Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Characterized by or involving companionship; friendly and affectionate in a non-romantic or platonic way. This describes a relationship that is like that of companions, marked by mutual affection, care, and shared interests, often without intense passion.
   • Specifically describing a type of marriage or relationship based on friendship, equality, and shared domestic life rather than romantic love. This is a sociological term for a marital bond emphasizing companionship as its primary foundation.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Their relationship evolved into a deeply companionate friendship over the years.
  • The companionate marriage was built on mutual respect and shared goals.
  • She described her bond with the old dog as more companionate than that of a typical pet owner.

Advanced Usage

• "Companionate love": In psychology, this term refers to a stable, secure form of love characterized by deep affection, commitment, and intimacy, often found in long-term relationships and friendships, distinct from passionate or romantic love.

  • After decades together, their passionate love matured into a warm, companionate love.

• Sociological Context: The concept of a "companionate marriage" emerged in the 20th century, describing a partnership where spouses are companions and equals, sharing household responsibilities and child-rearing.

  • The shift from institutional to companionate marriage changed family dynamics significantly.

Variants and Related Words

• Companion (n): A person or animal with whom one spends time or travels.
  • He was her constant companion on long walks.
• Companionship (n): A feeling of fellowship or friendship; the state of being companions.
  • She valued his companionship above all else.
• Companionable (adj): Friendly and pleasant to be with; conducive to companionship.
  • They sat in companionable silence.

Synonyms

• Friendly: Kind and pleasant.
• Amicable: Having a spirit of friendliness; without serious disagreement.
• Platonic: (Of love or friendship) intimate and affectionate but not sexual.
• Congenial: (Of a person) pleasant because of a personality, qualities, or interests that are similar to one's own.

Antonyms

• Romantic: Conducive to or characterized by the expression of love, especially passionate love.
• Passionate: Showing or caused by strong feelings or a strong belief.
• Antagonistic: Showing or feeling active opposition or hostility.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• A marriage of true minds: An idiom (from Shakespeare) sometimes associated with the idea of deep, companionate partnership.
  • Their union was less about passion and more a marriage of true minds.
• Bosom friends: Very close or intimate friends, implying a companionate bond.
  • They had been bosom friends since childhood.

Adjective

1. like a companion
   • companionate marriage
   • a companionate dog