gregarious

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "gregarious" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective meaning fond of the company of other people, and often used to describe someone as sociable or outgoing. Example sentence: Jennifer is known for her gregarious personality and always seems to be surrounded by friends.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Blackford recalled a "bright, articulate and gregarious" opponent, who he said had been someone who could "rise above party politics".

The Guardian

For all his gloomy prognostication and his passionate commitment to protest, Goldsmith was a gregarious and exuberant bon vivant, a gifted raconteur who hosted parties in his homes in rural Cornwall, London, Paris and the south of France.

The Guardian

Charlie was gregarious; he morris-danced and taught us how to lob a rotten apple (on the end of a pruning saw, it curve-balls perfectly and hits the unexpected in a great splatter).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Instead, I am greeted by the most gregarious 54 year old, hair fashioned into a Tintin quiff, neck wrapped in a Bertie Wooster-ish scarf, eyes shining with life.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Fitt's strengths were his gregarious ability to talk, drink and empathise across any divide, and his lack of caution when he felt an injustice threatened.

The Guardian

For a man as ferociously intelligent, quick and gregarious as Hawking, the complete inability to interact normally must be a catastrophe.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rubens is not a solitary source of painterly genius, but a gregarious master who never hid his own quotations of earlier art.

The Guardian - Arts

"I'm naturally quite a gregarious person.

The Guardian - Sport

Call in the Bat Conservation Trust.Clayton actually contains only two roosting bats, but they are an unusually gregarious couple, inviting over scores of friends to fly among the rafters, and defecate with abandon.

The Economist

Dr Theis compared one of the solitary species, the striped hyena, with the gregarious one, the spotted hyena, which lives in clans that have as many as 90 animals in them.

The Economist

A famously gregarious entertainer and cocky marketer he proposes "CRM" for his ticker symbol, the equivalent of, say, Porsche asking for "CAR Mr Benioff finds it hard not to talk to journalists.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Apply the term to animal behavior when describing species that live in herds, packs or colonies to add scientific precision to your writing.

Common error

Do not use "gregarious" as a simple synonym for "talkative" or "garrulous". While a "gregarious" person is often talkative, the word specifically describes the preference for being in a crowd or group rather than the volume of their speech.

Linguistic Context

The word "gregarious" functions as an adjective. As noted by Ludwig, it modifies nouns to indicate a preference for group environments or social interaction. It is frequently paired with personality descriptions or biological classifications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

19%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0.5%

Reference

0.3%

Wiki

0.2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "gregarious" is a robust and sophisticated adjective that bridges the gap between human psychology and zoological behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its high frequency in elite publications, where it is used to describe everything from flamboyant political figures to herd-dwelling animals. While it is synonymous with being "sociable", its specific nuance lies in the innate drive to be part of a group. Whether you are writing a biography, a news report or a scientific paper, "gregarious" remains a precise and authoritative choice for describing a love for company.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sociable

The most direct synonym, emphasizing a friendly and pleasant manner when interacting with others

outgoing

Suggests a proactive and energetic approach to social situations and meeting new people

extroverted

A psychological term focusing on a person who gains energy from social interaction rather than solitude

convivial

Implies a fondness for festive company, good food and lively social atmospheres

affable

Focuses on being easy to talk to and showing a gentle, friendly disposition

genial

Highlights warmth and cheerfulness in one's social interactions

companionable

Describes someone who is pleasant to be with, often in a more quiet or steady way

clubbable

A primarily British term for someone who is well-suited to social life and group settings

amiable

Suggests a generally likeable and peaceable nature in social contexts

social

The most basic and broad term for living in communities or enjoying company

FAQs

How do I use "gregarious" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe both people and animals, such as: "She was a "gregarious" host who thrived in the center of the party" or "The prairie dog is a highly "gregarious" creature that lives in complex underground colonies".

What can I say instead of "gregarious"?

You can use alternatives like "sociable", "outgoing" or "extroverted" depending on whether you are describing a general personality or a specific social energy.

Is there a difference between "gregarious" and sociable?

While very similar, "gregarious" often carries a connotation of being naturally drawn to large groups or crowds, whereas "sociable" can simply mean being friendly and easy to engage in conversation.

What is the opposite of "gregarious"?

The most common antonyms are "solitary", "unsociable" or "reserved".