Acquaintances Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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acquaintances
[ษหkweษชntษns ]
Definitions
social
People whom one knows but who are not close friends.
Synonyms
associates, colleagues, contacts.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| acquaintances |
This word is used for people you know but aren't very close to. Usually, you have met them a few times, and you might recognize each other but don't have a deep relationship.
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| associates |
This term is often used in a professional context to describe people you work with or do business with. The relationship is usually formal and not personal.
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| colleagues |
Use this word to talk about people who work at the same job or profession. It shows a sense of shared work environment, and it is relatively neutral.
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| contacts |
This term is used broadly and can refer to any person you know, especially for the purpose of networking, getting information, or professional connections. It does not indicate closeness or regular interaction.
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Examples of usage
- She has many acquaintances from work.
- He greeted his acquaintances warmly at the party.
formal
A person's knowledge or experience of something.
Synonyms
awareness, familiarity, understanding.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| acquaintances |
Used when talking about people you know slightly or casually, not close friends or family.
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| familiarity |
Used when referring to the state of knowing something or someone well, often through repeated exposure or experience.
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| awareness |
Used when referring to the state of being conscious or mindful of something, often used in contexts related to knowledge, understanding of issues, or mindfulness.
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| understanding |
Used when referring to the ability to comprehend something; implies a deeper level of knowledge than mere awareness or familiarity.
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Examples of usage
- His acquaintance with the subject is limited.
- She has little acquaintance with the local customs.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Social Psychology
- Research shows that acquaintances can influence our behaviors, often serving as sources of social norms.
- Casual relationships can provide social support and networking opportunities, even if they're not deep.
Cultural Perspectives
- In some cultures, having a broad circle of acquaintances is valued more than having a few close friends.
- Acquaintances often play significant roles in professional networking, leading to opportunities in jobs and collaborations.
Literature
- Many novels explore the dynamics between acquaintances, showcasing how these relationships can lead to complex narratives.
- In classic literature, characters often start as acquaintances before developing into deeper relationships, illustrating social evolution.
Pop Culture
- TV shows often depict acquaintances getting involved in each otherโs lives, sometimes causing drama or humor.
- Social media has transformed how we perceive acquaintances, enabling connections with many people far faster than ever before.
Origin of 'acquaintances'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from 'acquaint', which means to make someone aware of something.
- It has roots in Middle English, deriving from the Old French term 'acointier'.
The word 'acquaintance' originated in the late Middle English period, from Old French 'acointance' or 'acointer' meaning 'make known'. It is derived from the Latin word 'accognoscere' which means 'to know' or 'recognize'. Over time, the word evolved to its current usage referring to a person known but not a close friend or to the knowledge or experience of something.
See also: acquaint, acquaintance, acquainted, reacquaint, unacquainted.