mates
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun (plural):
- Partners in a marriage or a long-term romantic relationship: Refers specifically to two people who are married or in a committed partnership, often living together.
- Companions or partners in a specific context: Can refer to two people who are paired together, such as in a game, on a ship, or in work. This meaning is more common in British and Australian English.
Usage
- The word "mates" is the plural form of "mate." When referring to a romantic couple, it is typically used informally.
- It often implies a close, cooperative, or paired relationship.
Examples
- Referring to a couple:
- They've been mates for over twenty years.
- The two mates bought a house together.
- Referring to partners/companions (common in UK/AU English):
- He went to the pub with his mates. (friends)
- We were mates on the same sailing crew. (crew partners)
Advanced Usage
- "To be mates with someone": To be friends or partners with someone.
- Are you mates with the new manager?
- "Mates' rates" (idiom, informal): A discounted price offered to a friend.
- He fixed my car at mates' rates.
Variants and Related Words
- Mate (noun): The singular form. Can mean a friend, partner, spouse, or one of a pair.
- He's my best mate.
- The bird searched for its mate.
- Teammate (noun): A fellow member of a sports team or group.
- Roommate (noun): A person with whom one shares a room or apartment.
- Classmate (noun): A fellow member of a class in school.
Synonyms
- Couple: A pair of partners in a relationship.
- Partners: People associated in a common activity or relationship.
- Spouses: Married partners.
- Companions: People who spend time with or accompany others.
Related Phrases / Idioms
- "Mates for life": Refers to animals (or sometimes people) that pair bond permanently.
- Swans are known to be mates for life.
- "Shipmates": Fellow sailors on a ship.
- The old sailors reunited with their shipmates.
Noun
- a pair of people who live together
- a married couple from Chicago