noun
acquaintance
uh-KWAYN-tuhns
noun
1
A person you know slightly, but who is not a close friend.
"He's more of a business acquaintance than a friend."
2
A slight or general knowledge of something.
"She has a passing acquaintance with French wine."
How to Use Acquaintance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone you know a bit, but not well — or a basic familiarity with a subject.
Common mistake
An acquaintance is less close than a friend — don't use it for someone you're genuinely close with.
Common pairings
a mutual acquaintance
nodding acquaintance
make someone's acquaintance
Word Forms
acquaintances plural
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He's more of a business _____ than a friend.
Etymology
From Old French acointance, "friendship, familiarity," from acointier, "to acquaint."