friend
noun (countable)
UKfrendUSfrend
a person whom one knows, likes, and trusts; a supporter or ally
Example Sentences
I met my best friend in first grade, and we have stayed close ever since.
He is lucky to have a loyal friend who always has his back.
A good friend listens without judgment and offers help without hesitation.
They became good friends after working together on a volunteer project.
Sharing laughter and tears with a friend can create a strong bond.
Everyone needs at least one friend who supports them through thick and thin.
True friendship transcends distance, for even across oceans and time zones, a real friend remains steadfast in your heart and thoughts.
She realized that a friend who truly cares will celebrate your achievements as if they were their own, standing by your side every step of the way.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A close companion with mutual trust and support.As a noun, “friend” designates a person you share mutual affection, trust, and respect with. It’s used to describe someone you rely on for emotional support, socializing, and meaningful conversation, whether at home, school, or work. In writing, you might introduce a character’s “friend” to show a relationship of loyalty or closeness: “He confided his hopes in his best friend.” In everyday dialogue, you can say, “I’m meeting my friend for lunch,” or “I asked a friend for advice,” highlighting reliance on another person’s listening ear or perspective. Social media has slightly broadened its usage—online “friends” can sometimes be mere acquaintances or followers, but the term still implies a friendly connection. Occasionally, “friend” appears in idiomatic expressions like “a friend in need is a friend indeed,” emphasizing genuine support during hardships. Overall, the word conveys a sense of warmth, reliability, and shared experiences, transcending casual or formal settings.
Alternatives
Various synonyms or related phrases can capture aspects of “friend.” “Companion” underlines the idea of sharing experiences or journeys—someone who walks alongside you in life. “Buddy” or “pal” are casual choices, popular in everyday speech to denote laid-back closeness. “Ally” and “confidant” stress deeper elements of trust: an ally stands by you in challenging circumstances, while a confidant is someone to whom you can divulge personal secrets. “Colleague” might suggest more of a professional relationship, though colleagues can evolve into friends over time. “Comrade” carries hints of solidarity, often implying shared pursuits or principles. Meanwhile, “acquaintance” marks a person you know but don’t necessarily share strong emotional bonds with. Selecting the right term depends on context: is the relationship purely social, professional, or based on mutual support? By choosing words that best fit the nuance—be it casual, intimate, or supportive—you ensure your message conveys the depth and nature of that connection accurately.
Writing
When writing about someone dear to your protagonist or in an essay on social connections, “friend” conveys warmth, loyalty, and emotional resonance. The key to making it effective lies in showing, not just telling, what the friendship entails. Offer brief anecdotes or specific details that demonstrate how these two people uplift one another. For example, a short scene in which a character’s friend offers help during a crisis adds depth to that bond. Varying your word choice helps maintain reader engagement—occasionally using synonyms like “companion” or “confidant” can hint at different facets of the relationship. Keep your language authentic: forced synonyms for “friend” may sound unnatural. Also, avoid overgeneralizing—focus on the qualities that matter in your context, whether you’re exploring a cheerful childhood bond or a more complex adult friendship tested by life events. By illustrating genuine interactions rather than simply labeling two characters as friends, you can engage readers’ emotions and highlight the relationship’s significance.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “friend” is your go-to word for describing those you value and trust. You might introduce someone as “my friend,” show concern (“Is everything okay, friend?”), or simply arrange plans (“Let’s grab coffee, friend!”). This noun stays versatile—it works to describe your oldest relationships, your newest acquaintances you really click with, or even your digital network on social media. When you want to be playful or lighthearted, you can say “buddy,” “pal,” or “mate,” depending on cultural norms and personal style. But generally, “friend” remains the simplest, clearest way to convey genuine affection and reliability. Whether you’re telling someone about your day at work, making dinner plans, or sharing personal news, using “friend” resonates with warmth and camaraderie. If you’re speaking in a group, phrases like “my friend here” can establish camaraderie or quickly introduce people. Ultimately, “friend” helps signal trust, comfort, and acceptance in any social setting, from casual hangouts to quick text conversations.
Etymology
“Friend” comes from the Old English “freond,” rooted in the Proto-Germanic “frijōjands,” which is related to the concept of loving or being free from enmity. Over time, the word retained its essence of goodwill and closeness, reflecting humanity’s deep-seated need for social bonds. Medieval documents record its usage to highlight loyalty among knights and peasants alike, showing the term’s broad social appeal even then. Friendship is recognized as a cornerstone of well-being in many cultures, and the word “friend” remains largely unchanged as a result. By the Middle Ages, “friend” had branched into spiritual contexts, too—clergy wrote about “friends of God,” accentuating devotion and shared faith. Today, new technological platforms expand its scope—people now claim “friends” around the globe online—but its core meaning remains: someone who offers authentic connection. Across centuries, “friend” has marked a trusted companion, underscoring our innate desire for alliance and empathy.
