Dictionary
1friendly
adjective friend·ly \ˈfren(d)-lē\
: acting like a friend : kind and helpful
: having or showing the feelings that friends have for each other
: showing support or approval
friend·li·erfriend·li·est
Full Definition of FRIENDLY
1
: of, relating to, or befitting a friend: as a : showing kindly interest and goodwill b : not hostile <a friendly merger offer>; also : involving or coming from actions of one's own forces <friendly fire> c : cheerful, comforting <the friendly glow of the fire>
2
: serving a beneficial or helpful purpose
3
: easy to use or understand <friendly computer software> —often used in combination <a reader-friendly layout>
4
: compatible, accommodating <environmentally friendly packaging> —often used in combination <a kid-friendly restaurant>
— friend·li·ly \ˈfren(d)-lə-lē\ adverb
— friend·li·ness noun
See friendly defined for English-language learners
See friendly defined for kids
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First Known Use of FRIENDLY
before 12th century
Related to FRIENDLY
- Synonyms
- amicable, bonhomous, buddy-buddy, chummy, collegial, companionable, comradely, cordial, genial, hail-fellow, hail-fellow-well-met, hearty, matey [chiefly British], neighborly, palsy, palsy-walsy [slang], warm, warmhearted
- Antonyms
- antagonistic, hostile, unfriendly
Synonym Discussion of FRIENDLY
amicable, neighborly, friendly mean exhibiting goodwill and an absence of antagonism. amicable implies a state of peace and a desire on the part of the parties not to quarrel <maintained amicable relations>. neighborly implies a disposition to live on good terms with others and to be helpful on principle <neighborly concern>. friendly stresses cordiality and often warmth or intimacy of personal relations <sought friendly advice>.
2friendly
adverb
Definition of FRIENDLY
: in a friendly manner : amicably
First Known Use of FRIENDLY
before 12th century
Rhymes with FRIENDLY
3friendly
noun
: a game between sports teams that is done for fun and not as part of a regular playing season
plural friendlies
Full Definition of FRIENDLY
1
: one that is friendly; especially : a native who is friendly to settlers or invaders
2
chiefly British : a match between sports teams and especially international teams that has no connection with league or championship play
See friendly defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FRIENDLY
1861
FRIENDLINESS Defined for Kids
friendly
adjective friend·ly \ˈfrend-lē\
friend·li·erfriend·li·est
Definition of FRIENDLY for Kids
1
: having or showing the kindness and warmth of a friend <a friendly neighbor> <a friendly smile>
2
: being other than an enemy
3
: easy or suitable for <a kid-friendly restaurant>
— friend·li·ness noun
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