Girlfriend: meaning, definitions and examples

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girlfriend

[ˈɡɜːlˌfrɛnd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

romantic relationship

A girlfriend is a female partner in a romantic relationship. She is someone with whom you share a deep connection, affection, and emotional intimacy. Girlfriends provide support, companionship, and love in a romantic context.

Synonyms

companion, partner, significant other.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
girlfriend	This term is commonly used to refer to a female romantic partner in a somewhat casual relationship. It is often used by younger people or in early stages of a romantic relationship. I am going to the movies with my girlfriend tonight. She introduced me to her new girlfriend.
partner	This term is often used in more mature or serious romantic relationships and can refer to either a boyfriend or girlfriend. It suggests a sense of commitment and equality. It is also a gender-neutral term. We have been business partners for over ten years. She attended the event with her partner.
significant other	This phrase is more formal and is used to refer to someone’s romantic partner or spouse. It is gender-neutral and often used in professional or formal settings. Please bring your significant other to the dinner party. He wanted to introduce his significant other to his colleagues.
companion	This word is more general and can refer to anyone you spend time with, including friends, romantic partners, or even pets. It suggests a sense of closeness and shared experience without necessarily implying a romantic relationship. Her dog is her constant companion. He was a good companion on my travels.

Examples of usage

I love spending time with my girlfriend.
She is my girlfriend, and I care about her deeply.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal usage

In informal usage, a girlfriend can refer to a female friend. This is not in a romantic context but rather a platonic friendship between two females.

Synonyms

buddy, female friend, pal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
girlfriend	Used to describe a romantic relationship between a man and a woman. He introduced Sarah as his girlfriend. They've been dating for a year, and she's his girlfriend.
female friend	Used to describe a friend who is female; emphasizes the gender of the friend without implying a romantic relationship. I'm meeting my female friend for lunch. She's not my girlfriend; she's just a female friend.
pal	Used in an informal setting to describe a friend, can be used for both genders; conveys a casual, friendly relationship. She's an old pal from college. He's always been my pal, ever since we were kids.
buddy	Used to describe a close male friend, often in casual or friendly contexts; rarely used for females. He's my gym buddy. We’ve been buddies since high school.

Examples of usage

She's not just my coworker, she's also my girlfriend.
I'm meeting up with my girlfriends for lunch.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'girlfriend' originated in the early 20th century, combining 'girl' and 'friend' to describe a female friend.
Previously, 'girlfriend' was often used to refer to a young girl or female friend without any romantic implication.

Cultural Representation

In pop culture, characters often depict girlfriends as supportive partners, recently evolving into more complex portrayals in movies and TV shows.
The celebration of 'Girlfriend Day' on August 1st highlights the importance of female friendships across various cultures.

Psychology

Research shows that having strong friendships, including romantic ones, can significantly improve mental well-being.
The dynamics of friendship can influence emotional support and personal growth, often benefiting both partners in a relationship.

Modern Relationships

The rise of social media has changed how people meet and maintain relationships, leading to new interpretations of what it means to be a girlfriend.
Online dating apps have popularized casual dating, affecting traditional girlfriend-boyfriend roles.

Statistics

A survey found that a significant percentage of young adults describe their girlfriend as their primary source of emotional support.
In many cultures, the transition from 'friend' to 'girlfriend' is often marked by unique rituals or discussions, signifying commitment.

Translations

Translations of the word "girlfriend" in other languages:

🇵🇹 namorada

🇮🇳 प्रेमिका

🇩🇪 Freundin

🇮🇩 pacar perempuan

🇺🇦 подруга

🇵🇱 dziewczyna

🇯🇵 彼女 (かのじょ)

🇫🇷 petite amie

🇪🇸 novia

🇹🇷 kız arkadaş

🇰🇷 여자친구 (yeojachingu)

🇸🇦 صديقة

🇨🇿 přítelkyně

🇸🇰 priateľka

🇨🇳 女朋友 (nǚ péngyǒu)

🇸🇮 punca

🇮🇸 kærasta

🇰🇿 қыз дос

🇬🇪 შეყვარებული

🇦🇿 qız dost

🇲🇽 novia