The word "befriend" is spelled with the prefix "be-" and the root word "friend". The "e" in "be-" is pronounced as /bɪ/ and the "i" in "friend" is pronounced as /frɛnd/. Therefore, the pronunciation of "befriend" is /bɪˈfrɛnd/. The word means to become friends with someone or to act friendly towards someone to establish a relationship. It is important to use correct spelling in written communication to convey the intended meaning of words accurately.
Befriend is a transitive verb that refers to the act of establishing a friendly relationship, often deliberately, with someone. It involves initiating and cultivating a bond or attachment with another individual by extending warmth, kindness, and support. When one befriends another, they actively seek to create a connection or develop a rapport, typically with the intention of building trust and camaraderie.
The process of befriending involves being approachable, displaying genuine interest, and making efforts to spend time together. This can be done through acts of friendship, such as engaging in conversations, sharing experiences, offering assistance or advice, and showing empathy and understanding. Befriending requires reciprocity, as both parties are actively involved in nurturing the relationship and creating a sense of mutual trust and appreciation.
The term "befriend" is commonly associated with social interactions, particularly in contexts where individuals seek companionship, companionship, support, or a sense of belonging. It can refer to befriending someone of similar interests, values, or background, or even reaching out to those who may be different from oneself, in order to promote inclusivity and broaden one's social circle.
Befriending not only enriches personal relationships but also has the potential to foster positive psychological well-being, promote social cohesion, and alleviate feelings of loneliness or isolation. By actively befriending others, individuals expand their network, gain emotional support, and foster a sense of community.
To assist; to favour; to aid in a difficulty.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "befriend" originated from the combination of two Old English words: "be-" which is a prefix indicating "to make" or "to cause" and "friend" which means a person one likes or enjoys spending time with. Together, "befriend" literally means "to make someone a friend" or "to cause someone to be a friend". The word has been in use since the 16th century.