noun / adjective
companion
kuhm-PAN-yuhn/kəmˈpænjən/
Someone or something accompanying another.
The woman shares a picnic and photo album with her smiling companion.
Etymology
“Together” and “bread” give the original image of a bread fellow or messmate: someone who shares a meal. That association broadened to a person who keeps another company.
In context
Non-medical social support like trips to the doctor and grocery store, help around the house, help with technology, and companionship have become a new kind of care. We call it companion care
More examples
- My traveling companions prefer to take the train.
- This workbook is a useful companion to the textbook.
- The museum publishes a companion guide to the exhibition.
Forms
companion · companions
companionship noun — The comfort of spending time with others.
companionable adjective — Friendly and pleasant to spend time with.
Similar words
- friend
- Emphasizes personal affection rather than simply spending time together.
- partner
- Usually implies sharing an activity, responsibility, or relationship.
- supplement
- Adds information or material rather than merely accompanying something.