Befriend Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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befriend

[bษชหˆfrษ›nd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

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.

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Word Description / Examples
befriend

Appropriate when you want to express the act of forming a friendship with someone who may need companionship or support.

  • He decided to befriend the new student who seemed very lonely.
  • Sarah loves to befriend stray animals and give them a home.
make friends with

Commonly used to simply express the act of starting a friendship, often in a casual or everyday situation.

  • She quickly made friends with her new neighbors.
  • Making friends with people from different cultures can be very enriching.
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.

  • She spends her weekends befriending elderly people at the care home.
  • As part of his job, he is constantly befriending clients to build trust.
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.

  • It's important to cultivate a friendship with your colleagues for a better work environment.
  • They cultivated a friendship over many years, through ups and downs.

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

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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.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,612, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.