acquaintance
Acquaintance (noun) means a person you know slightly, but who is not a close friend. Example: “He's more of a business acquaintance than a friend.”
How to Use Acquaintance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone you know a bit, but not well — or a basic familiarity with a subject.
An acquaintance is less close than a friend — don't use it for someone you're genuinely close with.
Word Forms
acquaintances plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
He's more of a business _____ than a friend.
Etymology
From Old French acointance, "friendship, familiarity," from acointier, "to acquaint."
Related Words
Rhymes for acquaintance
See all rhymes for acquaintance →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “acquaintance” mean?
The word “acquaintance” means a person you know slightly, but who is not a close friend. In plain terms, someone you know a bit, but not well — or a basic familiarity with a subject.
How do you pronounce “acquaintance”?
“Acquaintance” is pronounced uh-KWAYN-tuhns (/ʌˈkweɪn.təns/ in IPA).
How do you use “acquaintance” in a sentence?
Here is “acquaintance” used in a sentence: “He's more of a business acquaintance than a friend.”
What is another word for “acquaintance”?
Words with a similar meaning to “acquaintance” include familiarity, fellowship, intimacy, knowledge and kith.
What part of speech is “acquaintance”?
“Acquaintance” is a noun.
Where does the word “acquaintance” come from?
The word “acquaintance” comes from Old French. From Old French acointance, "friendship, familiarity," from acointier, "to acquaint.".
Is “acquaintance” a common word?
“Acquaintance” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “acquaintance” have?
“Acquaintance” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person you know slightly, but who is not a close friend.
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