Friend Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
š«
friend
[frend ]
Definitions
loyal companion
A person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically exclusive of sexual or family relations.
Synonyms
ally, companion, confidant, mate, pal.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| friend |
General term for someone with whom you share a mutual affection, trust, and support.
|
| companion |
Refers to someone who spends a lot of time with you or accompanies you on journeys. Often used to describe a close relationship but not necessarily deep emotional bonds.
|
| confidant |
Specifies a person with whom you share personal secrets or private matters, trusting they will not disclose them.
|
| ally |
Used primarily in political or strategic contexts to describe a person or group that cooperates with another for a common purpose.
|
| mate |
Common in British English, this casual term is used to describe a friend, often highlighting camaraderie. It can be used in both casual and affectionate contexts.
|
| pal |
Colloquial term for a friend. This is often more informal and may be used to describe a less intimate connection compared to 'friend'.
|
Examples of usage
- She's my best friend.
- I've known him since we were kids.
- We've been friends for years.
social connection
A person who is not an enemy or opponent; an ally.
Synonyms
advocate, ally, associate, helper, supporter.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| friend |
Used to describe someone you have a close and personal relationship with, often sharing mutual affection and trust. A friend can be someone you spend time with socially or confide in.
|
| ally |
Used to describe someone who collaborates with you towards a common goal, often used in political, social, or military contexts. An ally may not be a close personal friend.
|
| supporter |
Used to describe someone who backs you up, often in your ideas, projects, or endeavors. A supporter shows approval and encouragement, but the term does not necessarily imply a close personal relationship.
|
| helper |
Used to describe someone who assists you, often in a specific task or project. This term can be used in both personal and professional settings and may imply a subordinate role.
|
| advocate |
Used to describe someone who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy, often in a more formal or professional setting.
|
| associate |
Used to describe someone you work with or are connected to in a business or professional manner. This term usually implies a less personal relationship compared to 'friend.'
|
Examples of usage
- He was friendly even though we were competing.
- She's a friend of the environment.
to add to a list
Add (someone) to a list of contacts associated with a social networking website.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| friend |
Use to refer to someone with whom you share a bond of mutual affection, typically someone other than a family member. It describes a steady relationship built over time.
|
| add |
Typically used in social media contexts, when you want to include someone in your list of contacts or followers.
|
| connect |
Commonly used in professional or networking situations, indicating an interest in establishing a professional or business relationship.
|
| link |
Often used to describe forming a direct relationship or association, frequently in digital contexts or when referring to joining pieces of information.
|
| befriend |
Shows the act of making friends with someone, often used when helping or being kind to a new or lonely person.
|
Examples of usage
- I'll friend you on Facebook.
- I've friended all my classmates.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Studies show that friendship can boost happiness and well-being, making us less stressed and more resilient.
- Having friends can significantly impact our mental health, reducing the risk of depression and anxiety.
- Friendship isn't just about fun; it also involves emotional support and mutual understanding, helping people navigate life's challenges.
Literature
- Friendship is a central theme in many classic novels, such as in 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' by Mark Twain, where it showcases adventure and loyalty.
- In 'Harry Potter', the power of friendship plays a crucial role in overcoming darkness and challenges.
- Friendship in literature often reflects societal values and evolves alongside cultural changes, highlighting its importance throughout history.
Pop Culture
- The TV show 'Friends' revolutionized the way friendships were portrayed, turning everyday interactions into iconic moments.
- Song lyrics frequently celebrate friendship, from classics like 'Lean on Me' to modern hits about the joys and challenges of being a good friend.
- Friendship is often a recurring theme in movies, with stories like 'The Sandlot' showing how friendships can shape our childhood.
Cultural Differences
- In some cultures, friendships are formed through shared activities, emphasizing communal experiences over individual interactions.
- Different cultures may have varying expectations for friends, such as loyalty, assistance, and involvement in each other's lives.
- In many Asian cultures, friendship can be tied to familial bonds, often creating deeper, more enduring connections.
Origin of 'friend'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'friend' comes from the Old English 'freond', which means 'loved one' or 'to love' ā emphasizing connection.
- It shares roots with the German word 'Freund' and the Dutch 'vriend', showing it has similar meanings in different languages.
- In ancient cultures, friendship was often regarded as a crucial bond, valued as much as family.
The word 'friend' originated from the Old English 'freond', which is of Germanic origin. It is related to the Dutch 'vriend' and the German 'Freund'. The term has evolved over time to represent a close social connection and mutual affection between individuals.
See also: befriend, befriending, friending, friendlily, friendliness, friendly, friends, friendship, unfriendliness, unfriendly.