Vocabulary
gregarious
adjective·/gruh-GAIR-ee-uhs/
Sociable and fond of company. A gregarious person loves being around people and is energized by it.
Gregarious is a warmer, more vivid word than "outgoing." It paints someone who actively seeks out company and lights up in a crowd, the friend who knows everyone at the party. It is almost always positive and is a great word to have ready when describing personalities in interviews ("I am gregarious, so client-facing work suits me"). Watch the spelling and the soft "g" at the start.
5 ways to use “gregarious” in a sentence
- “He is so gregarious that he had made three new friends before the coffee arrived.”
- “I am more reserved, but my gregarious coworker is perfect for events.”
- “Her gregarious nature makes her a natural at networking.”
- “The role needs someone gregarious who actually enjoys talking to strangers.”
- “Even online, his gregarious energy comes through in every call.”
Now say "gregarious" out loud, in your own sentence.
The fastest way to actually own a word is to use it when you speak, not just read it. Practice in TalkStride and get scored on how clearly it comes out.
Common mistakes
- Spelling or saying it with a hard G as in "gruh-GAIR"; the start is a soft "gruh."
- Confusing it with "gracious," which means courteous and kind, not sociable.
- Using it for someone merely friendly. Gregarious specifically means they seek out and thrive in company.
Similar words, and how they differ
outgoing
Outgoing is the plain everyday word. Gregarious is stronger, someone who actively loves and seeks company.
sociable
Sociable means comfortable with people. Gregarious means genuinely drawn to and energized by them.
extroverted
Extroverted is the personality-type term. Gregarious describes the visible behavior, loving company.