comˈpanionˌship: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to Formal
Quick answer
What does “comˈpanionˌship” mean?
The friendly feeling of being with someone you like or enjoy spending time with.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The friendly feeling of being with someone you like or enjoy spending time with.
A relationship of trust, support, and mutual enjoyment between friends or people who share an activity or situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. Spelling and usage are identical.
Connotations
Slightly more formal and literary connotation in American English; slightly more commonplace in British English.
Frequency
More frequent in British English in everyday contexts (e.g., 'He offered his companionship on the walk.').
Grammar
How to Use “comˈpanionˌship” in a Sentence
companionship of [person/group]companionship between [person] and [person][verb] companionshipVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “comˈpanionˌship” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The dogs companioned each other throughout the adventure.
- [Note: 'companion' as a verb is rare and literary]
American English
- He companioned the elderly man on his daily walks.
- [Note: 'companion' as a verb is rare and literary]
adverb
British English
- They walked companionably along the beach.
- He sat companionably by the fire.
American English
- They worked companionably side by side.
- She smiled companionably at her neighbour.
adjective
British English
- She had a companionable silence with her brother.
- They sought a companion animal from the shelter.
American English
- He was in a companionable mood after dinner.
- The software includes a companion app for your phone.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might be used in HR/wellbeing contexts: 'The company retreat fostered a sense of companionship among team members.'
Academic
Used in psychology, sociology, and literary studies: 'The study examined the role of canine companionship in alleviating depression.'
Everyday
Common: 'I got a dog more for companionship than for protection.' / 'They shared a warm companionship during their retirement years.'
Technical
Used in animal behaviour/ethology: 'Social species exhibit a strong drive for companionship.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “comˈpanionˌship”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “comˈpanionˌship”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “comˈpanionˌship”
- Using 'companionship' for a romantic relationship (use 'relationship' or 'romance').
- Misspelling as 'companianship'.
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'We have a good companionship' – uncorrect; use 'We have good companionship' or 'a good companion').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are very close synonyms. 'Companionship' often emphasises the pleasant experience of being together and sharing activities, while 'friendship' can imply a deeper, more personal bond. Companionship can exist without deep friendship (e.g., with a pet or a casual partner in an activity).
Yes, very commonly. Phrases like 'pet companionship', 'canine companionship', or 'she got the dog for companionship' are standard.
It is almost always used as an uncountable (mass) noun. You do not say 'a companionship' or 'companionships' in standard usage. You 'have companionship', 'offer companionship', or 'value companionship'.
'Company' is more general and neutral, referring simply to the state of being with others. 'Companionship' has a warmer, more positive connotation, implying mutual enjoyment and emotional benefit from the togetherness.
The friendly feeling of being with someone you like or enjoy spending time with.
Comˈpanionˌship is usually neutral to formal in register.
Comˈpanionˌship: in British English it is pronounced /kəmˈpæn.i.ən.ʃɪp/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəmˈpæn.jən.ʃɪp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not directly idiomatic; the noun is used literally]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A COMPANION on a SHIP journey. You're stuck together, sharing the experience, which builds companionship.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPANIONSHIP IS WARMTH/SHELTER ('the warmth of his companionship', 'a shelter from loneliness'), COMPANIONSHIP IS A SHARED JOURNEY.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'companionship' INCORRECTLY?