Girlfriend

Definition

Girlfriend is a noun that refers to a female partner in a romantic or intimate relationship. It can also informally refer to a female friend.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɡɜːrlˌfrɛnd/
• Respelling: GURL-frend

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɡɜːlˌfrɛnd/
• Respelling: GURL-frend

Etymology

The term "girlfriend" originates from the combination of "girl" (Old English "gyrl," meaning a young female) and "friend" (Old English "freond," meaning one attached to another by affection). Its modern use to signify a romantic partner developed in the 19th century.

Derivatives

• Ex-girlfriend (noun)
• Best girlfriend (noun)
• Girlfriendly (adjective, informal)
• Platonic girlfriend (noun)
• Future girlfriend (noun)

Synonyms

• Partner
• Significant other
• Companion

Antonyms

• Boyfriend
• Ex-girlfriend
• None

Usage

The term "girlfriend" is commonly used to denote a female romantic partner. For example, "He introduced his girlfriend to his parents," or "She is meeting her girlfriends for lunch."

Related Terms

• Boyfriend: A male romantic partner.
• Partner: A gender-neutral term for a romantic companion.
• Fiancée: A woman engaged to be married.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A female romantic partner: Refers to a woman in a committed romantic relationship.
  • Example: "He took his girlfriend out for dinner."
• An informal term for a female friend: Denotes a close, platonic female companion.
  • Example: "She enjoys spending weekends with her girlfriends."