friendly

/'frendli/
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Thân thiện
friendly

A friendly dog wags its tail at a passing child.

Definition
  1. Adjective:

    • Kind and pleasant; behaving in a way that shows you like people and want them to like you: "friendly" describes a person, smile, or manner that is warm, welcoming, and not hostile.
    • Supportive; not opposed to someone or something: "friendly" can describe a relationship, government, or policy that is helpful, cooperative, and not antagonistic.
    • Easy to use or understand; not causing difficulty: "friendly" is used to describe systems, technology, or environments designed to be pleasant and simple for people to interact with.
    • Relating to one's own forces or allies in a military context: "friendly" describes troops, territory, or actions belonging to or allied with one's own side.
  2. Noun:

    • A person or group, especially a soldier, who is on the same side in a conflict: "friendly" refers to troops or forces that are allies, not enemies.
Examples
  • Adjective:

    • She gave me a friendly wave. (Her wave was warm and welcoming.)
    • The two countries have maintained friendly relations for decades. (The relationship between the countries is cooperative and positive.)
    • This software has a friendly user interface. (The software is easy and pleasant to use.)
    • The plane was shot down by friendly fire. (The plane was hit by weapons from its own allied forces.)
  • Noun:

    • We were relieved to see the friendlies approaching our position. (We were happy to see allied soldiers coming.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to be on friendly terms with someone": to have a good, pleasant relationship with someone.
    • Despite the business rivalry, they are on friendly terms.
  • "user-/reader-/environment-/customer-friendly": a compound adjective pattern meaning designed to be good for the specified user or purpose.
    • The new tax form is more taxpayer-friendly.
  • "friendly match/game": a sports event played for enjoyment or practice, not as a serious competition.
    • The team played a friendly against a local club.
Variants and Related Words
  • Friendlily (adverb, rare): in a friendly manner.
    • He nodded friendlily.
  • Friendliness (noun): the quality of being friendly.
    • I was impressed by the friendliness of the staff.
  • Unfriendly (adjective): not friendly; hostile.
    • He gave me an unfriendly stare.
Synonyms
  • Amicable: characterized by friendliness and absence of discord.
  • Cordial: warm and friendly.
  • Genial: friendly and cheerful.
  • Affable: friendly, good-natured, and easy to talk to.
Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

(Note: "friendly" is primarily an adjective/noun and does not commonly form phrasal verbs. Its related verb is "befriend.")

Related Idioms
  • A friendly face: a person you know and are pleased to see.
    • It was good to see a friendly face in the crowd.
  • Friendly persuasion: the act of convincing someone to do something through gentle, non-forceful encouragement.
    • He agreed to help after some friendly persuasion.
friendly

A friendly dog wags its tail at a passing child.

Adjective
  1. of or belonging to your own country's forces or those of an ally
    • in friendly territory
    • he was accidentally killed by friendly fire
  2. easy to understand or use
    • user-friendly computers
    • a consumer-friendly policy
    • a reader-friendly novel
  3. inclined to help or support; not antagonistic or hostile
    • a government friendly to our interests
    • an amicable agreement
  4. characteristic of or befitting a friend
    • friendly advice
    • a friendly neighborhood
    • the only friendly person here
    • a friendly host and hostess
Noun
  1. troops belonging to or allied with your own military forces
    • friendlies came to their rescue