companionate

American  

[kuhm-pan-yuh-nit] / kəmˈpæn yə nɪt /

adjective

1. of, by, or like companions. companion.

2. tastefully harmonious.

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companionate British  

/ kəmˈpænjənɪt /

adjective

1. resembling, appropriate to, or acting as a companion

2. harmoniously suited

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Etymology

Origin of companionate

First recorded in 1650–60; companion ¹ + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

“The idea of companionate marriage and love became a part of the calculus of marriage, and Valentine’s Day cards became a part of courtship,” she says.

From Seattle Times

College-educated American women, though, may stray farther afield, most often because careers and companionate marriages beckon, and maybe also because we tend to have kids when we are practically old enough to be grandmas ourselves.

From New York Times

“Meltzer has created a singular companionate text for those who know the agony of frustration surrounding weight as an issue, both personal and political.”

From New York Times

Even though modern partnerships are increasingly founded on democratic and companionate principles, when you peer inside the inner workings you often find tired stereotypes very much intact.

From Salon

In her view, the dolls aren’t child substitutes so much as companionate props in something like a large-scale roleplaying game.

From The Guardian

Related Words

• allocation
• distribution