Mate Meaning and Definition
Mate
Pronunciation
/ˈmeɪt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A mate is a friend or companion, often used to describe a person who is closely associated with another person or group. It can also refer to a partner or spouse, or a person who shares a common goal or activity.
Examples
1. “I’m meeting my mate for a coffee this afternoon.”
2. “The two friends were mates since childhood.”
Synonyms
1. Friend
2. Companion
3. Partner
Antonyms
1. Enemy
2. Stranger
Additional Information
The term “mate” is commonly used in informal settings, such as with friends or in social situations. It can also be used in a more formal sense to describe a business partner or colleague. In some cultures, the term “mate” is used as a term of endearment or respect, similar to “buddy” or “pal”.
Mate can also be used to describe a person who shares a common interest or activity, such as a chess mate or a sailing mate. In this sense, the term is often used to describe a person who is familiar with a particular subject or activity.
In some countries, such as the UK and Australia, “mate” is a common way to address someone in a friendly or casual manner. It can be used to start a conversation, ask for help, or show solidarity.
Etymology
The word “mate” comes from the Old English word “mæta”, which means “food” or “sustenance”. Over time, the word evolved to describe a person who shares a meal or a common activity with another person.
Usage Notes
When using the word “mate” in a sentence, it is often accompanied by a verb such as “meet” or “greet”. For example, “I’m meeting my mate for coffee” or “I greeted my mate at the door”.
Cultural References
The term “mate” has appeared in popular culture in various forms, such as in music, film, and literature. For example, the song “Mate of Mine” by The National, or the novel “Mate of the Devil” by Frank Herbert.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Old mate” is a common idiomatic expression used to describe a close friend or acquaintance. For example, “I ran into my old mate at the pub last night.”
Collocations
1. Mate – up (e.g. “The two friends mated up for the tennis match”)
2. Mate – with (e.g. “I mated with my friend for the project”)
Frequency of Use
The word “mate” is commonly used in informal settings, such as in conversation with friends or in social media. However, it is less commonly used in formal writing or professional settings.
Common Misspellings
1. Maite
2. Matee
3. Matt