friendly

[frend-lee]

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.

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

/ 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

noun

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

-friendly

²

combining form

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

   ozone-friendly

Other Word Forms

• friendliness noun
• prefriendly adjective
• friendlily adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of friendly¹

First recorded before 900; friend + -ly

Example Sentences

At Backyard Party, where live music happens every weekend, the vibes are good, the guest list is family friendly and the house rules are straight-edged.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

On Sunday, he said the Vatican maintained "friendly" relations with Israel and had offered its services as a mediator.

Read more on Barron's

Breeds with low levels were most often labeled "friendly," followed by "eager to please," "easy to train," "courageous," "lively," and "affectionate."

Read more on Science Daily

These friendlies are the opportunity to do that.

Read more on BBC

After Maduro took office in 2013, falling oil production and civil unrest sent the economy into a tailspin—raising questions in some friendly capitals over whether loans were being wasted on Caracas.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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