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

“This is your friendly global neighborhood multi-conglomerate telecommunications and broadcast company. They hold enormous power but they’re also clueless about where they’re going with it.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

The talks were tough but friendly and the two sides exchanged productive proposals, according to the US official.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

Recruiters also touted business friendly regulation, an ice-free port deep inland as well as an aerospace industry and other big aluminum consumers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

The fandom is far more curious, knowledgeable and friendly than most corners of the internet are today.

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026

“Well,” Daddy said, “the brook and the mountain and the rest of the valley won’t be on their property, but I’d like us to be friendly and share what we have.”

From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan

Related Words

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