Acquaintance: meaning, definitions and examples

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acquaintance

[əˈkweɪntəns ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

social

A person someone knows slightly, but who is not a close friend.

Synonyms

associate, connection, contact.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
acquaintance	It's used to refer to someone you know, but not very closely or personally. This term usually implies a basic level of familiarity. I ran into an old acquaintance at the grocery store She's just an acquaintance from my college days
associate	This term is used in a professional or business context to describe someone you work with or have a work-related relationship with. It doesn't imply a personal or close relationship. He's an associate at the law firm I met a few of my colleagues' associates at the conference
contact	This word is versatile and can be used for both personal and professional relationships. It typically implies someone you can reach out to for information, help, or social purposes. I have several contacts in the tech industry I'll give you the contact of my friend who works there
connection	Commonly used in networking or social contexts, it refers to people you know who can provide mutual benefits or opportunities. It often carries a connotation of influence or resources. She has many connections in the industry Building connections is vital for career growth

Examples of usage

He was just an acquaintance, not someone she knew well.
I bumped into an acquaintance at the grocery store.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

professional

A person one knows slightly, but who is not a close friend, especially in a business context.

Synonyms

colleague, connection, contact.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
acquaintance	A person you know slightly, but who is not a close friend, typically used to describe a social relationship that is distant. I ran into an old acquaintance at the grocery store yesterday. She has a wide circle of acquaintances in the business community.
colleague	A person with whom one works, especially in a profession or business. It implies a professional relationship rather than a personal one. We are having a meeting with our colleagues from the New York office. My colleagues and I often collaborate on projects.
contact	A person you have known briefly or whose details you have, often for the purpose of networking or obtaining information. Evokes a practical relationship rather than a personal one. I got the job through a contact at the firm. He gave me the contact details of someone who can help with our project.
connection	Often used to describe someone with whom you have established a useful relationship, especially for professional or social benefits. Can imply mutual benefits and broader networks. She has many connections in the publishing world. Having connections in the industry can really help your career.

Examples of usage

He had many business acquaintances in the industry.
She made several valuable acquaintances at the conference.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'acquaintare', meaning 'to make known', highlighting the idea of familiarity.
In Middle English, the term was pronounced similar to 'acqueynt,' showing how language changes over time.
The roots of 'acquaintance' show a journey from a meaning of 'knowing' to a more social context.

Social Dynamics

Psychologists suggest that having acquaintances can enhance our social network without the emotional investment of close friendships.
Cultural differences influence how people perceive acquaintances; in some cultures, there are clear distinctions between friends and acquaintances.
Studies indicate that acquaintances can often become friends when shared interests or experiences increase.

Pop Culture

In literature and film, acquaintances often serve crucial roles in character development, showing how relationships evolve.
Songs like 'Just a Friend' by Biz Markie touch on the feelings involving acquaintances versus deeper relationships.
TV shows frequently depict acquaintances as comic relief or facilitators of plot twists, demonstrating their importance in storytelling.

Communication

The term 'networking' often involves making acquaintances and has become crucial in professional environments.
Small talk is often the foundation for forming acquaintances, paving the way for potential friendships or collaborations.
Acquaintanceships can vary in depth and duration, often shifting based on life changes or social contexts.

Translations

Translations of the word "acquaintance" in other languages:

🇵🇹 conhecimento

conhecido
familiaridade

🇮🇳 परिचय

जान-पहचान
जान-पहचान वाला

🇩🇪 Bekanntschaft

🇮🇩 kenalan

🇺🇦 знайомство

🇵🇱 znajomość

znajomy
zaznajomienie

🇯🇵 知り合い

🇫🇷 connaissance

🇪🇸 conocimiento

conocido
relación

🇹🇷 tanışma

🇰🇷 지인

아는 사람
친분

🇸🇦 معرفة

صديق
تعارف

🇨🇿 známost

🇸🇰 známosť

🇨🇳 熟人

认识
了解

🇸🇮 poznanstvo

🇮🇸 kunningi

🇰🇿 танысу

🇬🇪 ცნობილი

🇦🇿 tanışlıq

🇲🇽 conocimiento

conocido
relación

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,240 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
5237 materially
5238 embrace
5239 listing
5240 acquaintance
5241 wilderness
5242 wrapped
5243 formally
...