Friend – Meaning in English

Word: Friend

Part of Speech: Noun
Pronunciation: frend
Category: General

Friend Definition

A friend is a person whom one knows and likes, and who treats you with kindness and trust. They are someone you enjoy spending time with and share common interests.

Usage Notes

Often used to refer to a person with whom one shares a bond of mutual affection, typically exclusive of sexual or family relations.

Example Sentences

  • My friend helped me move to my new house.
  • I met my friend at the park.
  • I have a friend who knows how to play guitar.
  • She is a friend of mine from high school.
  • We have been friends for over a decade.
  • He is a family friend.
  • You can always rely on a true friend.
  • They became friends after working together on a project.

Synonyms (Similar Words)

  • Buddy
  • Companion
  • Mate
  • Pal
  • Confidant
  • Comrade
  • Ally
  • Chum
  • Acquaintance
  • Compeer

Antonyms (Opposite Words)

  • Enemy
  • Foe
  • Antagonist
  • Rival
  • Opponent
  • Stranger
  • Adversary
  • Competitor
  • Detractor
  • Antipathist

Idioms and Phrases

  • A friend in need is a friend indeed. – Someone who helps you when you are in need is a true friend.
  • Fair-weather friend – A person who is only a friend when circumstances are pleasant or profitable.
  • Birds of a feather flock together. – People of the same sort or with the same tastes and interests will be found together.
  • Make friends – To form a friendship or friendly relationship with someone.
  • To befriend – To act as a friend to someone, by offering help or support.

Word Origin and History

Old English frēond, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch vriend and German Freund, from an Indo-European root meaning ‘to love’, shared by free.