Friend: meaning, definitions and examples

General term for someone with whom you share a mutual affection, trust, and support.

• John is my best friend
• We met in high school

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.

• My dog Max has been my faithful companion for years

Specifies a person with whom you share personal secrets or private matters, trusting they will not disclose them.

• She is my confidant; I tell her things I wouldn't tell anyone else

Used primarily in political or strategic contexts to describe a person or group that cooperates with another for a common purpose.

• Country A and Country B became allies during the war

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.

• I’m going out for drinks with my mates tonight

Colloquial term for a friend. This is often more informal and may be used to describe a less intimate connection compared to 'friend'.

• Hey pal, how have you been?

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.

• She is my best friend; we share everything with each other
• They met in college and have been friends ever since

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.

• The two nations became allies during the war
• She has been a strong ally in the fight for gender equality

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.

• He is a long-time supporter of my work
• We have many supporters who believe in our mission

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.

• She is a helper at the community center
• I need a helper to finish this project on time

Used to describe someone who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy, often in a more formal or professional setting.

• She is a fierce advocate for animal rights
• He has been an advocate for educational reform for over a decade

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.'

• He is a business associate of mine
• She has many associates in the law firm

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.

• Mark is my best friend; we have known each other since childhood.
• Do you want to meet my friend Sarah?

Typically used in social media contexts, when you want to include someone in your list of contacts or followers.

• Can I add you on Facebook?
• She added me to her LinkedIn network.

Commonly used in professional or networking situations, indicating an interest in establishing a professional or business relationship.

• We should connect on LinkedIn to discuss future opportunities.
• I connected with several new colleagues at the conference.

Often used to describe forming a direct relationship or association, frequently in digital contexts or when referring to joining pieces of information.

• You can link your account to multiple devices.
• This website allows you to link your blog posts to your social media profiles.

Shows the act of making friends with someone, often used when helping or being kind to a new or lonely person.

• He befriended a new student who didn't know anyone.
• She always tries to befriend people who seem isolated.