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friendly definition

friendly (frend′lē)

adjective friendlier -·lier, friendliest -·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 friendlier -·lier, friendliest -·li·est

in a friendly manner; as a friend

noun pl. friendlies -·lies

a person or thing that is friendly

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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.

Modifies a noun

  • atmosphere: Red House Hotel, Exeter, Devon Family run with a warm & friendly atmosphere.

Modifying Another Word

  • environmentally: First Aid Fire Fighting, using our environmentally friendly training unit.

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.
friendly usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

friendly quotes

Living next to you is like sleeping with an elephant. No matter how friendly and even-tempered the beast, one is affected by every twitch and grunt.

-Trudeau, Pierre Elliott

friendly quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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MLA Style

"friendly." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/friendly>

APA Style

friendly. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/friendly

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