VocabDictionary

best friend

/bษ›st frษ›nd/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

The person whom one likes the most and trusts above all other friends in one's social circle.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œShe has been my best friend since we met in kindergarten.โ€
  • โ€œI knew he was my best friend when he drove three hours in the middle of the night just to help me change a flat tire.โ€
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for โ€œbest friendโ€.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

The term is a combination of 'best', the superlative form of 'good' (derived from Old English 'betst'), and 'friend' (derived from Old English 'frฤ“ond', meaning 'one whom one loves or regards with affection'). While the noun phrase has been used organically for centuries to denote the closest companion among several friends, the modern capitalized concept and abbreviation ('BFF') gained widespread cultural prominence in the late 20th and early 21st centuries through popular media and youth culture.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of the two people who are the absolute 'BEST' at being there for you, and they share the ultimate bond of friendship.

Frequently Asked Questions About โ€œbest friendโ€

1. What is the meaning of โ€œbest friendโ€ in English?

In English, best friend (noun) is defined as: โ€œThe person whom one likes the most and trusts above all other friends in one's social circle.โ€.

2. How do you use โ€œbest friendโ€ in a sentence?

โ€œShe has been my best friend since we met in kindergarten.โ€

3. What are English synonyms of โ€œbest friendโ€?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of โ€œbest friendโ€?

The term is a combination of 'best', the superlative form of 'good' (derived from Old English 'betst'), and 'friend' (derived from Old English 'frฤ“ond', meaning 'one whom one loves or regards with affection'). While the noun phrase has been used organically for centuries to denote the closest companion among several friends, the modern capitalized concept and abbreviation ('BFF') gained widespread cultural prominence in the late 20th and early 21st centuries through popular media and youth culture.