be known as, be referred to as or be called: ‘The distance that light travels in a year is called a light year.’ ‘Zaire was formerly known as the Congo.’ social 1
The next election was won by the Social Party.
The next election was won by the Socialist Party. social = connected with (life in a) society: ‘Government attempts to tackle two of today’s most serious social problems - crime and unemployment - have had no effect.’ Socialist = connected with socialism (the political system that favours equality of opportunity and public as opposed to private ownership): ‘Why is it that so many of these so-called socialists send their children to fee-paying schools?’ 2
Our new neighbours are not very social.
Our new neighbours are not very sociable. A person who enjoys meeting and being with other people is sociable: ‘You’ll like John - he’s very sociable and easy to get on with.’ society I was asked to give a talk about women and their role in the society.
I was asked to give a talk about women and their role in society. When it means ‘the general system which helps people to live together in an organized way’, society is uncountable and is used without the : ‘People who drink and drive are a danger to society.’ Compare: ‘Britain is a multi-racial society.’ solution Let us hope that there will be a peaceful solution of these problems.
Let us hope that there will be a peaceful solution to these problems. solution to a problem or difficult situation (NOT of ): ‘Divorce is not necessarily the best solution to an unhappy marriage, especially when there are children involved.’
