The word "mate" is spelled with the letters m-a-t-e, and is pronounced /meɪt/ according to the International Phonetic Alphabet. The first sound, /m/, is a voiced bilabial nasal, indicating that the lips come together to produce the sound. The second sound, /eɪ/, is a diphthong that is made up of an open front unrounded vowel followed by a glide, indicating a rising sound. The final sound, /t/, is an unvoiced alveolar stop, indicating that the sound is made by stopping the airflow with the tongue behind the teeth.
Mate (noun):
1. A close friend or companion; someone with whom you have a strong bond of friendship, trust, and camaraderie. Usually used informally or colloquially to refer to a person. "Steve and John have been best mates since childhood, always supporting each other through thick and thin."
2. A term used, particularly in British English, to refer to a spouse, partner, or significant other. Often used interchangeably with the word "partner." "Karen introduced her mate, Peter, to the rest of the group at the party."
3. In chess, a term used to refer to one of the pieces, characterized by its ability to move in any direction along a straight line. Usually used in combination with the specific piece, such as "bishop mate" or "rook mate."
4. In animal behavior, particularly birds and certain mammals, a partner with whom an individual forms a long-term bond, often for the purpose of reproduction and raising offspring. "The male swan diligently brings food to its mate during nesting season."
5. A term used in Australian English, particularly in the context of informal conversation, to address someone in a friendly and informal manner. Equivalent to "buddy," "pal," or "friend." "G'day, mate! How's it going?"
Etymology: The word "mate" originated from Middle Low German "gemate," meaning a companion or an equal. It was later absorbed into the English language via Old English "gemǣte," which also connotes a fitting partner or match.
Paraguay tea, the dried leaves of Ilex paraguayensis and other species of Ilex, shrubs growing in Paraguay and Brazil; they contain caffeine and tannin, and are used as a substitute for tea, as a diuretic and diaphoretic, and for the relief of headache.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• A companion; an associate; one who associates with one and eats at the same table, sails in the same ship, or is employed at the same place; an officer of a ship; the male or female of two animals which associate for the propagation of their species.
• To match; to marry; to equal, or be equal to.
• In the game of chess, the state of the king when he cannot escape, called checkmate-see under check.
• The leaves of a tree used in Paraguay and S. Amer. as tea; Paraguay tea.
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 "mate" has several etymological origins depending on its different meanings. Here are the most common origins:
1. As a noun meaning a friend or companion:
- It originated from the Middle Low German word "māt" or "māte", which means "comrade" or "mate". It entered the English language during the late 14th century.
2. As a noun meaning a marriage partner or spouse:
- It is derived from the Middle Low German word "gemate" or "gimate", which means "a companion in marriage" or "bride/bridegroom". It came into English in the late 13th century.
3. As a verb meaning to join as a partner or copulate:
- This usage comes from the Middle Low German word "gematen", which means "to match" or "make a companion".