Definition of: friendship

(frend′ship) noun
1. Mutual regard cherished by kindred minds.
2. The state or fact of being friends. Synonyms: affection, amity, attachment, comity, consideration, devotion, esteem, favor, friendliness, love, regard. Friendship is a deep, quiet, enduring affection, founded upon mutual respect and esteem. Friendship is always mutual; one may have friendly feelings toward an enemy, but while there is hostility or coldness on one side there cannot be friendship between the two. Friendliness is a quality of friendly feeling, without the deep and settled attachment implied in the state of friendship. Comity is mutual, kindly courtesy, with care of each other's right, and amity a friendly feeling and relation not necessarily implying special friendliness; as, the comity of nations, or amity between neighboring countries. Affection may be purely natural; friendship is a growth. Friendship is more intellectual and less emotional than love; it is easier to give reasons for friendship than for love; friendship is more calm and quiet, love more fervent, often rising to intensest passion. Compare ACQUAINTANCE, ASSOCIATION, ATTACHMENT, LOVE. Antonyms: see synonyms for BATTLE, ENMITY, FEUD, HATRED.