meaning - Are there commonly used words to denote different gradations of friendship in English?


In English there is only one word for grade of friendship: friends. All of you agree that friends are different: with some of them you just drank beer few times, other you know for many years and you build strong bonds to them. There should be different words for that!


In Russian there are three words for different grades of friendship:



  1. You met few times.

  2. You meet regularly, spend time, but don't have strong bonds.

  3. You are important to each other, bonds are strong. (Usually people have 1-10 friends of that sort)


So I am interested, are there commonly used words to denote different gradations of friendship in English?



Answer



I think they might be: 1. Acquaintance 2. Friend/buddy/mate 3. Best friend


I know the last one may not be a true synonym, but it's the best I've got.


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