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Befriended Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿค
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befriended

[bษชหˆfrษ›ndษ™d ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

forming friendships

Befriended is the past tense of befriend, which means to become friends with someone. This term often implies taking the initial steps to establish a friendship, such as offering support or companionship. It can be used in various contexts, including relationships, social activities, or even in storytelling where characters develop friendships. Befriending someone can lead to emotional connections and social support.

Synonyms

allied, connected, made friends.

Examples of usage

  • She befriended her new classmates at school.
  • He befriended a stray dog and took it home.
  • They befriended each other during their travels.
  • After moving to a new city, he befriended his neighbors.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, friendship is celebrated through rituals, such as exchanging gifts or creating bonds in ceremonies.
  • Historically, befriending often led to alliances between tribes and communities, reflecting the importance of social connections in survival.

Psychology

  • Research shows that forming friendships can lead to increased happiness and even better health.
  • The act of befriending can reduce feelings of loneliness, providing emotional support and companionship.

Literature

  • In classic literature, the theme of friendship often drives character development and plots, showing how bonds can influence personal growth.
  • Notable friendships, such as those found in 'The Lord of the Rings' or 'Harry Potter', showcase the transformative power of befriending others.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of befriending is frequently portrayed in movies and TV shows, often leading to key plot developments or character arcs.
  • Songs about friendship, like 'Lean on Me', emphasize the importance of being there for one another and the joy of having friends.

Origin of 'befriended'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'befriend' originated in the Early Modern English period, combining 'be-' meaning 'to make' and 'friend' from the Old English 'freond'.
  • Historically, the prefix 'be-' in English suggests a process or transformation, so it indicates the act of making someone a friend.

The word 'befriend' comes from the Middle English term 'befrienden', which is a combination of the prefix 'be-' meaning 'to make' and 'friend', which originates from the Old English 'freond'. The concept of friendship is deeply rooted in human interaction, denoting a mutual bond formed between individuals based on trust, support, and companionship. The idea of 'befriending' suggests an active effort to establish these bonds, which can be observed in literature and social practices throughout history. As societies evolved, the meaning of 'befriend' has expanded, often highlighting themes of inclusivity, kindness, and emotional connection. Today, it is frequently used in both personal and social contexts to describe the act of reaching out to others in friendship.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,325, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.