friendship

The word “friendship” means a relationship of mutual affection and trust between people who are not related or romantically involved. In plain terms, the bond and closeness between friends.

“Friendship” is pronounced FREHN-shihp (/ˈfɹɛn(d)ʃɪp/ in IPA).

Here is “friendship” used in a sentence: “Their friendship lasted more than thirty years.”

Words with a similar meaning to “friendship” include amity, closeness, fellowship, friendhood and mateship.

The opposite of “friendship” — its antonyms — are enemyship, foeship, enmity and unfriendship.

“Friendship” is a noun.

The word “friendship” comes from Old English. From Old English freondscipe, formed from friend plus the suffix -ship.

“Friendship” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

Relationship is the broad word for any connection between people, including family ties and romantic partnerships. Friendship is specifically a relationship of mutual affection and trust between people who are not related and not romantically involved.

Common collocations include strike up a friendship, form a friendship, build a friendship, and maintain a friendship. You can also cement, cherish, or renew a friendship, while a friendship that fails is said to break down or end.

Companionship is the comfort of having someone's company, and it can come from anyone regularly present, even a pet. Friendship goes further, involving mutual affection and trust between the two people.

An acquaintance is someone you know slightly, without any deep bond. A friendship involves mutual affection and trust, so acquaintances may become friends as the connection grows closer.