friend

/frend/

Friendly

Explanation of the Word "Friend"

Definition: The word "friend" is a noun that refers to a person with whom you have a close and positive relationship. This can mean someone you trust, care about, and enjoy spending time with.

Basic Usage

• Common Use: Most people use "friend" to describe someone they like and who likes them back. Friends support each other and often share experiences.

Advanced Usage

• Different Contexts: The term "friend" can also refer to someone who supports a cause, group, or person. For example, "friends of the library" means people who support and help the library.

Word Variants

• Friendship (noun): The state of being friends.

  • Example: "Their friendship grew stronger over the years."

• Friendly (adjective): Kind and pleasant; showing friendship.

  • Example: "She gave me a friendly smile."

• Friendliness (noun): The quality of being friendly.

  • Example: "His friendliness made everyone feel welcome."

Different Meanings

• Quaker Meaning: "Friend" can also refer to a member of the Religious Society of Friends, known as Quakers. This is a specific group of people who follow certain religious beliefs.

Synonyms

• Companion: Someone you spend time with.
• Buddy: A close friend, often used informally.
• Pal: Another informal term for a friend.
• Ally: A person or group that supports another, especially in a difficult situation.

Idioms

• "Fair-weather friend": A person who is only your friend when things are good.

  • Example: "I realized he was just a fair-weather friend when he left me during my tough times."

• "A friend in need is a friend indeed": This means that a true friend helps you when you are in trouble.

Phrasal Verbs

• "Friend someone": To send a friend request on social media.
  • Example: "I decided to friend him on Facebook after we met."

Conclusion

In summary, a "friend" is someone you have a close relationship with, whether personally or in a supportive context. Friends bring joy and support into our lives.

Academic

Noun

1. a member of the Religious Society of Friends founded by George Fox (the Friends have never called themselves Quakers)
2. a person who backs a politician or a team etc.
   • all their supporters came out for the game
   • they are friends of the library
3. a person with whom you are acquainted
   • I have trouble remembering the names of all my acquaintances
   • we are friends of the family
4. an associate who provides cooperation or assistance
   • he's a good ally in fight
5. a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
   • he was my best friend at the university

Synonyms

• Friend
• Quaker
• supporter
• protagonist
• champion
• admirer
• booster
• acquaintance
• ally