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Pal: meaning, definitions and examples

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pal

 

[pæl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

friendship

a very close friend; a buddy.

Synonyms

companion, friend, mate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pal

Use this term in informal situations when referring to someone you are friendly with. It carries a casual, friendly tone.

  • Hey, pal! How's it going?
  • I'm meeting some pals for lunch later.
friend

A versatile and neutral term that can be used in both casual and formal situations to refer to a person with whom you share a bond of mutual affection, trust, and support.

  • She is my best friend since childhood.
  • I made a new friend at the yoga class yesterday.
companion

This word is best used in more formal or serious contexts, often when referring to someone who is consistently by your side, like in a journey or as a life partner.

  • She was his loyal companion throughout the difficult times.
  • The dog has been a faithful companion to the elderly man.
mate

Commonly used in British English or Australian English to refer to a friend. It has a casual, friendly tone. Be careful, it can sometimes be used sarcastically or with mild aggression.

  • He's a good mate of mine from university.
  • Watch it, mate! You almost hit me with your bike.

Examples of usage

  • I've known him since we were kids, he's like a pal to me.
  • She's my pal, I can always count on her.
Context #2 | Noun

dog

a domesticated animal kept for companionship or amusement.

Synonyms

animal, companion, pet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pal

Informal context, typically when referring to a close friend or buddy. Often used in casual conversations.

  • Hey pal, want to grab a coffee later?
  • I’ve been friends with him since kindergarten; he's my best pal.
pet

Commonly used to refer to domesticated animals kept for pleasure or companionship. Mostly used in everyday conversations and informal contexts.

  • My cat is the cutest pet ever.
  • Taking care of a pet involves a lot of responsibility.
companion

More formal or intimate context, typically used for someone who provides company, often in long-term situations. Can also refer to pets in a more personal manner.

  • She became my companion during my travels across Europe.
  • A dog can be a loyal companion for many years.
animal

Used when referring to a living organism that is not human. Generally used in formal, scientific, or general contexts.

  • Lions are fascinating animals native to Africa.
  • The zoo has a wide variety of animals from all over the world.

Examples of usage

  • He loves his pal, they go on walks together every day.
  • Our family dog is more than just a pet, he's a loyal pal.
Context #3 | Verb

informal

to become friends or associate closely with.

Synonyms

befriend, chum up, hang out.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pal

Informally refers to a friend or someone with whom you share a friendly relationship. It is often used in casual conversations and carries a neutral to positive tone.

  • He's one of my oldest pals.
  • Don't worry, pal, we can figure this out together.
befriend

Used when talking about starting a friendship or being friendly to someone, often someone who needs support or a new friend. It can have a more formal tone.

  • She befriended the new student in class.
  • It’s important to befriend those who feel lonely.
chum up

An informal phrase used to describe the act of becoming friendly or forming a close friendship. It has a cheerful and casual connotation.

  • They chummed up at the summer camp.
  • I need to chum up with the new neighbors.
hang out

Commonly used in informal contexts to describe spending time together with friends in a relaxed manner.

  • Do you want to hang out after school?
  • We usually hang out at the mall on weekends.

Examples of usage

  • I hope we can pal up and work on this project together.
  • After a few drinks, they palled around like old friends.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'pal' originally comes from the Romani word 'pāl,' meaning 'brother' or 'friend.'
  • It became popular in English in the 19th century, often used to refer to a close companion.
  • In the 1960s, 'pal' became a more casual term for friends, especially among younger people.

Pop Culture

  • The word 'pal' has appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, often used by characters to denote camaraderie.
  • In music, many songs celebrate friendship, frequently using 'pal' in lyrics to represent close bonds among people.
  • Popular cartoons often depict characters referring to each other as 'pals,' emphasizing friendship among different species, like in 'Toy Story.'

Psychology

  • Studies show that having a 'pal' can significantly reduce stress and improve mental health by providing emotional support.
  • Friendship is associated with higher levels of happiness and longer life expectancy, emphasizing the importance of a 'pal.'
  • Social bonds formed with friends can boost productivity and creativity, often leading to successful teamwork.

Literature

  • In classic literature, friendships are often central themes, with characters referring to each other as 'pal' to indicate loyalty.
  • The bond between 'pals' is a common trope in young adult fiction, showcasing the adventures and challenges faced together.
  • Famous authors often explore the dynamics between friends, illustrating both the joys and the trials of being 'pals' in their narratives.

Translations

Translations of the word "pal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 amigo

🇮🇳 मित्र

🇩🇪 Freund

🇮🇩 teman

🇺🇦 друг

🇵🇱 przyjaciel

🇯🇵 友達 (ともだち, tomodachi)

🇫🇷 ami

🇪🇸 amigo

🇹🇷 arkadaş

🇰🇷 친구 (chingu)

🇸🇦 صديق (sadiq)

🇨🇿 přítel

🇸🇰 priateľ

🇨🇳 朋友 (péngyǒu)

🇸🇮 prijatelj

🇮🇸 vinur

🇰🇿 дос

🇬🇪 მეგობარი (megobari)

🇦🇿 dost

🇲🇽 amigo

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,058, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.