Reading Theme:
Friendly Meaning, Examples & Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：kind and pleasant (friendly)
friendly
/ˈfrendli/
adj.
Describes a person who is kind and easy to get along with.
kind and pleasant
➕
/kaɪnd ænd ˈplɛzənt/
adj.
Describes a person who shows kindness and is easy to approach, making others feel comfortable.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From 'friend' (Old English 'freond' meaning 'loving one') + suffix '-ly'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'friend' + 'ly' = acting like a friend.
📖 Example
On my first day at the new school, a friendly classmate showed me around the campus and introduced me to everyone.
On my first day at the new school, a friendly classmate showed me around the campus and introduced me to everyone.
🔗 Collocations
friendly atmosphere – a pleasant environment that makes people feel welcome
friendly smile – a smile that shows kindness and warmth
friendly advice – helpful and kind suggestions given without criticism
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
unfriendly (adj.) – not friendly; cold and hostile
hostile (adj.) – unfriendly and aggressive
cold (adj.) – lacking warmth or kindness
🌱 Derivatives
friendliness (n.) – the quality of being kind and pleasant
friendlier (adj.) – more friendly (comparative)
friendliest (adj.) – most friendly (superlative)
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Proto-Germanic *frijōndz, meaning 'loving'. In modern English, it describes a person or thing that is pleasant and supportive, often used in phrases like 'user-friendly'.
Meaning 2：easy to use (friendly)
friendly
/ˈfrendli/
adj.
Describes something that is easy to use, understand, or is pleasant.
easy to use
➕
/ˈiːzi tuː juːz/
adj.
Describes something designed to be simple and pleasant to use, often reducing effort or confusion.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The new mobile app has a friendly interface with large icons and clear instructions, making it perfect for elderly users.
The new mobile app has a friendly interface with large icons and clear instructions, making it perfect for elderly users.
🔗 Collocations
user-friendly – easy for people to use
environment-friendly – not harmful to the environment
child-friendly – suitable and safe for children
🔄 Synonyms
intuitive (adj.) – easy to understand without instruction
accessible (adj.) – easy to reach or use
simple (adj.) – not complicated; easy to do or understand
🚫 Antonyms
difficult (adj.) – hard to use or understand
complicated (adj.) – complex and hard to understand
unfriendly (adj.) – not easy or pleasant to use
🌱 Derivatives
user-friendliness (n.) – the quality of being easy to use
friendlily (adv.) – in a friendly manner (rare)
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