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Is there a word to describe someone who is, or the state of being, content with hanging around others without interacting with them?
Someone who prefers no cussing around themHow to describe someone who “tells the truth” with no respect for others' feelings?Is there a word to describe someone who tends to disagree with others only to upset them?Is there a word for someone who has others do all their work for them?Word for a person who talks without contentWhat's a word for a positive kind of “envy” without the sense of resentment?Word for someone who always questions othersIs there a word for someone who makes others better?What is a word to describe someone who enjoys interacting with children?Word for the state of being compelled
.everyoneloves__top-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__mid-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__bot-mid-leaderboard:empty margin-bottom:0;
I've always been one to enjoy the company of others while off doing my own thing. Examples would be driving along in the car where everyone is laughing, conversing, and having a good time but I don't need to interact or join in. Alternatively, having company over at my house while I'm watching Netflix or playing a video game.
Not because I'm nervous or introverted, but because I simply enjoy the presence of others. I'm content and happy with the fact that I know everyone is okay and having a good time. In fact, I'd probably describe myself as an extrovert because I gain energy from being around others and will still at times chime in and interact with ease.
Is there a word to describe this kind of person or perhaps the state of feeling that way?
I've done countless searches on Google for a word that fits this description. I haven't been able to find a single result even close to it.
Possible Example Sentences:
For the possibility that the best fitting word is a noun:
"He found himself in a state of bliss knowing all his friends were
okay. As a __________, he thought this very comforting.""She was a true __________; always happy with people around but never
feeling the need to join the conversation."
For the possibility that the best fitting word is an adverb:
"She sat quietly, happily in the state of __________ reading her book
while her friends splashed about in the pool.""Feeling somewhat __________, he was perfectly okay with playing his
video games while remaining somewhat aloof from his friends who were
drinking and being rowdy."
single-word-requests
New contributor
add a comment |
I've always been one to enjoy the company of others while off doing my own thing. Examples would be driving along in the car where everyone is laughing, conversing, and having a good time but I don't need to interact or join in. Alternatively, having company over at my house while I'm watching Netflix or playing a video game.
Not because I'm nervous or introverted, but because I simply enjoy the presence of others. I'm content and happy with the fact that I know everyone is okay and having a good time. In fact, I'd probably describe myself as an extrovert because I gain energy from being around others and will still at times chime in and interact with ease.
Is there a word to describe this kind of person or perhaps the state of feeling that way?
I've done countless searches on Google for a word that fits this description. I haven't been able to find a single result even close to it.
Possible Example Sentences:
For the possibility that the best fitting word is a noun:
"He found himself in a state of bliss knowing all his friends were
okay. As a __________, he thought this very comforting.""She was a true __________; always happy with people around but never
feeling the need to join the conversation."
For the possibility that the best fitting word is an adverb:
"She sat quietly, happily in the state of __________ reading her book
while her friends splashed about in the pool.""Feeling somewhat __________, he was perfectly okay with playing his
video games while remaining somewhat aloof from his friends who were
drinking and being rowdy."
single-word-requests
New contributor
1
After all the requests for pejorative language, this is refreshing.
– Cascabel
8 hours ago
1
@Cascabel Thank you for your feed back. I chose the variation of both adverb and noun to allow the possibility for both (as suggested by the title question). I should have been more clear, though. Thank you for pointing that out!
– Cody Patterson
6 hours ago
@Cascabel I see what you're saying; reading the question again now it is pretty hard to understand. How would you ask the title to include both in a concise way?
– Cody Patterson
6 hours ago
NO...your title is great, and describes amy number of people that I have known. A little long, but better than the usual slew of indescribable titles. Work your examples. Or...work your tags. SWR tags are extremely demanding, given the politics of the page. Narrow it it down to one POS.
– Cascabel
6 hours ago
Look...I am gonna edit the Q to restrict it to NOUNS; if you are unhappy with the edits you can always "roll-back"....or re-edit.
– Cascabel
6 hours ago
add a comment |
I've always been one to enjoy the company of others while off doing my own thing. Examples would be driving along in the car where everyone is laughing, conversing, and having a good time but I don't need to interact or join in. Alternatively, having company over at my house while I'm watching Netflix or playing a video game.
Not because I'm nervous or introverted, but because I simply enjoy the presence of others. I'm content and happy with the fact that I know everyone is okay and having a good time. In fact, I'd probably describe myself as an extrovert because I gain energy from being around others and will still at times chime in and interact with ease.
Is there a word to describe this kind of person or perhaps the state of feeling that way?
I've done countless searches on Google for a word that fits this description. I haven't been able to find a single result even close to it.
Possible Example Sentences:
For the possibility that the best fitting word is a noun:
"He found himself in a state of bliss knowing all his friends were
okay. As a __________, he thought this very comforting.""She was a true __________; always happy with people around but never
feeling the need to join the conversation."
For the possibility that the best fitting word is an adverb:
"She sat quietly, happily in the state of __________ reading her book
while her friends splashed about in the pool.""Feeling somewhat __________, he was perfectly okay with playing his
video games while remaining somewhat aloof from his friends who were
drinking and being rowdy."
single-word-requests
New contributor
I've always been one to enjoy the company of others while off doing my own thing. Examples would be driving along in the car where everyone is laughing, conversing, and having a good time but I don't need to interact or join in. Alternatively, having company over at my house while I'm watching Netflix or playing a video game.
Not because I'm nervous or introverted, but because I simply enjoy the presence of others. I'm content and happy with the fact that I know everyone is okay and having a good time. In fact, I'd probably describe myself as an extrovert because I gain energy from being around others and will still at times chime in and interact with ease.
Is there a word to describe this kind of person or perhaps the state of feeling that way?
I've done countless searches on Google for a word that fits this description. I haven't been able to find a single result even close to it.
Possible Example Sentences:
For the possibility that the best fitting word is a noun:
"He found himself in a state of bliss knowing all his friends were
okay. As a __________, he thought this very comforting.""She was a true __________; always happy with people around but never
feeling the need to join the conversation."
For the possibility that the best fitting word is an adverb:
"She sat quietly, happily in the state of __________ reading her book
while her friends splashed about in the pool.""Feeling somewhat __________, he was perfectly okay with playing his
video games while remaining somewhat aloof from his friends who were
drinking and being rowdy."
single-word-requests
single-word-requests
New contributor
New contributor
edited 31 mins ago
aparente001
15.7k4 gold badges36 silver badges74 bronze badges
15.7k4 gold badges36 silver badges74 bronze badges
New contributor
asked 8 hours ago
Cody PattersonCody Patterson
213 bronze badges
213 bronze badges
New contributor
New contributor
1
After all the requests for pejorative language, this is refreshing.
– Cascabel
8 hours ago
1
@Cascabel Thank you for your feed back. I chose the variation of both adverb and noun to allow the possibility for both (as suggested by the title question). I should have been more clear, though. Thank you for pointing that out!
– Cody Patterson
6 hours ago
@Cascabel I see what you're saying; reading the question again now it is pretty hard to understand. How would you ask the title to include both in a concise way?
– Cody Patterson
6 hours ago
NO...your title is great, and describes amy number of people that I have known. A little long, but better than the usual slew of indescribable titles. Work your examples. Or...work your tags. SWR tags are extremely demanding, given the politics of the page. Narrow it it down to one POS.
– Cascabel
6 hours ago
Look...I am gonna edit the Q to restrict it to NOUNS; if you are unhappy with the edits you can always "roll-back"....or re-edit.
– Cascabel
6 hours ago
add a comment |
1
After all the requests for pejorative language, this is refreshing.
– Cascabel
8 hours ago
1
@Cascabel Thank you for your feed back. I chose the variation of both adverb and noun to allow the possibility for both (as suggested by the title question). I should have been more clear, though. Thank you for pointing that out!
– Cody Patterson
6 hours ago
@Cascabel I see what you're saying; reading the question again now it is pretty hard to understand. How would you ask the title to include both in a concise way?
– Cody Patterson
6 hours ago
NO...your title is great, and describes amy number of people that I have known. A little long, but better than the usual slew of indescribable titles. Work your examples. Or...work your tags. SWR tags are extremely demanding, given the politics of the page. Narrow it it down to one POS.
– Cascabel
6 hours ago
Look...I am gonna edit the Q to restrict it to NOUNS; if you are unhappy with the edits you can always "roll-back"....or re-edit.
– Cascabel
6 hours ago
1
1
After all the requests for pejorative language, this is refreshing.
– Cascabel
8 hours ago
After all the requests for pejorative language, this is refreshing.
– Cascabel
8 hours ago
1
1
@Cascabel Thank you for your feed back. I chose the variation of both adverb and noun to allow the possibility for both (as suggested by the title question). I should have been more clear, though. Thank you for pointing that out!
– Cody Patterson
6 hours ago
@Cascabel Thank you for your feed back. I chose the variation of both adverb and noun to allow the possibility for both (as suggested by the title question). I should have been more clear, though. Thank you for pointing that out!
– Cody Patterson
6 hours ago
@Cascabel I see what you're saying; reading the question again now it is pretty hard to understand. How would you ask the title to include both in a concise way?
– Cody Patterson
6 hours ago
@Cascabel I see what you're saying; reading the question again now it is pretty hard to understand. How would you ask the title to include both in a concise way?
– Cody Patterson
6 hours ago
NO...your title is great, and describes amy number of people that I have known. A little long, but better than the usual slew of indescribable titles. Work your examples. Or...work your tags. SWR tags are extremely demanding, given the politics of the page. Narrow it it down to one POS.
– Cascabel
6 hours ago
NO...your title is great, and describes amy number of people that I have known. A little long, but better than the usual slew of indescribable titles. Work your examples. Or...work your tags. SWR tags are extremely demanding, given the politics of the page. Narrow it it down to one POS.
– Cascabel
6 hours ago
Look...I am gonna edit the Q to restrict it to NOUNS; if you are unhappy with the edits you can always "roll-back"....or re-edit.
– Cascabel
6 hours ago
Look...I am gonna edit the Q to restrict it to NOUNS; if you are unhappy with the edits you can always "roll-back"....or re-edit.
– Cascabel
6 hours ago
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
English has better options for describing the ongoing state of "comfort without interaction" than it does for describing a person who is habitually comfortable this way.
The phrases "companionable silence" and "comfortable silence" are commonly used to describe this state of affairs:
My husband and I can often be found together in companionable silence, whether out at dinner or at home, for which I am truly grateful.
(Joanna Rawbone, The joy of companionable silence)
If you can maintain a comfortable silence with someone and enjoy their company without fidgeting or worrying about what they are thinking, your relationship will stand the test of time.
(Arohie Chopra, How To Use Silence To Put Your Relationship To The Test)
These phrases contrast with "awkward silence."
However, I don't have a good term for a person who has the trait of finding such silences comfortable.
Informally, I would probably describe such a person as "chill," but this is much less specific than what you're asking for; it just means someone who is pleasantly non-stressful to be around. If I wanted to be more specific, I would have to bust out a whole sentence, like "Tom is usually pretty quiet, but he's good company."
New contributor
I like this answer as well, however, it's not quite what I'm searching for. Silence is not what I'm really describing. In fact, usually the opposite would be surrounding the subject who, themselves, are silent. Perhaps not silent themselves, too. There could be the occasional victorious outburst after winning an intense match of video games! Again though, I appreciate your answer! :)
– Cody Patterson
6 hours ago
Hi, Cody. Please try to use potential answers to restrict your question... but in the question . Do not leave users looking for nuggets of info in the comment section. OK? @CodyPatterson
– Cascabel
6 hours ago
add a comment |
The problem is that, much of the time, such behavior is seen as a sign of introversion, so the available expressions like wallflower denote shyness rather than something more productive like working contentedly in a busy coffee shop.
Meanwhile, a word like bystander emphasizes nonengagement, but in no way addresses the state of the person doing it. Are they content? Scared? Furthermore, a bystander suggests an activity or event: it doesn't make much sense to be a bystander in your own home when friends are over. As for its synonyms, onlooker and other options suggest a kind of observation that need not be present. You're not necessarily looking or listening all the time; you're playing video games or watching Netflix.
So because the direct options are imperfect, I suggest going more general and then specifying what you mean: you companion or accompany (verb) or you are companionate (adj). The verb usage of the word companion is fairly unusual, but it is attested in dictionaries like Merriam-Webster:
transitive verb
: accompany
He is companioned on the trip by his wife.
intransitive verb :
to keep company
fellows that he'd companioned with many years ago
Keeping company can entail a broad range of activity, from direct interaction to having people in the same space as you. Hence you are companionate: you suitably or harmoniously accompany others. You would need to specify how these terms should be understood through context, but in the context of your sentence with its gloss the phrasing would make sense:
She was truly companionate; always happy with people around but never feeling the need to join the conversation."
Or, with the verb and some modification:
She accompanies rather than participates; she is happy with people around but doesn't feel the need to join the conversation
Thank you for your answer. I like this one, much like the comment from A_S00, yet a little closer to the target of what I'm looking for. I may have to settle for this if there is no direct option for word choice. I appreciate your answer. :)
– Cody Patterson
6 hours ago
Hi, T. I usually really like your answers for their precision. This feels too broad to me.
– Cascabel
5 hours ago
Neverthe less...I gave it a +1
– Cascabel
5 hours ago
1
@Cascabel that's fair. I think companionable silence was what I tried and failed to get at.
– TaliesinMerlin
5 hours ago
Serve to lead...
– Cascabel
5 hours ago
add a comment |
The nearest I can find is self-effacing.
"He found himself in a state of bliss knowing all his friends were
okay. As a__self-effacing man.___, he thought this very comforting."
"She was truly ___self-effacing____ ; always happy with people around
but never feeling the need to join the conversation."
self-effacing: adjective UK; not making yourself noticeable, or not trying to get the attention of other people:
Somehow this seems appropriate for such a self-effacing man.Link C.E.D.
New contributor
add a comment |
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3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
English has better options for describing the ongoing state of "comfort without interaction" than it does for describing a person who is habitually comfortable this way.
The phrases "companionable silence" and "comfortable silence" are commonly used to describe this state of affairs:
My husband and I can often be found together in companionable silence, whether out at dinner or at home, for which I am truly grateful.
(Joanna Rawbone, The joy of companionable silence)
If you can maintain a comfortable silence with someone and enjoy their company without fidgeting or worrying about what they are thinking, your relationship will stand the test of time.
(Arohie Chopra, How To Use Silence To Put Your Relationship To The Test)
These phrases contrast with "awkward silence."
However, I don't have a good term for a person who has the trait of finding such silences comfortable.
Informally, I would probably describe such a person as "chill," but this is much less specific than what you're asking for; it just means someone who is pleasantly non-stressful to be around. If I wanted to be more specific, I would have to bust out a whole sentence, like "Tom is usually pretty quiet, but he's good company."
New contributor
I like this answer as well, however, it's not quite what I'm searching for. Silence is not what I'm really describing. In fact, usually the opposite would be surrounding the subject who, themselves, are silent. Perhaps not silent themselves, too. There could be the occasional victorious outburst after winning an intense match of video games! Again though, I appreciate your answer! :)
– Cody Patterson
6 hours ago
Hi, Cody. Please try to use potential answers to restrict your question... but in the question . Do not leave users looking for nuggets of info in the comment section. OK? @CodyPatterson
– Cascabel
6 hours ago
add a comment |
English has better options for describing the ongoing state of "comfort without interaction" than it does for describing a person who is habitually comfortable this way.
The phrases "companionable silence" and "comfortable silence" are commonly used to describe this state of affairs:
My husband and I can often be found together in companionable silence, whether out at dinner or at home, for which I am truly grateful.
(Joanna Rawbone, The joy of companionable silence)
If you can maintain a comfortable silence with someone and enjoy their company without fidgeting or worrying about what they are thinking, your relationship will stand the test of time.
(Arohie Chopra, How To Use Silence To Put Your Relationship To The Test)
These phrases contrast with "awkward silence."
However, I don't have a good term for a person who has the trait of finding such silences comfortable.
Informally, I would probably describe such a person as "chill," but this is much less specific than what you're asking for; it just means someone who is pleasantly non-stressful to be around. If I wanted to be more specific, I would have to bust out a whole sentence, like "Tom is usually pretty quiet, but he's good company."
New contributor
I like this answer as well, however, it's not quite what I'm searching for. Silence is not what I'm really describing. In fact, usually the opposite would be surrounding the subject who, themselves, are silent. Perhaps not silent themselves, too. There could be the occasional victorious outburst after winning an intense match of video games! Again though, I appreciate your answer! :)
– Cody Patterson
6 hours ago
Hi, Cody. Please try to use potential answers to restrict your question... but in the question . Do not leave users looking for nuggets of info in the comment section. OK? @CodyPatterson
– Cascabel
6 hours ago
add a comment |
English has better options for describing the ongoing state of "comfort without interaction" than it does for describing a person who is habitually comfortable this way.
The phrases "companionable silence" and "comfortable silence" are commonly used to describe this state of affairs:
My husband and I can often be found together in companionable silence, whether out at dinner or at home, for which I am truly grateful.
(Joanna Rawbone, The joy of companionable silence)
If you can maintain a comfortable silence with someone and enjoy their company without fidgeting or worrying about what they are thinking, your relationship will stand the test of time.
(Arohie Chopra, How To Use Silence To Put Your Relationship To The Test)
These phrases contrast with "awkward silence."
However, I don't have a good term for a person who has the trait of finding such silences comfortable.
Informally, I would probably describe such a person as "chill," but this is much less specific than what you're asking for; it just means someone who is pleasantly non-stressful to be around. If I wanted to be more specific, I would have to bust out a whole sentence, like "Tom is usually pretty quiet, but he's good company."
New contributor
English has better options for describing the ongoing state of "comfort without interaction" than it does for describing a person who is habitually comfortable this way.
The phrases "companionable silence" and "comfortable silence" are commonly used to describe this state of affairs:
My husband and I can often be found together in companionable silence, whether out at dinner or at home, for which I am truly grateful.
(Joanna Rawbone, The joy of companionable silence)
If you can maintain a comfortable silence with someone and enjoy their company without fidgeting or worrying about what they are thinking, your relationship will stand the test of time.
(Arohie Chopra, How To Use Silence To Put Your Relationship To The Test)
These phrases contrast with "awkward silence."
However, I don't have a good term for a person who has the trait of finding such silences comfortable.
Informally, I would probably describe such a person as "chill," but this is much less specific than what you're asking for; it just means someone who is pleasantly non-stressful to be around. If I wanted to be more specific, I would have to bust out a whole sentence, like "Tom is usually pretty quiet, but he's good company."
New contributor
edited 7 hours ago
New contributor
answered 7 hours ago
A_S00A_S00
1413 bronze badges
1413 bronze badges
New contributor
New contributor
I like this answer as well, however, it's not quite what I'm searching for. Silence is not what I'm really describing. In fact, usually the opposite would be surrounding the subject who, themselves, are silent. Perhaps not silent themselves, too. There could be the occasional victorious outburst after winning an intense match of video games! Again though, I appreciate your answer! :)
– Cody Patterson
6 hours ago
Hi, Cody. Please try to use potential answers to restrict your question... but in the question . Do not leave users looking for nuggets of info in the comment section. OK? @CodyPatterson
– Cascabel
6 hours ago
add a comment |
I like this answer as well, however, it's not quite what I'm searching for. Silence is not what I'm really describing. In fact, usually the opposite would be surrounding the subject who, themselves, are silent. Perhaps not silent themselves, too. There could be the occasional victorious outburst after winning an intense match of video games! Again though, I appreciate your answer! :)
– Cody Patterson
6 hours ago
Hi, Cody. Please try to use potential answers to restrict your question... but in the question . Do not leave users looking for nuggets of info in the comment section. OK? @CodyPatterson
– Cascabel
6 hours ago
I like this answer as well, however, it's not quite what I'm searching for. Silence is not what I'm really describing. In fact, usually the opposite would be surrounding the subject who, themselves, are silent. Perhaps not silent themselves, too. There could be the occasional victorious outburst after winning an intense match of video games! Again though, I appreciate your answer! :)
– Cody Patterson
6 hours ago
I like this answer as well, however, it's not quite what I'm searching for. Silence is not what I'm really describing. In fact, usually the opposite would be surrounding the subject who, themselves, are silent. Perhaps not silent themselves, too. There could be the occasional victorious outburst after winning an intense match of video games! Again though, I appreciate your answer! :)
– Cody Patterson
6 hours ago
Hi, Cody. Please try to use potential answers to restrict your question... but in the question . Do not leave users looking for nuggets of info in the comment section. OK? @CodyPatterson
– Cascabel
6 hours ago
Hi, Cody. Please try to use potential answers to restrict your question... but in the question . Do not leave users looking for nuggets of info in the comment section. OK? @CodyPatterson
– Cascabel
6 hours ago
add a comment |
The problem is that, much of the time, such behavior is seen as a sign of introversion, so the available expressions like wallflower denote shyness rather than something more productive like working contentedly in a busy coffee shop.
Meanwhile, a word like bystander emphasizes nonengagement, but in no way addresses the state of the person doing it. Are they content? Scared? Furthermore, a bystander suggests an activity or event: it doesn't make much sense to be a bystander in your own home when friends are over. As for its synonyms, onlooker and other options suggest a kind of observation that need not be present. You're not necessarily looking or listening all the time; you're playing video games or watching Netflix.
So because the direct options are imperfect, I suggest going more general and then specifying what you mean: you companion or accompany (verb) or you are companionate (adj). The verb usage of the word companion is fairly unusual, but it is attested in dictionaries like Merriam-Webster:
transitive verb
: accompany
He is companioned on the trip by his wife.
intransitive verb :
to keep company
fellows that he'd companioned with many years ago
Keeping company can entail a broad range of activity, from direct interaction to having people in the same space as you. Hence you are companionate: you suitably or harmoniously accompany others. You would need to specify how these terms should be understood through context, but in the context of your sentence with its gloss the phrasing would make sense:
She was truly companionate; always happy with people around but never feeling the need to join the conversation."
Or, with the verb and some modification:
She accompanies rather than participates; she is happy with people around but doesn't feel the need to join the conversation
Thank you for your answer. I like this one, much like the comment from A_S00, yet a little closer to the target of what I'm looking for. I may have to settle for this if there is no direct option for word choice. I appreciate your answer. :)
– Cody Patterson
6 hours ago
Hi, T. I usually really like your answers for their precision. This feels too broad to me.
– Cascabel
5 hours ago
Neverthe less...I gave it a +1
– Cascabel
5 hours ago
1
@Cascabel that's fair. I think companionable silence was what I tried and failed to get at.
– TaliesinMerlin
5 hours ago
Serve to lead...
– Cascabel
5 hours ago
add a comment |
The problem is that, much of the time, such behavior is seen as a sign of introversion, so the available expressions like wallflower denote shyness rather than something more productive like working contentedly in a busy coffee shop.
Meanwhile, a word like bystander emphasizes nonengagement, but in no way addresses the state of the person doing it. Are they content? Scared? Furthermore, a bystander suggests an activity or event: it doesn't make much sense to be a bystander in your own home when friends are over. As for its synonyms, onlooker and other options suggest a kind of observation that need not be present. You're not necessarily looking or listening all the time; you're playing video games or watching Netflix.
So because the direct options are imperfect, I suggest going more general and then specifying what you mean: you companion or accompany (verb) or you are companionate (adj). The verb usage of the word companion is fairly unusual, but it is attested in dictionaries like Merriam-Webster:
transitive verb
: accompany
He is companioned on the trip by his wife.
intransitive verb :
to keep company
fellows that he'd companioned with many years ago
Keeping company can entail a broad range of activity, from direct interaction to having people in the same space as you. Hence you are companionate: you suitably or harmoniously accompany others. You would need to specify how these terms should be understood through context, but in the context of your sentence with its gloss the phrasing would make sense:
She was truly companionate; always happy with people around but never feeling the need to join the conversation."
Or, with the verb and some modification:
She accompanies rather than participates; she is happy with people around but doesn't feel the need to join the conversation
Thank you for your answer. I like this one, much like the comment from A_S00, yet a little closer to the target of what I'm looking for. I may have to settle for this if there is no direct option for word choice. I appreciate your answer. :)
– Cody Patterson
6 hours ago
Hi, T. I usually really like your answers for their precision. This feels too broad to me.
– Cascabel
5 hours ago
Neverthe less...I gave it a +1
– Cascabel
5 hours ago
1
@Cascabel that's fair. I think companionable silence was what I tried and failed to get at.
– TaliesinMerlin
5 hours ago
Serve to lead...
– Cascabel
5 hours ago
add a comment |
The problem is that, much of the time, such behavior is seen as a sign of introversion, so the available expressions like wallflower denote shyness rather than something more productive like working contentedly in a busy coffee shop.
Meanwhile, a word like bystander emphasizes nonengagement, but in no way addresses the state of the person doing it. Are they content? Scared? Furthermore, a bystander suggests an activity or event: it doesn't make much sense to be a bystander in your own home when friends are over. As for its synonyms, onlooker and other options suggest a kind of observation that need not be present. You're not necessarily looking or listening all the time; you're playing video games or watching Netflix.
So because the direct options are imperfect, I suggest going more general and then specifying what you mean: you companion or accompany (verb) or you are companionate (adj). The verb usage of the word companion is fairly unusual, but it is attested in dictionaries like Merriam-Webster:
transitive verb
: accompany
He is companioned on the trip by his wife.
intransitive verb :
to keep company
fellows that he'd companioned with many years ago
Keeping company can entail a broad range of activity, from direct interaction to having people in the same space as you. Hence you are companionate: you suitably or harmoniously accompany others. You would need to specify how these terms should be understood through context, but in the context of your sentence with its gloss the phrasing would make sense:
She was truly companionate; always happy with people around but never feeling the need to join the conversation."
Or, with the verb and some modification:
She accompanies rather than participates; she is happy with people around but doesn't feel the need to join the conversation
The problem is that, much of the time, such behavior is seen as a sign of introversion, so the available expressions like wallflower denote shyness rather than something more productive like working contentedly in a busy coffee shop.
Meanwhile, a word like bystander emphasizes nonengagement, but in no way addresses the state of the person doing it. Are they content? Scared? Furthermore, a bystander suggests an activity or event: it doesn't make much sense to be a bystander in your own home when friends are over. As for its synonyms, onlooker and other options suggest a kind of observation that need not be present. You're not necessarily looking or listening all the time; you're playing video games or watching Netflix.
So because the direct options are imperfect, I suggest going more general and then specifying what you mean: you companion or accompany (verb) or you are companionate (adj). The verb usage of the word companion is fairly unusual, but it is attested in dictionaries like Merriam-Webster:
transitive verb
: accompany
He is companioned on the trip by his wife.
intransitive verb :
to keep company
fellows that he'd companioned with many years ago
Keeping company can entail a broad range of activity, from direct interaction to having people in the same space as you. Hence you are companionate: you suitably or harmoniously accompany others. You would need to specify how these terms should be understood through context, but in the context of your sentence with its gloss the phrasing would make sense:
She was truly companionate; always happy with people around but never feeling the need to join the conversation."
Or, with the verb and some modification:
She accompanies rather than participates; she is happy with people around but doesn't feel the need to join the conversation
answered 7 hours ago
TaliesinMerlinTaliesinMerlin
14.1k1 gold badge25 silver badges50 bronze badges
14.1k1 gold badge25 silver badges50 bronze badges
Thank you for your answer. I like this one, much like the comment from A_S00, yet a little closer to the target of what I'm looking for. I may have to settle for this if there is no direct option for word choice. I appreciate your answer. :)
– Cody Patterson
6 hours ago
Hi, T. I usually really like your answers for their precision. This feels too broad to me.
– Cascabel
5 hours ago
Neverthe less...I gave it a +1
– Cascabel
5 hours ago
1
@Cascabel that's fair. I think companionable silence was what I tried and failed to get at.
– TaliesinMerlin
5 hours ago
Serve to lead...
– Cascabel
5 hours ago
add a comment |
Thank you for your answer. I like this one, much like the comment from A_S00, yet a little closer to the target of what I'm looking for. I may have to settle for this if there is no direct option for word choice. I appreciate your answer. :)
– Cody Patterson
6 hours ago
Hi, T. I usually really like your answers for their precision. This feels too broad to me.
– Cascabel
5 hours ago
Neverthe less...I gave it a +1
– Cascabel
5 hours ago
1
@Cascabel that's fair. I think companionable silence was what I tried and failed to get at.
– TaliesinMerlin
5 hours ago
Serve to lead...
– Cascabel
5 hours ago
Thank you for your answer. I like this one, much like the comment from A_S00, yet a little closer to the target of what I'm looking for. I may have to settle for this if there is no direct option for word choice. I appreciate your answer. :)
– Cody Patterson
6 hours ago
Thank you for your answer. I like this one, much like the comment from A_S00, yet a little closer to the target of what I'm looking for. I may have to settle for this if there is no direct option for word choice. I appreciate your answer. :)
– Cody Patterson
6 hours ago
Hi, T. I usually really like your answers for their precision. This feels too broad to me.
– Cascabel
5 hours ago
Hi, T. I usually really like your answers for their precision. This feels too broad to me.
– Cascabel
5 hours ago
Neverthe less...I gave it a +1
– Cascabel
5 hours ago
Neverthe less...I gave it a +1
– Cascabel
5 hours ago
1
1
@Cascabel that's fair. I think companionable silence was what I tried and failed to get at.
– TaliesinMerlin
5 hours ago
@Cascabel that's fair. I think companionable silence was what I tried and failed to get at.
– TaliesinMerlin
5 hours ago
Serve to lead...
– Cascabel
5 hours ago
Serve to lead...
– Cascabel
5 hours ago
add a comment |
The nearest I can find is self-effacing.
"He found himself in a state of bliss knowing all his friends were
okay. As a__self-effacing man.___, he thought this very comforting."
"She was truly ___self-effacing____ ; always happy with people around
but never feeling the need to join the conversation."
self-effacing: adjective UK; not making yourself noticeable, or not trying to get the attention of other people:
Somehow this seems appropriate for such a self-effacing man.Link C.E.D.
New contributor
add a comment |
The nearest I can find is self-effacing.
"He found himself in a state of bliss knowing all his friends were
okay. As a__self-effacing man.___, he thought this very comforting."
"She was truly ___self-effacing____ ; always happy with people around
but never feeling the need to join the conversation."
self-effacing: adjective UK; not making yourself noticeable, or not trying to get the attention of other people:
Somehow this seems appropriate for such a self-effacing man.Link C.E.D.
New contributor
add a comment |
The nearest I can find is self-effacing.
"He found himself in a state of bliss knowing all his friends were
okay. As a__self-effacing man.___, he thought this very comforting."
"She was truly ___self-effacing____ ; always happy with people around
but never feeling the need to join the conversation."
self-effacing: adjective UK; not making yourself noticeable, or not trying to get the attention of other people:
Somehow this seems appropriate for such a self-effacing man.Link C.E.D.
New contributor
The nearest I can find is self-effacing.
"He found himself in a state of bliss knowing all his friends were
okay. As a__self-effacing man.___, he thought this very comforting."
"She was truly ___self-effacing____ ; always happy with people around
but never feeling the need to join the conversation."
self-effacing: adjective UK; not making yourself noticeable, or not trying to get the attention of other people:
Somehow this seems appropriate for such a self-effacing man.Link C.E.D.
New contributor
edited 30 mins ago
aparente001
15.7k4 gold badges36 silver badges74 bronze badges
15.7k4 gold badges36 silver badges74 bronze badges
New contributor
answered 5 hours ago
BradBrad
1665 bronze badges
1665 bronze badges
New contributor
New contributor
add a comment |
add a comment |
Cody Patterson is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Cody Patterson is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Cody Patterson is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Cody Patterson is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
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1
After all the requests for pejorative language, this is refreshing.
– Cascabel
8 hours ago
1
@Cascabel Thank you for your feed back. I chose the variation of both adverb and noun to allow the possibility for both (as suggested by the title question). I should have been more clear, though. Thank you for pointing that out!
– Cody Patterson
6 hours ago
@Cascabel I see what you're saying; reading the question again now it is pretty hard to understand. How would you ask the title to include both in a concise way?
– Cody Patterson
6 hours ago
NO...your title is great, and describes amy number of people that I have known. A little long, but better than the usual slew of indescribable titles. Work your examples. Or...work your tags. SWR tags are extremely demanding, given the politics of the page. Narrow it it down to one POS.
– Cascabel
6 hours ago
Look...I am gonna edit the Q to restrict it to NOUNS; if you are unhappy with the edits you can always "roll-back"....or re-edit.
– Cascabel
6 hours ago