friendly

American  

[frend-lee] / ˈfrɛnd li /

adjective

friendlier, friendliest

1. characteristic of or befitting a friend; showing friendship.

   a friendly greeting.

   Synonyms:

   neighborly, companionable

2. like a friend; kind; helpful.

   a little friendly advice.

   Synonyms:

   cordial, amiable, kindly, kindhearted, affectionate, genial

3. favorably disposed; inclined to approve, help, or support.

   a friendly bank.

   Synonyms:

   propitious, sympathetic, favorable, helpful, well-disposed, benevolent

   Antonyms:

   antagonistic

4. not hostile or at variance; amicable.

   a friendly warship;

   friendly natives.

5. easy to use, operate, understand, etc. (usually used in combination).

   a consumer-friendly instruction manual;

   a friendly food processor.

6. able to coexist with something without harm or trouble (usually used in combination).

   environmentally friendly building materials;

   a child-friendly restaurant.

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adverb

1. Also friendlily in a friendly manner; like a friend.

noun

plural

friendlies

1. a person who is in sympathetic relationship to oneself or one's side; an ally or supporter.

friendly ¹ British  

/ ˈfrɛndlɪ /

adjective

1. showing or expressing liking, goodwill, or trust

   a friendly smile

2. on the same side; not hostile

3. tending or disposed to help or support; favourable

   a friendly breeze helped them escape

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noun

1. Also called: friendly match.  sport a match played for its own sake, and not as part of a competition, etc

-friendly ² British  

combining form

1. helpful, easy, or good for the person or thing specified

   ozone-friendly

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Other Word Forms

• friendlily adverb
• friendliness noun
• prefriendly adjective

Etymology

Origin of friendly

First recorded before 900; friend + -ly

Explanation

Friendly, describes people who are kind, caring, and make you feel comfortable. You might be new to town, but the people are so friendly that you'll soon feel right at home. The noun friend is at the root of the adjective friendly. When you're friendly, you treat everyone like a friend — with warmth and respect. A friendly game of badminton is by definition not too serious or competitive, and a vegetarian-friendly menu makes non meat-eaters feel welcome, just as user-friendly instructions make it easy for non-professionals to follow the directions.

Example Sentences

He’s also a kind, friendly future Tar Heel, something you can’t always say about lacrosse players who often feel they are either entitled or frustrated when people don’t pay enough attention to them.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2026

Altman's unassuming, friendly demeanor contrasted sharply with Musk's abrasive style, but they shared an entrepreneurial spirit and a penchant for risk-taking.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

Japan will travel to the World Cup on the back of beating England in a friendly at Wembley last month.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

The center of the scheme, authorities said, was Chandrakant “Lala” Patel, the friendly owner of a Subway and other small businesses.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

This made Margaret squeal and shriek all over again, but this time with delight, for it was well-known among the household staff that she and Jasper were on particularly friendly terms.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• affable
• affectionate
• amiable
• amicable
• attentive
• beneficial
• chummy
• cordial
• familiar
• favorable
• good
• helpful
• loving
• loyal
• neighborly
• peaceful
• receptive
• sympathetic
• welcoming