befriend

Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/bɪˈfrɛnd/

Definitions

• Verb: To act as a friend to (someone) by offering help or support.
• Verb: To make friends with someone, especially by establishing a close or friendly relationship.

Usage Examples

• She befriended the new student and helped him adjust to his new school.
• He decided to befriend the lonely elderly woman who lived next door.
• It’s important to befriend people from diverse backgrounds to broaden your horizons.

Etymology

From the Middle English word befrienden, from be- (a prefix meaning “to make” or “to treat”) and friend (a person who shares a mutual bond of affection).

Synonyms

• Make friends with
• Form a friendship with
• Associate with
• Bond with
• Welcome

Antonyms

• Alienate
• Disassociate
• Estrange
• Ignore
• Enmity

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The word "befriend" is generally pronounced the same across regions, though local accents may cause slight variations in the vowel sounds.

Historical Usage

The word "befriend" has been in use since the 14th century, evolving from Middle English. It has maintained its meaning over centuries as a way of describing forming a friendship or offering support to someone.

Cultural Nuances

"Befriend" can take on different cultural meanings depending on the context. In some cultures, making a friend is a formal process, while in others, it may happen more casually. The act of befriending someone can be seen as a significant gesture of hospitality and goodwill in many cultures.

More Information

To "befriend" someone often means not just to form a friendship but to provide emotional or social support. It suggests an active role in helping another person feel accepted and included. The concept of befriending is central to many societies and is regarded as an essential aspect of building social connections and networks.