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Friendly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿค
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friendly

[หˆfrษ›ndli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

personality trait

Showing kindness and goodwill; amicable.

Synonyms

affable, amiable, genial, kind, pleasant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
friendly

Appropriate for describing someone who shows general warmth and approachability towards others in both formal and informal settings.

  • She has a very friendly smile.
  • The staff at the hotel were friendly and helpful.
kind

Used to describe someone who is considerate and caring towards others, suitable for all contexts.

  • She is very kind to her neighbors.
  • It's kind of you to help out.
amiable

Works well in formal or literary contexts to describe someone who is friendly and good-natured.

  • The new professor is quite amiable.
  • His amiable personality won him many friends.
pleasant

Can describe someone or something that is enjoyable and gives a sense of satisfaction, fitting for both formal and informal scenarios.

  • We had a pleasant conversation.
  • The weather today is quite pleasant.
affable

Suitable for formal contexts to describe someone who is easy to talk to and gracious.

  • The CEO was surprisingly affable despite his busy schedule.
  • Her affable nature makes her a great host.
genial

Best for formal settings to highlight a personโ€™s cheerful and kind demeanor.

  • The genial host made everyone feel at home.
  • His genial smile brightened the room.

Examples of usage

  • He is known for his friendly demeanor towards everyone he meets.
  • The friendly gesture of offering to help was much appreciated.
Context #2 | Adjective

environment

Conducive to or suggestive of social interaction; not hostile.

Synonyms

cordial, hospitable, inviting, warm, welcoming.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
friendly

Used when describing someone who is kind and pleasant to others.

  • She has a friendly smile that makes everyone feel at ease.
  • The staff at the hotel were very friendly and helpful.
welcoming

Used when describing an environment or behavior that makes others feel accepted and comfortable.

  • The community was very welcoming to new members.
  • The welcoming committee greeted us with open arms.
warm

Often used to describe a person, gesture, or atmosphere that is emotionally comforting and sincere.

  • She gave me a warm hug when I arrived.
  • Their warm welcome made us feel immediately at home.
inviting

Best used to describe places, appearances, or atmospheres that make people want to come in or participate.

  • The cozy cottage looked very inviting from the outside.
  • He created an inviting environment for the guests.
hospitable

Used when describing someone who is generous and friendly to guests or strangers.

  • They were very hospitable, offering us food and a place to stay.
  • Her hospitable nature made her many lasting friendships.
cordial

Appropriate in formal or professional settings to describe polite and warm interactions.

  • The meeting had a cordial atmosphere, and everyone was very respectful.
  • They exchanged cordial greetings at the conference.

Examples of usage

  • The friendly atmosphere of the cafe made it a popular spot for friends to gather.
  • The hotel staff were incredibly friendly and made us feel welcome.
Context #3 | Noun

sports

A match or competition that is not part of a regular series.

Synonyms

exhibition, practice match, warm-up game.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
friendly

A match, particularly in sports, where the main objective is not competition but rather maintaining good relations, practicing, or having fun.

  • The national teams scheduled a friendly to improve their skills before the tournament.
  • Yesterday's friendly was a great chance for the new players to gain some experience.
exhibition

A game or match played primarily to display skills or to entertain an audience without the pressure of competition. Often used in sports or artistic performances.

  • The exhibition game drew a large crowd, eager to see the star athletes in action.
  • During the festival, there was an exhibition match between two renowned tennis players.
practice match

A match organized specifically for practice purposes, allowing teams or players to try out strategies and improve their performance ahead of more important games.

  • The coach scheduled a practice match to test the new formations.
warm-up game

A game that serves as a preparation tool, often played just before a major competition to help players get into the right mindset and condition.

  • The warm-up game helped the team get ready for the championship.

Examples of usage

  • They arranged a friendly between the two teams to promote goodwill and sportsmanship.
  • The friendly match ended in a draw, with both sides showing respect for each other.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that friendliness boosts social bonds and can improve mental health.
  • Kind interactions can release oxytocin, a hormone related to bonding and trust.
  • Friendly behavior is often linked to higher levels of life satisfaction and happiness.

Pop Culture

  • Friendly characters are often found in childrenโ€™s shows, promoting kindness and cooperation.
  • The 'friendly neighbor' trope is popular in movies and comic books, often representing community values.
  • Popular songs and media often celebrate friendship, portraying it as an essential part of life.

Literature

  • In many stories, 'friendly' characters are the heroes, helping others and solving conflicts.
  • Classic literature often contrasts 'friendly' figures with antagonistic characters to highlight moral lessons.
  • The concept of equality in friendship is a common theme in poetry and novels throughout history.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures have unique ways of expressing friendliness, such as bowing, hugging, or handshakes.
  • In some cultures, being 'friendly' is associated with hospitality and welcoming guests warmly.
  • Many traditions celebrate friendships through festivals, emphasizing the importance of social ties.

Origin of 'friendly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'friendly' comes from the Old English word 'freond', meaning 'friend'.
  • It evolved through Middle English before adopting its modern form in the 14th century.
  • The suffix '-ly' turns a noun into an adjective, suggesting a manner or quality of being.

The word 'friendly' originated from the Old English word 'freondlic', which meant 'kind, as a friend'. Over time, it evolved to encompass the idea of showing kindness and goodwill towards others. The concept of being friendly has been valued across cultures and societies as a positive trait that promotes harmonious relationships and social cohesion.

See also: befriend, befriending, friend, friending, friendlily, friendliness, friends, friendship, unfriendliness, unfriendly.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,062, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.