Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Befriending: meaning, definitions and examples

🤝
Add to dictionary

befriending

 

[bɪˈfrɛndɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

social interaction

The act of making friends or establishing friendly relationships with others.

Synonyms

establishing relationships, making friends.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
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.

  • She spends her weekends befriending the elderly at the local nursing home
making friends

Commonly used in everyday situations when talking about the process of forming friendships, generally between peers such as school children or colleagues.

  • It's important for new students to spend time making friends to feel more comfortable in their new school
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.

  • The company is focused on establishing relationships with key stakeholders in the industry

Examples of usage

  • She was very good at befriending new colleagues at work.
  • Befriending people from different cultures can broaden your horizons.
Context #2 | Verb

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?

arrow down
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.

  • She spent a lot of time befriending her new neighbors.
  • Volunteering at the shelter, he found himself befriending many of the regulars.
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.

  • She made friends with a lot of people during her trip.
  • It's usually easier to make friends with classmates because you see them every day.
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.

  • Try to be friendly towards new colleagues.
  • Even though they compete in the same industry, they are always friendly towards each other at meetings.

Examples of usage

  • He spent hours befriending the new student who was feeling lonely.
  • Befriending stray animals is a kind gesture.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "befriending" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fazer amizade

🇮🇳 दोस्ती करना

🇩🇪 Freundschaft schließen

🇮🇩 menjalin persahabatan

🇺🇦 товаришування

🇵🇱 nawiązywanie przyjaźni

🇯🇵 友達になる

🇫🇷 se lier d'amitié

🇪🇸 hacerse amigo

🇹🇷 arkadaş olmak

🇰🇷 친구가 되다

🇸🇦 تكوين صداقات

🇨🇿 spřátelení

🇸🇰 spriatelenie

🇨🇳 结交

🇸🇮 spoprijateljitev

🇮🇸 að vingast við

🇰🇿 достық құру

🇬🇪 მეგობრობა

🇦🇿 dostluq etmək

🇲🇽 hacerse amigo

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.