companion
B1Neutral to formal, common in both written and spoken English.
Definition
Meaning
A person or animal with whom one spends time or travels, providing fellowship.
A thing that pairs with or complements another; a handbook or reference guide; an assistant or attendant; a member of the lowest rank in certain orders of knighthood.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word often implies a degree of closeness or shared experience beyond mere acquaintance. It can be used for both people and objects (e.g., 'a companion volume').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Largely identical in core meaning. The formal title 'Companion' in orders of chivalry (e.g., Companion of Honour) is more prevalent in British contexts.
Connotations
Slightly more formal/old-fashioned connotation in American English; 'buddy', 'pal', or 'friend' are more common for casual companionship.
Frequency
More frequent in British English, particularly in literary and formal registers.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
companion to somebodycompanion for somebody/somethingcompanion of somebodycompanion volume/guide/book to somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “boon companion”
- “companion in arms”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. May be used in titles like 'Senior Companion' in consultancies or care roles.
Academic
Used in literary analysis ('the protagonist's companion'), history ('companions of the king'), and titles of reference books ('the Companion to Medieval History').
Everyday
Common for pets ('my dog is my companion'), travel ('she was my companion on the trip'), and describing a close friend.
Technical
In horticulture for 'companion planting'; in astronomy for 'companion star/planet'; in publishing for a supplementary volume.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- On the long walk, his dog proved a faithful companion.
- She worked as a companion to an elderly lady in Kensington.
- I bought the gardener's companion to identify wildflowers.
American English
- His constant companion on the road trip was a tattered map.
- This book is the companion to the popular television series.
- He was appointed a Companion of the Honour for his services to drama.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My dog is my best companion.
- She brought a companion to the party.
- He found a good companion for the hiking trip.
- This recipe book is a useful companion in the kitchen.
- After years as diplomatic companions, they understood each other perfectly.
- The second volume serves as a companion to the main textbook.
- The artist's melancholy was his only constant companion.
- The concept of liberty as a companion to responsibility was central to her thesis.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a COMPANY you keep on a long, PANION (sounds like 'canyon') hike. Your COMPANION is in your company for the journey.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY (A companion is a fellow traveler). KNOWLEDGE IS A GUIDE (A companion book guides you through a subject).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not equivalent to 'спутник' when referring to satellites. 'Спутник жизни' is a direct calque but sounds poetic/old-fashioned in English. Avoid using 'companion' for inanimate objects that simply accompany; use 'accompaniment' instead.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'companion' for a romantic partner in very modern contexts (sounds old-fashioned). Incorrect: 'She introduced her companion, Mark.' (if he is her boyfriend) – better: 'partner' or 'boyfriend'. Confusing 'companion' with 'company' (the business entity).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'companion' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral but can lean formal. In casual speech, 'friend', 'buddy', or 'pal' are more common for people.
Yes, commonly for books, volumes, or items that complement another (e.g., 'a companion volume', 'wine is a perfect companion to cheese').
'Companion' is primarily a noun (a person/thing). 'Accompany' is a verb meaning to go or be with someone/something.
Not inherently. It implies closeness and fellowship, which can be platonic. Historically, it was used for a paid live-in friend/assistant. Today, 'partner' is clearer for a romantic relationship.