partners: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
High (B1)Neutral to formal; widely used across contexts.
Quick answer
What does “partners” mean?
Two or more individuals, groups, or entities who share in an activity, enterprise, or relationship, typically with mutual interest and cooperation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Two or more individuals, groups, or entities who share in an activity, enterprise, or relationship, typically with mutual interest and cooperation.
Can refer to business associates, spouses or romantic cohabitants, dance/movement pairs, participants in a joint project, or countries/institutions in a formal alliance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling identical. In legal/business contexts, terms like 'limited partner' or 'partnership deed' are common in both, though specific partnership laws differ. The verb form 'to partner (with)' is slightly more established in AmE.
Connotations
Slightly more formal/legal connotation in BrE for business; in AmE, 'partner' is very common for romantic cohabitation without marriage.
Frequency
Comparably high frequency in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “partners” in a Sentence
partners with [person/organisation]partners in [venture/activity]partners for [purpose/time]partners from [origin/background]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “partners” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The charity partnered with a local council.
- They've partnered to launch a new initiative.
American English
- The company partnered with a tech startup.
- We're looking to partner with an experienced firm.
adverb
British English
- (Rare as a dedicated form) They worked partner-like on the task.
American English
- (Rare as a dedicated form) They danced partner-close.
adjective
British English
- Partner organisations must sign the agreement.
- She has a partner visa.
American English
- Partner companies will share resources.
- He is a partner physician at the clinic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to co-owners of a firm (e.g., law partners) or organisations in a joint venture.
Academic
Used for collaborating researchers, institutions, or countries in a study/project.
Everyday
Common for spouse/romantic partner, or someone you are paired with for an activity.
Technical
In law: members of a partnership. In dance/sports: the other member of a pair.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “partners”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “partners”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “partners”
- Using 'partners' as an uncountable noun (*'We need partner'). Using wrong preposition: 'partners on a project' (less common) vs. 'partners in a project'. Confusing 'partners' (shared role) with 'employees' (hired staff).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, most commonly it refers to two (e.g., business partners, marriage partners), but it can also refer to multiple members of a partnership firm or alliance.
It is neutral. It is used in formal legal contexts ('partners in a law firm') and informal social contexts ('my partner' for boyfriend/girlfriend).
A colleague is someone you work with, usually as fellow employees. A 'partner' implies a shared ownership, stake, or deeper collaborative role in a joint endeavour.
Yes, 'to partner (with)' is a common verb meaning to collaborate or form a partnership with someone (e.g., 'The university partnered with an NGO').
Two or more individuals, groups, or entities who share in an activity, enterprise, or relationship, typically with mutual interest and cooperation.
Partners: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɑːtnəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɑːrtnərz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “partners in crime”
- “sleeping partner (BrE) / silent partner (AmE)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PART you NERve (or share) with someone – you take part together.
Conceptual Metaphor
PARTNERSHIP IS A SHARED JOURNEY / PARTNERSHIP IS A BONDED PAIR.
Practice
Quiz
In British English, a 'sleeping partner' specifically refers to: