Social Behaviors Vocabulary

fond of company; sociable

“The gregarious host made everyone feel welcome at the party.”

Origin: Latin `gregarius` from `grex` (flock, herd)

friendly, good-natured, and easy to talk to

“His affable manner put nervous interviewees at ease.”

Origin: Latin `affabilis` from `affari` (to speak to), from `ad-` (to) + `fari` (speak)

friendly, lively, and enjoyable; fond of feasting

“The convivial atmosphere made the dinner party a success.”

Origin: Latin `convivialis` from `convivium` (feast), from `con-` (together) + `vivere` (to live)

having a friendly and pleasant manner

“She was amiable and got along with everyone.”

Origin: Old French `amiable` from Latin `amicabilis` from `amicus` (friend)

reserved or uncommunicative; saying little

“The taciturn stranger sat alone at the bar.”

Origin: Latin `taciturnus` from `tacitus` (silent), from `tacere` (to be silent)

not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily

“He was reticent about discussing his past.”

Origin: Latin `reticent-` from `reticere` (remain silent), from `re-` (intensive) + `tacere` (be silent)

using very few words; brief and concise

“Her laconic reply gave nothing away.”

Origin: Greek `Lakōnikos` (Spartan), referring to the terse speech of Spartans from Laconia

tending to talk a great deal; talkative

“The loquacious guest dominated every conversation.”

Origin: Latin `loquax` from `loqui` (to speak)

excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters

“The garrulous neighbor chatted for hours about nothing.”

Origin: Latin `garrulus` from `garrire` (to chatter, prattle)

speaking fluently and at length

“She became voluble when discussing her favorite subject.”

Origin: Latin `volubilis` (rolling, revolving) from `volvere` (to roll)

excessively compliant or deferential

“His obsequious behavior around the boss was embarrassing.”

Origin: Latin `obsequiosus` from `obsequium` (compliance), from `obsequi` (to comply)

excessively willing to serve or please others

“The servile attitude was demeaning to watch.”

Origin: Latin `servilis` from `servus` (slave)

eager or quick to argue or fight; aggressively defiant

“His truculent manner alienated potential allies.”

Origin: Latin `truculentus` from `trux` (fierce, savage)

demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight

“The bellicose rhetoric raised fears of conflict.”

Origin: Latin `bellicosus` from `bellicus` (warlike), from `bellum` (war)

eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight

“The pugnacious debater never backed down from a challenge.”

Origin: Latin `pugnax` from `pugnare` (to fight), from `pugnus` (fist)

causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument

“The contentious issue divided the community.”

Origin: Latin `contentiosus` from `contendere` (to contend), from `con-` (with) + `tendere` (to stretch)

skilled in dealing with sensitive matters tactfully

“Her diplomatic approach resolved the conflict peacefully.”

Origin: French `diplomatique` from `diplôme` (official document), from Greek `diploma` (folded paper)

generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival

“The magnanimous winner praised his opponent's effort.”

Origin: Latin `magnanimus` from `magnus` (great) + `animus` (soul, spirit)

well-meaning and kindly; charitable

“The benevolent organization provided food to thousands.”

Origin: Latin `benevolent-` from `bene` (well) + `velle` (to wish)

having or showing a wish to do evil to others

“The malevolent villain plotted the hero's downfall.”

Origin: Latin `malevolent-` from `male` (ill) + `velle` (to wish)

lacking good manners, refinement, or grace

“His uncouth behavior at the dinner table shocked the guests.”

Origin: Old English `uncūth` (unknown, unfamiliar), from `un-` (not) + `cūth` (known)

elegant and cultured in appearance, manner, or taste

“Her refined taste was evident in her beautifully decorated home.”

Origin: French `raffiner` from `re-` (again) + Old French `affiner` (to purify), from `fin` (fine)