Meaning of friend in English

1. Pronunciation

   /frɛnd/

   US accent

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   UK accent

   How to pronounce friend in British English, in context ▾
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1. Noun

   friend

   Etymology

   Old English frēond, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch vriend and German Freund, from an Indo-European root meaning ‘to love’, shared by free

   Definitions

   1. a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

   Examples

   • « he was my best friend at the university »
2. 2. an associate who provides assistance

   Examples

   • « he's a good ally in fight »
   • « they were friends of the workers »

   Antonyms

   • foe
   • enemy
3. 3. a person with whom you are acquainted

   Examples

   • « I have trouble remembering the names of all my acquaintances »
   • « we are friends of the family »
4. 4. a person who backs a politician or a team etc.

   Examples

   • « all their supporters came out for the game »
   • « they are friends of the library »
5. 5. a member of the Religious Society of Friends founded by George Fox (the Friends have never called themselves Quakers)