friendly

[ frend-lee ]

adjective

, friend·li·er, friend·li·est.

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 friend·li·ly []. in a friendly manner; like a friend.

noun

, plural friend·lies.

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

-friendly

¹

combining form

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

   ozone-friendly

friendly

²

/ 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 calledfriendly match sport a match played for its own sake, and not as part of a competition, etc

Derived Forms

• ˈfriendliness, noun
• ˈfriendlily, adverb

Other Words From

• friend·li·ness noun
• pre·friend·ly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of friendly¹

First recorded before 900; friend + -ly

Example Sentences

Manchester City forward Lauren Hemp has had surgery on a knee injury, ruling her out of England's upcoming friendlies with the United States and Switzerland.

From BBC

On the campaign trail, Trump said his strategy would rely on military troops, friendly state and local law enforcement and wartime powers.

From Los Angeles Times

"Unlike other customers they were very friendly. We didn’t know much about them… they were just quiet," he said.

From BBC

"Now, the billionaire will be able to bring lawsuits to friendly courts against whoever disagrees with him on his platform," said The Center for Countering Digital Hate told Reuters.

From Salon

To face this issue, the research team looked towards an electrochemical method that is not only more efficient, but also environmentally friendly.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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