mate 1 S2 / meɪt / 名词

1 somebody you do something with [可数名词] someone you work with, do an activity with, or share something with

class/team/work etc mate

Dad’s office mates are throwing a party for him.

house/flat/room mate (= someone you share a house, room etc with )

2 friend [可数名词] British English informal

a) a friend :

I’m going out with my mates tonight.

good/best mate

He’s good mates with John.

Most of my school mates are black.

b) used as a friendly way to address a man :

What’s the time, mate?

3 animal [可数名词] the sexual partner of an animal

4 husband/wife [可数名词] American English a husband or wife – used especially in magazines 同义词 partner :

How do women choose their mates?

5 sailor [可数名词] a ship’s officer who is one rank below the captain

6 navy officer [可数名词] a US Navy petty officer

7 builder’s/plumber’s/electrician’s etc mate British English someone who works with and helps a skilled worker

8 game [不可数名词] checkmate in the game of chess

THESAURUS

friend someone who you know and like very much and enjoy spending time with : Dad, this is my friend Steve. | She’s going to Palm Springs with some friends. | I got a letter from a friend from college. | Amy’s a close friend of mine . | John was a really good friend to me when I had all those problems last year.

acquaintance / əkweɪnt ə ns / someone who you know and see sometimes, but who is not one of your close friends : We borrowed the money from one of Paul’s business acquaintances.

mate British English informal a friend – used especially about boys or men : He always goes to the pub with his mates on Friday night. | Terry’s an old mate of mine.

buddy American English informal a friend – used especially about men or young people : He’s out playing basketball with some of his high school buddies.

pal informal a friend – pal sounds rather old-fashioned : They met at school and have remained close pals.

crony [通常复数形式] disapproving a friend – used about powerful people who will help each other even if it is slightly dishonest : He’s one of the President’s cronies.

companion written someone who spends time with you, doing the same things as you – used about animals as well as people : travelling companions | His dog was his constant companion. | the perfect companion

the girls informal a woman’s female friends : We’re having a girls’ night out.

the lads British English informal a man’s male friends : a night out with the lads