gregariously

Gregariously is an adverb describing an action carried out in a sociable, outgoing, or convivial manner. It is derived from the adjective gregarious, which characterizes a tendency to seek and enjoy the company of others.

Etymology and sense fluidity: The term ultimately comes from Latin gregarius, meaning belonging to a flock, with the sense broadened in English to refer to sociable behavior. As an adverb, gregariously modifies verbs to convey how an action is performed—specifically, with sociability or in a group-oriented way.

Usage and connotations: Gregariously is commonly applied to people in social settings, such as parties, meetings, or gatherings, where interactive, friendly behavior is evident. It can also describe animals known for living in herds or flocks, though in those cases writers may prefer the noun form “gregarious” to describe the species as a whole.

Examples in context: They greeted the newcomers gregariously, circulating through the crowd with easy conversation. The researchers observed the birds moving gregariously, maintaining close distances within the flock. In formal writing, the adverb may appear alongside verbs like mingle, chat, or socialize to emphasize a sociable mode of action.

Related terms: The adjective gregarious, the noun gregariousness, and related concepts such as sociable and extroverted. Gregariously tends to appear in more formal or literary contexts rather than everyday colloquial speech.