- friendly
- I UK [ˈfren(d)lɪ] / US
adjective
Word forms "friendly":
adjective friendly comparative friendlier superlative friendliest
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Metaphor:A friendly relationship between people is like warm, sunny weather. When people are unfriendly towards one another, it is like cold weather. They greeted us warmly when we arrived. ♦ They are very warm-hearted/cold-hearted people. ♦ I didn't like him at first, but I soon warmed to him. ♦ She has a sunny disposition. ♦ Their friendly greetings were met with a frosty silence. ♦ We were given a rather chilly reception. ♦ He stared at us coldly. ♦ She treated us with cool indifference. ♦ The other two girls began to freeze her out. ♦ Observers have noted a thaw in Franco-American relations.1) someone who is friendly is always pleasant and helpful towards other peopleI enjoy working there – everyone is so friendly.
friendly towards/to:He will be remembered as a kind, friendly person.
The local people went out of their way to be friendly towards us.
a) used about people's behavioura friendly smile/manner/welcome:The receptionist greeted us with a friendly smile.
b) used about places and situationsThere's a warm and friendly atmosphere in the pub.
It's not a very friendly city.
2) if you are friendly with someone, you are their friendfriendly with:Janet and I used to be very friendly (= friends with each other).
on friendly terms:Doctors shouldn't get too friendly with their patients.
We parted on friendly terms.
3)a) a friendly game is not part of a competition but is played for fun or to practise skillsMoscow Dynamo came and played Walsall in a friendly match.
b) used for saying that people compete with each other but are friendsThere was a friendly rivalry between them.
4)a) a friendly country or government has a good relationship with your country and is not your enemyTo the Allies, Switzerland was a friendly neutral country.
The new country hopes to establish friendly relations with all its neighbours.
b) on the same side as you in a warfriendly aircraft
5) business a friendly takeover is one in which a company has agreed that another company should buy it
Derived word:
friendliness
noun uncountable
II UK [ˈfren(d)lɪ] / US [ˈfrendlɪ] noun [countable]
Word forms "friendly":
singular friendly plural friendlies Britisha game that is not part of a competition but is played for fun or to practise skills
English dictionary. 2014.