Befriend Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ซ
befriend
[bษชหfrษnd ]
Definition
make friends with
To befriend means to establish a friendly relationship with someone. It involves showing kindness, support, and understanding towards another person, with the intention of developing a close bond.
Synonyms
befriending, cultivate a friendship, make friends with.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
befriend |
Appropriate when you want to express the act of forming a friendship with someone who may need companionship or support.
|
make friends with |
Commonly used to simply express the act of starting a friendship, often in a casual or everyday situation.
|
befriending |
The present participle form indicates the ongoing process of forming a friendship. It can be used in various scenarios where someone's efforts to form a friendship are being described.
|
cultivate a friendship |
Used when you want to emphasize the effort and time taken to develop and maintain a deeper connection with someone. This term often implies a more deliberate and thoughtful approach.
|
Examples of usage
- I decided to befriend my new neighbor by inviting them over for dinner.
- She was quick to befriend the new student and help them navigate their way around the school.
- We should always be open to befriend people from different backgrounds and cultures.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'befriend'
The word 'befriend' has Old English origins, derived from 'be-' (making) and 'friend', which originally meant 'lover' or 'relative'. Over time, the meaning shifted to 'one attached to another by feelings of personal regard or affection'. The concept of befriending has been an important aspect of human relationships throughout history, emphasizing the value of companionship and mutual support.
See also: befriending, friend, friending, friendlily, friendliness, friendly, friends, friendship, unfriendliness, unfriendly.