What does befriending mean

Pronunciation

/ˈbɛfrɪndɪŋ/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

The act of establishing a close and supportive relationship with someone, often through mutual trust, empathy, and communication.

Examples

• The new student found it easy to befriend her classmates.
• The community center offers programs for befriending seniors.

Synonyms

• Friendship
• Alliance

Antonyms

• Enemy
• Foe

Additional Information

Befriending involves building trust, empathy, and understanding between individuals. It requires active listening, open communication, and a willingness to support and care for one another. In many cases, befriending can lead to lasting and meaningful relationships.

In certain contexts, befriending can also refer to the act of forming alliances or friendships with individuals from different backgrounds or cultures. This can help to promote understanding, tolerance, and social cohesion.

Etymology

The word “befriend” originates from the Old English words “be” (meaning “to” or “by”) and “friend” (meaning “to love” or “to cherish”). Over time, the term has evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings and connotations.

Usage Notes

When using the term “befriending,” it’s essential to consider the context and connotations of the word. In some cases, befriending can imply a more formal or structured relationship, while in others, it may refer to a casual or informal connection.

Cultural References

The concept of befriending has been explored in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. Notable examples include the friendships depicted in works such as “The Lord of the Rings” and “Harry Potter.”

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Be friend and foe
• Befriend the enemy

Related Words or Phrases

• Companionship
• Camaraderie

Collocations

• Befriend a stranger
• Befriend an enemy

Frequency of Use

The term “befriending” is moderately common in modern language, often used in formal and informal contexts to describe the act of forming close relationships.

Common Misspellings

• Befreinding
• Beffriending