A socialite is a person (often a younger woman) of social prominence, considered to be an influential social figure. Their impact derives not so much from their artistic realisations (then they would be known in the first place as author or performer, etc...) or their official social stature (then they would be called politician, industrial, etc...), as from their off-stage way of radiating prominence, to which beauty, intelligence, artistic predisposition, (inherited) wealth and/or any other reason for being attractive, inspiring or persuasive might help. At least they would be seen at all kinds of social events.
A socialite is a person (male or female, but more often used for a woman) of social prominence who spends a significant amount of his or her time and resources entertaining and being entertained.
A socialite is usually a member of the upper class or aristocracy.
The impact of socialites derives not so much from their artistic realisations (then they would be known primarily as author or performer, etc.) or from their official social stature (then they would be called politician, industrialist, etc.), as from their less-tangible ability to dominate the social scene and use personal charisma to achieve prominence.
When Nan Kempner died last Sunday, she was lauded as one of the last of a breed of well-off women, envied for their wardrobes and admired as swell hostesses, who married rich and powerful men.
"Socialite is a definition that fits you if you've got nothing else going on," said Samantha Gregory, whose mother, Jamee Gregory, is an interior decorator who sits on the boards of several prestigious charities.
Socialites' antics, after all, have taken on a less charming cast in an age that is certainly not of innocence.
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