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

Every Christmas, people fight over it, not friendly.

From Salon

Two of the world's best coaches will go head to head on Saturday as England welcome the United States to Wembley Stadium for a friendly international.

From BBC

England players Grace Clinton and Maya Le Tissier play a Lionesses edition of 'Who am I?' - taking turns describing their team-mates with impressions and funny stories before Saturday's friendly against the USA.

From BBC

Perhaps the most haunting scene comes near the end, when, after a man has confessed to multiple killings and drinking human blood, his daughter bids Adi a friendly farewell.

From New York Times

“Today’s verdict is a grave injustice not only to Yuyu and his family but also to every freethinking Chinese journalist and every ordinary Chinese committed to friendly engagement with the world,” they added.

From BBC

Related Words

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