Bedfellow: meaning, definitions and examples
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bedfellow
[ ˈbɛdˌfɛloʊ ]
relationship context
A bedfellow refers to a person who shares a bed with another person, often used to describe a spouse or romantic partner. In a broader sense, it can also refer to someone with whom one has a close partnership or alliance, especially in a political or social context.
Synonyms
associate, collaborator, companion, partner.
Examples of usage
- The two leaders were considered political bedfellows during the negotiations.
- In the play, the main character discovers that her bedfellow has a hidden agenda.
- Historically, soldiers often shared tents and became bedfellows during campaigns.
- She enjoyed the comfort of her bedfellow on a cold winter night.
Translations
Translations of the word "bedfellow" in other languages:
🇵🇹 companheiro de cama
🇮🇳 बिस्तर साथी
🇩🇪 Bettgenosse
🇮🇩 teman tidur
🇺🇦 супутник у ліжку
🇵🇱 towarzysz w łóżku
🇯🇵 ベッドメイト
🇫🇷 compagnon de lit
🇪🇸 compañero de cama
🇹🇷 yatak arkadaşı
🇰🇷 침대 동반자
🇸🇦 رفيق السرير
🇨🇿 postelový společník
🇸🇰 posteľný spoločník
🇨🇳 床伴
🇸🇮 posteljni tovariš
🇮🇸 rúmfélagi
🇰🇿 жатын жолдас
🇬🇪 საწოლის პარტნიორი
🇦🇿 yataq yoldaşı
🇲🇽 compañero de cama
Etymology
The word 'bedfellow' has roots in Middle English, derived from the compound word 'bed' and 'fellow.' The term originally referred to someone who shares a bed, particularly in a literal sense, referring to the act of sleeping alongside another person. Its usage can be traced back to the 14th century, when it was used not only to describe romantic partners but also to denote close companions or those bound by a common cause. Over time, 'bedfellow' evolved to include metaphorical uses, particularly in political language, where it describes individuals or groups that, despite differences, cooperate for mutual benefit or are in close proximity due to shared interests. The term often carries connotations of intimacy and partnership, allowing its application in various contexts, from familial relationships to collaborative politics. The enduring nature of the word reflects both its literal and figurative qualities.