socializing
UK[ˈsəʊʃəlaɪzɪŋ]US[ˈsoʊʃəlaɪzɪŋ]
v
The act of mixing socially with others, especially for pleasure or to build relationships.
v
The process of causing someone to behave in a way that is acceptable to their society.
Morpheme Breakdown
soci
al
izing
soci
companion
al
adjective suffix
izing
verb suffix
Etymology
The word's journey begins with the Proto-Indo-European root sekw- (to follow), which evolved into Latin socius, meaning a companion or ally in a shared venture. The adjective-forming suffix -alis was attached to create socialis, pertaining to companionship or community. Finally, the verb-forming suffix -ize, indicating a process of making or becoming, was added in the early 19th century. Thus, the literal meaning "to make companionable" evolved into the modern abstract senses of engaging in friendly interaction or training to fit into a group.
Analysis
Structure: soci (companion) + al (adjective suffix) + izing (verb suffix)
- soci: From Latin socius (companion, ally). Functions as the core root denoting association or fellowship.
- al: From Latin -alis (adjective-forming suffix). Converts the noun root into an adjective.
- izing: From Greek -izein via Latin -izare and Old French -iser (verb-forming suffix). Converts the adjective into a verb meaning "to make or become".
Examples
She enjoys socializing with her colleagues after work.
The puppy is socializing well with other dogs at the park.
A key part of childhood is socializing children into the norms of their culture.