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.

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