Befriending Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
befriending
[bษชหfrษndษชล ]
Definitions
social interaction
The act of making friends or establishing friendly relationships with others.
Synonyms
establishing relationships, making friends.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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befriending |
Used in the context of forming a friendly relationship with someone, often for the first time or with someone who might be alone or new.
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making friends |
Commonly used in everyday situations when talking about the process of forming friendships, generally between peers such as school children or colleagues.
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establishing relationships |
Typically used in formal or professional contexts, focusing on building connections that may not necessarily be based on friendship, such as business relationships.
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Examples of usage
- She was very good at befriending new colleagues at work.
- Befriending people from different cultures can broaden your horizons.
social interaction
To act as a friend to someone by offering help, support, or companionship.
Synonyms
be friendly towards, make friends with.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
befriending |
Used when someone is starting to develop a friendly relationship with another person, often implying an ongoing effort and possibly a deeper connection over time.
|
make friends with |
Used when describing the act of forming a friendship, typically when the initial phase of getting to know someone has been successfully accomplished.
|
be friendly towards |
Used to describe a general attitude or behavior of kindness and politeness towards others without necessarily implying a deeper relationship or friendship.
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Examples of usage
- He spent hours befriending the new student who was feeling lonely.
- Befriending stray animals is a kind gesture.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Studies show that friendship can significantly improve mental health by reducing stress and anxiety.
- Having close friends can increase happiness levels, as social support is essential for emotional well-being.
- Developing friendships often involves vulnerability, as sharing personal feelings can strengthen the bond.
Cultural Perspectives
- In many cultures, rituals and ceremonies celebrate the act of making and nurturing friendships.
- Different cultures have unique ways of expressing friendship, like sharing food in many cultures as a bonding experience.
- Some cultures prioritize communal friendships, where groups of friends create a strong sense of community.
Pop Culture
- Many popular movies and books center around the theme of befriending, such as 'Toy Story,' where toys become friends.
- Social media platforms have changed how we befriend others, allowing people to connect globally.
- The concept of 'friends' has been popularized through TV shows like 'Friends' and 'How I Met Your Mother,' exploring modern relationships.
Science
- Research indicates that friendships can physically affect your health by boosting the immune system.
- Oxytocin, known as the 'bonding hormone,' plays a significant role in developing friendships and social connections.
- The 'friendship paradox' shows that, on average, your friends have more friends than you do, highlighting the network effect in social circles.
Origin of 'befriending'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'befriend' comes from the Old English term 'freond,' which means 'friend.'
- The prefix 'be-' means 'to make' or 'to create,' so 'befriending' means to create a friendship.
- Its use can be traced back to the early 1600s, showing a long history of the concept of friendship.
The term 'befriending' originated from the combination of 'be-' (indicating a relationship) and 'friend,' which traces back to Old English 'frฤond,' meaning 'to love.' The concept of befriending has been integral to human social interaction throughout history, emphasizing the importance of forming bonds and connections with others for mutual support and companionship.
See also: befriend, friend, friending, friendlily, friendliness, friendly, friends, friendship, unfriendliness, unfriendly.
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #33,593 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
- ...
- 33590 trampoline
- 33591 carnally
- 33592 monomania
- 33593 befriending
- 33594 mawkish
- 33595 blaspheming
- 33596 spry
- ...