Friendship Flashcards
Liking gap
LIKING gap
The tendency to underestimate how much others enjoy our company. Research shows that people often rate their own likability much lower than others actually perceive it.
Acceptance prophecy
ACCEPTANCE prophecy
A key feature of intimate friendships. It refers to the rapport or understanding between people who share similar interests, values, or experiences, such as being on the same team or in the same class.
Closeness
CLOSE niss
A deeper level of connection in a friendship, often marked by emotional support, sharing personal thoughts, and offering comfort during difficult times. It can look different in every relationship.
Resilience
ruh ZIL yince
The ability to recover quickly from setbacks or stress. In friendships, companionship can improve resilience by providing support and understanding during tough times.
Consistency
cun SISS tin see
A key factor in maintaining strong relationships. Regularly sticking to plans, checking in with each other, and showing mutual care help keep friendships stable over time, even in long-distance situations.
Difficult conversations
Conversations that are necessary for resolving conflicts in relationships, such as when someone feels hurt or betrayed. Approaching these discussions without judgment and defensiveness can strengthen friendships in the long run.
Rifts
Disagreements or conflicts that cause a divide in a relationship, especially in friendships. These can arise from competition, misunderstandings, or lack of support during tough times.
Self-esteem
self UH STEEM
One’s overall sense of self-worth or personal value. Friendships, especially those based on companionship, can help boost self-esteem by providing emotional support and shared positive experiences.
Intimacy
IN tuh muh see
A deep level of emotional connection in a friendship, which involves sharing personal thoughts, feelings, and providing mutual support. Intimate friendships are often marked by trust and vulnerability.
Loyalty
LOY uh dee
Definition: A strong feeling of support or allegiance to someone or something.
Example Sentence: Despite the challenges, her loyalty to her friends never wavered.
Synonyms: Faithfulness, devotion, allegiance
Common Mistake: Not to be confused with obedience—loyalty is a choice, not forced compliance.
Trustworthy
TRUST wur thee
Definition: Deserving of trust and confidence; reliable and dependable.
Example Sentence: You can count on him to keep your secrets—he is truly trustworthy.
Synonyms: Reliable, dependable, honest
Common Mistake: Often confused with trusting (which means willing to trust others).
Compatibility
com pah duh BILL uh dee
Definition: The ability to exist or work together without conflict.
Example Sentence: Their compatibility as business partners made their company a success.
Synonyms: Harmony, synergy, suitability
Common Mistake: Spelled with “i” (compatibility), not “a” (compatability).
Confidant
CON fuh dawnt
Definition: A person with whom one shares a secret or private matter, trusting them not to tell others.
Example Sentence: My sister is my confidant; I tell her everything.
Synonyms: Trusted friend, adviser, companion
Common Mistake: The word is confidant (noun), not to be confused with confident (adjective meaning self-assured).
Soulmate
SOL mate
Definition: A person ideally suited to another as a close friend or romantic partner.
Example Sentence: Many believe that finding a soulmate is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Synonyms: Kindred spirit, twin flame, perfect match
Common Mistake: Not always romantic—soulmates can be deep friendships too.
BFF (Best Friend Forever)
BEE eff eff
Definition: A slang term for a very close and enduring friendship.
Example Sentence: We’ve been BFFs since childhood, and nothing can change that.
Synonyms: Closest friend, bestie, ride-or-die
Common Mistake: More casual and informal than “best friend” in professional settings.
Frenemy
FREN uh mee
Definition: A person who is both a friend and a rival, sometimes acting friendly but with underlying competition or hostility.
Example Sentence: Their relationship was complicated—more of a frenemy situation than true friendship.
Synonyms: Rival-friend, fake friend, adversary
Common Mistake: Frenemy is informal and often used in a humorous or sarcastic tone.
Camaraderie
com RAW duh ree
Definition: A sense of mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together.
Example Sentence: The camaraderie among teammates helped them win the championship.
Synonyms: Companionship, fellowship, rapport
Common Mistake: Pronounced “kah-muh-RAH-duh-ree”, not “cah-muh-RADE-ree”.
fall out (with someone)
Definition:
To have an argument or disagreement with someone, leading to a damaged or broken relationship.
Example:
Emma fell out with her best friend over a misunderstanding, and they didn’t talk for weeks.
A friend in need is a friend indeed
Definition:
A true friend is someone who helps you when you are in trouble or need support.
Example:
When I lost my job, Jake was the only one who supported me. A friend in need is a friend indeed!
Thick as thieves
Definition:
Very close friends who share secrets and trust each other completely.
Example:
Lily and Sarah have been thick as thieves since childhood; they tell each other everything.
Two peas in a pod
Definition:
Two people who are very similar in interests, behavior, or appearance.
Example:
My twin brother and I are like two peas in a pod—we love the same things and always think alike.
To have someone’s back
Definition:
To support and protect someone, especially in difficult situations.
Example: No matter what happens, I know my best friend will always have my back.
