mates

Friendly

Sure! Let's break down the word "mates" for you.

Definition:

The word "mates" is a noun that usually refers to two people who are paired together, often in a close relationship. This can mean they are friends, partners, or even married. In some contexts, "mates" can also refer to people who share a common interest or activity.

Usage Instructions:

• Mates can refer to friends, especially in British English. In American English, you might hear "friends" or "buddies" more often.
• It can also refer to a romantic partner or spouse.

Examples:

1. Friend Context: "I went out with my mates last night."

   • Here, "mates" means friends.

2. Romantic Context: "They are good mates who have been together for five years."

   • In this case, "mates" refers to a couple in a romantic relationship.

Advanced Usage:

• In some cultures, especially in Australia and the UK, "mate" is commonly used in casual conversation to refer to a friend or acquaintance. For example: "How's it going, mate?"

Variants:

• Mating: This is a different form of the word and refers to the process of animals coming together for reproduction.
• Mate (singular): This is the singular form and can refer to one person in a pair or a friend.

Different Meanings:

1. Animal Context: In biology, "mates" can refer to animals that reproduce with each other.

   • Example: "The male and female birds are mates for life."

2. Work Context: "Mates" can refer to colleagues or partners in a project.

   • Example: "My work mates are very supportive."

Synonyms:

• Friends
• Partners
• Companions
• Buddies

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Matey: A casual term that means friendly or informal.

  • Example: "He’s a matey guy who gets along with everyone."

• Mate up: This can mean to pair or join with someone for a specific purpose.

  • Example: "Let's mate up for the project; we can combine our skills."

Summary:

"Mates" is a versatile word that can refer to friends, romantic partners, or even colleagues. It's commonly used in informal settings and can have different meanings depending on the context.

Academic

Noun

1. a pair of people who live together
   • a married couple from Chicago

Synonyms

• couple
• match