a society.
Societal issues/problems: Commonly used to describe challenges facing a community or society.
Societal well-being: Focuses on the overall health and happiness of a society.
2. Phrases with similar meaning (using synonyms):
While not using "societal" directly, these phrases capture related ideas:
Social fabric: Refers to the structure of social relationships and connections that hold a society together.
Community spirit: Highlights the sense of belonging and cooperation within a community.
Public discourse: Refers to the exchange of ideas and opinions on matters of public concern.
Social responsibility: Emphasizes the obligation of individuals and organizations to act in ways that benefit society.
3. Original phrases (less common/hypothetical):
To illustrate how "societal" could be used in more figurative language, here are some less common or even original examples:
"The weight of societal expectations pressed down on her." (This uses "societal" in a more metaphorical way, though it's not a standard idiom.)
"He navigated the complex currents of societal change." (Again, metaphorical, not a set phrase.)
"She felt the pulse of societal unease." (Figurative use.)
Why are there few idioms with "societal"?
As mentioned earlier, "societal" is a more formal and analytical term. Idioms, on the other hand, tend to be more colorful, informal, and often rooted in everyday experiences. "Societal" is more likely to appear in academic papers, news articles, or policy discussions than in casual conversation or figurative language. It's a word for describing and analyzing society, not usually for creating vivid imagery or figures of speech.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of societal from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
