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

“If you don’t mind me saying, you look rather cold and tired. Come sit by the fire until the weather decides to be friendlier and we can all go about our day.”

From Literature

All eyes will be on the central state of Queretaro on Wednesday, when Mexico meets Iceland for a friendly.

From Barron's

Harris-Aguirre helps moderate a ham-radio Facebook group and says the word “friendly” is in the group name so cranks stay away.

From The Wall Street Journal

She said they were "friendly and welcoming" and that no-one had a bad word to say about them.

From BBC

Still, even amid the devastation, he said, everyone was calm, orderly and friendly.

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