List of Antonyms and Examples for "Friend" in English
| Antonym | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Enemy | A person who is against you; hostile | He became my enemy after the fight. |
| Foe | An old-fashioned word for enemy | The superhero faced his foe in the final battle. |
| Rival | Someone you compete with, especially in sports or studies | They are rivals for first place. |
| Opponent | Someone playing, fighting, or arguing against you | Her opponent was strong in the debate. |
| Adversary | A formal word for enemy or opponent | The boxer respected his adversary in the ring. |
Friend Opposite Word: Key Antonyms and Their Use
The primary opposite of friend is “enemy.” Other antonyms include “foe,” “rival,” “opponent,” and “adversary.” Each word fits a specific context. “Enemy” means someone actively against you, while “rival” is someone you compete with, not always with hatred. “Opponent” and “adversary” work in games, sports, or formal situations.
Different Contexts of Friend Opposite Word
Understanding which antonym to use depends on the situation. In friendly competitions, use “rival” or “opponent.” For personal conflicts, “enemy” or “foe” are correct. In legal or debate settings, “adversary” is appropriate. This helps avoid confusion in essays and daily communication.
Contextual Example Sentences
- After the match, he congratulated his opponent.
- They are business rivals in the same city.
- In the story, the prince defeated his worst enemy.
- The lawyer faced a skilled adversary in court.
- The superhero caught his old foe.
Friend Opposite Word in Hindi, Marathi, and Other Languages
The antonym of “friend” is needed in many Indian languages. This helps bilingual students as well as regional exam-takers. Below is a simple table with translations:
| Language | Friend | Opposite (Antonym) |
|---|---|---|
| Hindi | Dost (दोस्त) | Dushman (दुश्मन) |
| Marathi | Mitra (मित्र) | Shatru (शत्रु) |
| Bengali | Bondhu (বন্ধু) | Shotru (শত্রু) |
| Kannada | Snehi (ಸ್ನೇಹಿತ) | Shatruvu (ಶತ್ರು) |
| Telugu | Snehitudu (స్నేహితుడు) | Satruvu (శత్రువు) |
How to Use Friend and Its Antonyms in Sentences
Using the right antonym improves your spoken and written English. “Friend” is used for someone who helps and cares for you. “Enemy” and “foe” describe someone who creates problems or stands against you. “Rival” and “opponent” are for fair competitions and games.
- She is my friend. He became my enemy.
- They are good friends, not rivals.
- I won against my opponent in chess.
Tips for Remembering Opposites in English
- Pair new words with their antonyms using flashcards.
- Create sentences with both “friend” and “enemy.”
- Practice with games that ask for opposite pairs.
- Revise common antonyms before tests.
- Use word lists from Vedantu’s Antonyms and Synonyms page.
Expand Your Vocabulary: Related Links
- Antonyms and Synonyms
- Opposite Words for Class 1
- Vocabulary Words for Kids
- Words
- Idiom and Phrases
- English Grammar
- Grammar for Class 3
- Teaching Opposites to Children
Page Summary
Knowing the opposite of “friend,” like “enemy,” “rival,” and “opponent,” will help in exams, writing, and daily speech. Use each antonym based on context. At Vedantu, students can explore word lists and examples to master vocabulary, build communication skills, and succeed in English learning.
FAQs on What Is the Opposite of Friend?
1. What is the opposite of friend in English?
The primary antonym for friend is enemy or foe. Other words expressing opposition include rival, opponent, and adversary, each with slightly different connotations.
2. What is the antonym of bestie?
While there isn't a single perfect antonym for "bestie" (best friend), nemesis, enemy, or even opponent could be used depending on the context. The best choice depends on the nature of the opposition.
3. What do you call someone who is not a friend?
Someone who is not a friend could be called an enemy, rival, adversary, or opponent. The most appropriate term depends on the specific relationship and context. A stranger is someone unknown, not necessarily an opposite of a friend.
4. Is "unfriend" the opposite word of friend?
No, "unfriend" is a verb, not a noun. It describes the action of removing someone from your friend list, not a direct opposite of the word "friend." The opposite of "friend" is a noun representing someone who is hostile or opposed.
5. What is the opposite of being friends?
The opposite of being friends is being enemies or rivals. It could also be described as a state of conflict or hostility.
6. Can you give some examples of friend opposite words in sentences?
Here are some examples:
• After the argument, he became my enemy.
• In the competition, they were fierce rivals.
• The two countries were long-standing adversaries.
• On the playing field, they were opponents.
7. What is the difference between enemy, rival, and adversary?
While all three words represent opposition, there are nuances: An enemy implies hostility and malice. A rival is someone you compete with, not necessarily with hostility. An adversary is often used in formal contexts, like legal proceedings, to describe an opponent.
8. Friend opposite word in Hindi?
The Hindi word for enemy or foe, the opposite of friend, is dushman (दुश्मन).
9. Friend opposite word in Marathi?
In Marathi, the opposite of friend is shatru (शत्रु).
10. How do I choose the right antonym for "friend" in a sentence?
The best antonym for "friend" depends entirely on the context. Consider the nature of the relationship: Use enemy for outright hostility, rival for competition, opponent for a game or contest, and adversary for a more formal conflict.
11. What are some tips for remembering opposites in English?
To improve your memory of antonyms, try these:
• Create flashcards with words and their opposites.
• Use them in sentences to solidify their meaning.
• Play vocabulary games online or with friends.
• Review lists regularly.
• Group antonyms by categories (e.g., emotions, sizes, actions).
