Befriends is a term that is commonly used in English language. It is a verb that describes the act of making friends with someone or being friendly towards them. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of befriends, its origin, and its various associations.
Definitions
Befriends is a verb that means to establish a friendship or a friendly relationship with someone. It is a term that is used to describe the act of making friends with someone or being friendly towards them.
Origin
The origin of befriends can be traced back to the Old English word “befrēondian”, which means to make someone a friend. Over time, this word evolved into the modern-day term “befriends”.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, befriends means “to act as a friend to someone”. Merriam-Webster defines it as “to become a friend to someone” or “to act friendly towards someone”.
Associations
Befriends is often associated with the act of socializing and making friends. It is a term that is commonly used in social contexts, such as when describing how someone has made new friends or when referring to a friendly relationship between two people.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of befriends include: be friendly, make friends with, get to know, socialize with, and connect with.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of befriends include: ignore, ostracize, alienate, and isolate.
The same root words
The same root words as befriends include: friend, friendly, and friendship.
Example Sentences
- She befriended the new girl in school and showed her around.
- He was always friendly towards his coworkers and quickly befriended them.
- The two neighbors became friends and often went out for coffee together.
- She tried to befriend the shy boy in her class and helped him come out of his shell.