► socialrelating to human society and its organization, or the quality of people’s lives: The country has many serious social problems. It is unlikely that the existing social order will change.
► public relating to all the people in an area or country: Public opinion on the issue has changed in recent months.
► popular involving many or most of the ordinary people in a society or group: The new president has a lot of popular support.
► civic relating to being a citizen of a country or state: Voting is every citizen’s civic duty.
► societal relating to the conditions in or the organization of a society. Used especially in academic writing or news reports: What are the societal costs of a healthcare system built on private insurance?