Friends

The word “Friends” means the Religious Society of Friends, a Christian movement better known as the Quakers, founded on the idea that anyone can experience God directly without clergy or ritual. In plain terms, capitalized like this, "Friends" is a name for the Quakers, not the ordinary word for people you're close to.

“Friends” is pronounced frehndz (/fɹɛndz/ in IPA).

Here is “Friends” used in a sentence: “Her grandparents were Friends and worshipped in near-silence every Sunday.”

“Friends” is a noun.

“Friends” is a very common word in modern English.

There is no difference in who they are; the two names point to the same movement. "Friends," short for the Religious Society of Friends, is the members' own formal name. "Quakers" began as an outsiders' nickname but is now widely and comfortably used by members and non-members alike.

The name comes from the group's full title, the Religious Society of Friends, chosen to express fellowship and equality among members. It echoes a verse in which Jesus calls his followers friends. The term reflects their belief that all people stand in a direct, personal relationship with God and one another.

Central to Friends is the conviction that anyone can experience God directly, without the need for clergy, ritual, or elaborate ceremony. Many meetings worship in shared silence until someone feels moved to speak. Friends are also widely known for their commitment to peace, equality, honesty, and simple living.

Historically yes; the Religious Society of Friends grew out of seventeenth-century Christianity in England and takes its roots from the teachings of Jesus. Today the movement is diverse: some meetings remain firmly Christian, while others are more liberal and welcome members of varied beliefs, united by shared practice and values.