Companionship: meaning, definitions and examples

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companionship

 

[ kəmˈpænjənʃɪp ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in a relationship

The state of having a companion or companions; the relationship between companions.

Synonyms

company, fellowship, friendship.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
companionship

Use this word when talking about a sense of closeness and mutual support, often in a broader sense than just friendship. It can apply to social groups, partnerships, or even the company of a pet.

  • She found great joy in the companionship of her dog.
  • Their companionship grew stronger over the years.
friendship

This word is best used for close, personal relationships characterized by mutual affection, trust, and support. It's more specific than companionship and often implies a longer-lasting bond.

  • Their friendship has lasted since childhood.
  • True friendship means being there for each other through thick and thin.
company

This word is suitable for general situations where you are talking about being with others, whether friends, colleagues, or strangers. It can also refer to a commercial business.

  • I enjoyed her company at the party.
  • He works for a software company.
fellowship

Use this word when referring to a deeper bond often related to shared interests, activities, or goals, especially within academic, religious, or social organizations. It can also refer to a group of people sharing these common interests.

  • The university offers a fellowship for advanced research.
  • He misses the fellowship of his old study group.

Examples of usage

  • She valued the companionship of her dog more than anything else.
  • Elderly people often seek companionship to combat loneliness.
Context #2 | Noun

with animals or pets

The feeling of closeness and friendship that exists between people and animals, especially pets.

Synonyms

affection, bond, connection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
companionship

Use when referring to a friendly relationship where people enjoy spending time together and supporting each other.

  • Pets provide great companionship for people who live alone
  • Their companionship helped me through a difficult time
bond

Use to describe a strong connection or tie between people, often built over time through shared experiences and trust.

  • The siblings share a special bond
  • Their bond grew stronger after working on the project together
connection

Use when talking about a link or relationship between people, ideas, or objects. It can be emotional, psychological, or physical.

  • There was an immediate connection between them
  • The connection between the two events became clear
affection

Use to express feelings of love, care, and fondness towards someone or something.

  • She shows great affection for her family
  • His affection for his dog is obvious

Examples of usage

  • Many people find companionship in owning a pet.
  • There is a special bond of companionship between a horse and its rider.

Translations

Translations of the word "companionship" in other languages:

🇵🇹 companhia

🇮🇳 संगति

🇩🇪 Gesellschaft

🇮🇩 persahabatan

🇺🇦 товариство

🇵🇱 towarzystwo

🇯🇵 仲間

🇫🇷 compagnie

🇪🇸 compañía

🇹🇷 arkadaşlık

🇰🇷 동반자

🇸🇦 رفقة

🇨🇿 společnost

🇸🇰 spoločnosť

🇨🇳 陪伴

🇸🇮 družba

🇮🇸 félagsskapur

🇰🇿 серіктестік

🇬🇪 საზოგადოება

🇦🇿 yoldaşlıq

🇲🇽 compañía

Etymology

The word 'companionship' originated from the Middle English word 'companion', which came from the Old French word 'compaignon', meaning 'a fellow, mate, or friend'. The concept of companionship has been valued throughout history, as humans are social beings who seek connection and closeness with others.

See also: companion, companions.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,781, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.