friendship - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
friendship Word Meanings
- the relationship between friends
- supportive or affectionate relations between people
- a connection based on mutual affection
friendship Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
friendship Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈfrɛndʃɪp/
US
/ˈfrɛndʃɪp/
friendship Word Etymology
Friendship: 'friend' (root) + 'ship' (suffix indicating condition/state) → Old English 'freondscippa' → Enjoying the company of a friend; imagine two friends sharing a warm cup of coffee, laughing and creating memories together.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I move closer and set my mug on the table, watching a familiar smile spread. We lean into a moment of listening, pushing aside noise to hear what matters. A small shift in how we tease and how we share plans makes the air between us feel warmer. That warmth keeps growing, letting us rely on each other when the road gets rough, and the whole thing feels like friendship in motion.
Real Context
Friendship is a relationship between people who enjoy each other’s company and share trust, support, and affection. It grows through reliable presence, honest conversations, and small acts of kindness. Unlike romantic love, friendship is usually platonic and long-lasting, built on mutual respect and shared experiences rather than obligation or pressure. For learners, think of friendship as a bridge you nurture by listening well, keeping confidences, and celebrating each other’s successes. The word implies warmth, loyalty, and a willingness to invest time even when life gets busy.
Usage Reminders
- Remember: friendship is a relationship, not a number of people. Use 'friend' for a person and 'friendship' for the concept. Think of trust, support, and shared experiences. Avoid imply romance unless context clearly indicates it. Collocate with 'strong', 'deep', or 'lasting' to describe the bond. Consider cultural nuances when speaking about closeness. Practice both formal and informal registers.
Common Misconceptions
- Friendship is the same as being popular.
- You must have many friends to be a good person.
- Friendship always means you agree on everything.
- Friends are obligated to always be available.
- Friendship ends only when a fight happens.
Thinking Differences
English speakers often treat friendship as a flexible, long-term concept that can exist with varying degrees of closeness; learners should watch for phrases like 'close friend' vs 'best friend' and avoid assuming many casual acquaintances are 'friends'.
Learning Tips
- Read and note common collocations: strong friendship, close friendship, lasting friendship.
- Practice describing a friendship with adjectives: loyal, supportive, affectionate.
- Use different forms: make friends, maintain a friendship, end a friendship.
- Distinguish between 'friend' and 'friendship' in simple sentences.
- Listen for tone: formal contexts use different phrasing than casual chats.
- Use native examples to see how cultures express closeness.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'friendship'?
A.A bond between enemies
B.A casual acquaintance
C.A close relationship between two or more people
D.A professional connection
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'friendship' correctly?
A.She ended her friendship with ice cream.
B.Their friendship lasted through thick and thin.
C.He bought a new friendship of shoes.
D.The friendship for knowledge was evident.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'friendship'?
A.Hate
B.Love
C.Indifference
D.Jealousy
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'friendship'?
A.Enmity
B.Sympathy
C.Comradeship
D.Amity
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context for 'friendship'?
A.Helping a friend in need
B.Competing against a friend in a game
C.Attending a business meeting
D.Cooking a meal for a neighbor
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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