comrade

The word “comrade” means a close companion or fellow member of a group, especially one who shares the same struggle or cause. In plain terms, a trusted companion, especially someone you've been through hardship or a shared cause with — also a formal title used in socialist and communist movements.

“Comrade” is pronounced KOM-rayd (/ˈkɑmɹæd/ in IPA).

Here is “comrade” used in a sentence: “He stayed loyal to his old comrades from the army long after the war ended.”

Words with a similar meaning to “comrade” include battle buddy, tovarish and compagno.

“Comrade” is a noun.

The word “comrade” comes from French. Traces back through French camarade to Spanish and Italian words meaning "chamber mate" — someone who shared a room, especially soldiers billeted together.

“Comrade” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“Comrade” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a close companion or fellow member of a group, especially one who shares the same struggle or cause.

A "friend" is simply someone you like and enjoy spending time with, while a "comrade" more specifically implies a companion who shares the same struggle, cause, or group membership, such as soldiers or activists. "Comrade" carries a stronger sense of solidarity and shared purpose than the more general word "friend."

"Comrade" has long been used as a term of address among socialists, communists, and members of certain political movements, functioning similarly to "Mr." or "Ms." This political usage is why the word is strongly associated with communist and socialist movements in particular.

Outside of political movements or military contexts, "comrade" is not common in everyday English and can sound formal, old-fashioned, or ideologically loaded. In most casual conversation, words like "friend" or "buddy" are used instead.