Advanced General IELTS Words for "Friendship and Enmity"

bosom buddy

phrase

/bˈʊsəm bˈʌdi ɔːɹ fɹˈɛnd/

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Idiom

someone who is considered one's closest or most cherished friend

Example

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Anna and Lisa became bosom buddies after they discovered their shared love for art.

Despite living in different countries, Sarah and Lisa have remained bosom friends.

What is the origin of the idiom "bosom buddy" and when to use it?

Its origin can be traced back to the 16th century, where the word "bosom" referred to the chest area and was often associated with warmth, comfort, and affection. The phrase "bosom friend" was used in literature, particularly in Shakespeare's plays. The term gained popularity in the 20th century and is believed to have been coined in America. It became a commonly used phrase to describe a friendship that is so close, it feels like the two people are almost inseparable. Today, the term is still in use, and its meaning remains largely unchanged, referring to a close and trusted friend who is like family.

crony

noun

c

k

r

o

oʊ

n

y

i

Disapproving

Informal

a close friend or companion, often used in a more negative or informal context

affinity

noun

a

ə

ff

f

i

ɪ

n

i

ə

t

y

i

a strong and natural liking or sympathy toward someone or something

fraternity

noun

f

r

a

ə

t

e

ɜ

r

n

i

ə

t

y

i

a group of people who have the same profession

rapport

noun

r

a

æ

pp

p

o

ɔ

r

t

a close relationship in which there is a good understanding and communication between people

amity

noun

a

æ

m

i

ɪ

t

y

i

pleasant, friendly, and peaceful relations between individuals or nations

foe

noun

f

oe

oʊ

an opponent or enemy

ally

friction

noun

f

r

i

ɪ

c

k

t

ʃ

io

ə

n

absence of agreement or friendliness between people with different opinions

vendetta

noun

v

e

ɛ

n

d

e

ɛ

tt

t

a

ə

a violent argument between two groups in which members of each side make attempts to murder the members of the opposing side in retaliation for things that occurred in the past

rift

noun

r

i

ɪ

f

t

an end to a friendly relationship between people or organizations caused by a serious disagreement

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