friend
Friend (noun) means a person you know well and like, and who is not a family member or romantic partner. Example: “She met her best friend in primary school.”
How to use friend
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone you like and trust, or, as a verb, to connect with someone on social media.
Word forms
friended past tense, friends plural, Friends plural, friends singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She met her best _____ in primary school.
Etymology
From Old English freond, literally "loving one," related to an ancient root meaning "to love" — the same root behind "Friday."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for friend
See all rhymes for friend →Frequently asked questions
What does “friend” mean?
The word “friend” means a person you know well and like, and who is not a family member or romantic partner. In plain terms, someone you like and trust, or, as a verb, to connect with someone on social media.
How do you pronounce “friend”?
“Friend” is pronounced frehnd (/fɹɛnd/ in IPA).
How do you use “friend” in a sentence?
Here is “friend” used in a sentence: “She met her best friend in primary school.”
What is another word for “friend”?
Words with a similar meaning to “friend” include ally, babber, billy, bruv, bredrin and bud.
What is the opposite of “friend”?
The opposite of “friend” — its antonyms — are enemy, stranger, foe, false friend and creep.
What part of speech is “friend”?
Depending on how it is used, “friend” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “friend” come from?
The word “friend” comes from Old English. From Old English freond, literally "loving one," related to an ancient root meaning "to love" — the same root behind "Friday.".
Is “friend” a common word?
“Friend” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between a friend and an acquaintance?
A friend is someone you know well and genuinely like, with a bond built on trust and shared time. An acquaintance is someone you know only slightly, perhaps by name or through occasional contact, without that closeness or affection. Every friend starts as an acquaintance, but not every acquaintance becomes a friend.
What are the different types of friends?
People often speak of best friends, close friends, and casual or 'work' friends, depending on how deep the bond is. There are also childhood friends, mutual friends shared through others, and old friends kept over many years. The common thread is knowing someone well and liking them, outside family or romance.
What makes someone a good friend?
A good friend is usually trustworthy, loyal, and supportive, someone who listens, keeps confidences, and is there in difficult times as well as good ones. Honesty and mutual respect matter too. Friendship is a two-way relationship, so a good friend both gives and receives care, rather than only taking.
What is the opposite of a friend?
The clearest opposite is an enemy, someone who feels hostility toward you rather than warmth. 'Foe' is a more formal word for the same idea. A milder opposite is a stranger, someone you do not know at all, since a friend is by definition someone you know well and like.
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