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

Example Sentences

"It is really fun and it's extremely friendly," he says.

From BBC

She felt reassured, however, by the neat brick buildings and the friendly guard who checked her ID at the gate.

From The Wall Street Journal

Earlier this month, exchange head Bonnie Chan told reporters the review request was a "friendly reminder" from the regulators.

From Barron's

Its policies are friendly, said Michael Freeman, regional director for Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam at construction project management company Turner and Townsend.

From Barron's

Meanwhile, some Los Angeles fans remained excited as they travel this week to watch Mexico’s friendly match against Iceland in Querétaro.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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