friendly Hear it!

friendly Definition

friendly (frend′lē)

adjective -·lier, -·li·est

  1. like, characteristic of, or suitable for a friend, friends, or friendship; kindly
  2. not hostile; amicable
  3. supporting; helping; favorable a friendly wind
  4. showing friendly feelings; ready to be a friend
  5. Informal easy to use, operate, or understand a friendly set of computer icons

Etymology: ME frendli < OE freondlice

adverb -·lier, -·li·est

in a friendly manner; as a friend

noun pl. -·lies

a person or thing that is friendly

friendly Related Forms

friend′li·ly adverb friend′·li·ness noun

friendly Synonyms

friendly

modif.

  1. Well-intentioned

    amiable, amicable, sociable, affable, cordial, congenial, approachable, kind, kindly, helpful, sympathetic, well-disposed, neighborly, civil, peaceful, warm, loving, affectionate, fond, warm-hearted, attentive, agreeable, genial, benevolent, accommodating, obliging, acquiescent, unoffensive, nonbelligerent, hearty, convivial, solicitous, pleasant, companionable, likable, welcoming, hospitable, with open arms, familiar, intimate, confiding, on intimate terms, on good terms, on borrowing terms, in with, close, devoted, dear, attached, inseparable, loyal, faithful, steadfast, true, staunch, in favor, trusted, fast, brotherly, fraternal, sisterly, courteous, respectful, on visiting terms, cheerful, benign, good-humored, good-natured, generous, gracious, cooperative, simpatico, big-hearted*, folksy*, chummy*, solid*, thick*, palsy-walsy*, buddy-buddy*, arm in arm*.

    Antonyms unfriendly*, antagonistic*, hostile. *

  2. Helpful

    favorable, beneficial, helping; see helpful 1.

friendly Usage Examples

Preposition: with

dog: I am good on the lead and although I get a bit excited I am friendly with other dogs and like to play.

Adjective complement with noun phrase

  • find: You will probably find the people here very friendly.
  • become: Some of the topics recently discussed were Interactive Whiteboards that seem to be becoming more user friendly and in more and more workspaces.

Modifies a noun

  • atmosphere: Red House Hotel, Exeter, Devon Family run with a warm & friendly atmosphere.
  • welcome: We couldn't have received a more friendly welcome.
  • manner: The criticisms were put over in a friendly manner.
  • bacterium: Pidg 08-16-2006 11:03 PM The main source of friendly bacteria is from fermented milk and milk products.
  • bunch: We are a friendly bunch who ring each Wednesday evening, from 7.30-9pm at St. David's Church, Exeter.
  • staff: We may visit the Polish research station where the friendly staff will give us an insight into their research projects.

Modifying Another Word

  • environmentally: First Aid Fire Fighting, using our environmentally friendly training unit.
  • ecologically: An ecologically friendly coffin can still be used in any part of the cemeteries, and all arrangements can be made by the family.
  • extremely: The whole set-up was quite informal but extremely friendly and a thoroughly pleasant experience.
  • very: The people are very friendly, the island is largely unspoiled - the best of the Greek islands?
  • exceptionally: Some are more complex that others but the exceptionally friendly online help is at your command.
  • incredibly: The owners were incredibly friendly and really made us feel at home.

Used with adjective complement

  • disable: The ship appeared to be very disabled friendly with level access to all areas, disabled toilets and lifts serving all decks.
  • seem: If they seem friendly to each other, open the door of the small cage after a week.
  • become: The same musician who would not hang his costume became friendly with a female member of staff.
  • appear: Anxious to appear friendly I ask him how to respond to personal questions.
  • get: Eco-friendly destinations in the UK don't get much friendlier than the Eden Project, about five miles from St Austell.