August 22, 2011
- socialize (verb)
- \SOH-shuh-lyze\
- What does it mean?
- 1 : to make social; especially : to make fit for a social environment2 : to take part in social activities
- How do you use it?
- Maria is a people-person who loves being around family and friends and takes advantage of every opportunity to socialize with them.
- Are you a word wiz?
The association of English and Latin led to today's Buzzword; the English word "socialize" ultimately traces back to Latin "socius." What do you think "socius" means?
Answer A is your ally in today's quiz. The Latin root "socius" means "companion, ally, associate." From "socius," Latin speakers formed "socialis," which English speakers in the 14th century borrowed to form our word "social." In the early 19th century the prefix "-ize" was added to "social" to form the verb "socialize." "Associate" is another member of the sociable "socius" family; it means "to join or come together as partners, friends, or companions." "Society," meaning "companionship with one's fellows" or "company," also has "socius" as its root word.
