antisocial
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antisocial
Describes behavior that is inconsiderate toward the community or other people. In colloquial language, it is often used as an insult for selfish or antisocial behavior.
Er hat seinen Müll einfach auf die Straße geworfen, das ist total asozial.
He just threw his trash onto the street; that's totally antisocial.
The word is made up of the Greek prefix 'a-' (meaning 'un-' or 'not') and the word 'sozial' (social). Literally, it therefore means 'un-social' or 'not capable of community life'.
Sein Verhalten war egoistisch und unkooperativ, also wirklich asozial.
His behavior was selfish and uncooperative, so really antisocial.
In today's usage, 'asozial' (antisocial) is usually a strong, colloquial insult. It expresses great annoyance about inconsiderate or selfish behavior.
Wer im Zug laut telefoniert, verhält sich asozial.
Someone who talks loudly on the phone on the train is behaving antisocially.
The sociological meaning is very rare today and heavily burdened by history in a negative way. The term was used during the Nazi era to stigmatize and persecute people who did not conform to social norms.
Historische Dokumente zeigen, wie der Begriff „Asoziale“ zur Ausgrenzung genutzt wurde.
Historical documents show how the term 'Asoziale' (asocials) was used for exclusion.
social
'sozial' and 'asozial' are clear opposites. 'sozial' describes behavior that is considerate, helps others, or enjoys contact with people. 'asozial' describes inconsiderate behavior toward others or the community. The word is strongly negative and is often used as an insult in everyday language. Learners may confuse the words because of their similar form, but their meanings are almost opposite. Be careful: you should use 'asozial' only when you really want to express a harsh judgment about someone's behavior.
Es ist asozial, nachts laut Musik zu hören, wenn die Nachbarn schlafen wollen.
It is antisocial to play loud music at night when the neighbors want to sleep.
Ali ist sehr sozial und hilft seinen Nachbarn oft beim Einkaufen.
Ali is very sociable and often helps his neighbors with their shopping.