socialt

Socialt is a Swedish word that functions as both an adjective in neuter singular form and as an adverb. It derives from the adjective social, meaning related to society or social relations, and agrees with the noun it modifies. When used before a neuter noun in singular form, it takes the ending -t: ett socialt sammanhang (a social context), ett socialt problem (a social problem). In plural contexts, the corresponding form is sociala: sociala nätverk, sociala frågor. Socialt also appears in compound nouns and fixed expressions, such as socialtjänst (the social services) and socialt kapital (social capital). In these compounds socialt functions as a bound element.

As an adverb, socialt can mean "in a social manner" or "socially": människor uppför sig socialt; det anses vara socialt accepterat. In daily use, socialt is common in discussions of sociology, public policy, and everyday life.

Etymology and relation to other terms: socialt is the neuter singular form of the adjective social, from Latin socialis via French and other European languages, cognate with English "social." The word participates in a wide range of collocations, from describing social contexts and behaviors to forming compounds that denote institutions and concepts tied to society. See also sociala relationer, sociala frågor, and samhällsrelaterat for related usage.