Mate

Quick meaning: Mate is a noun meaning A fellow, comrade, colleague, partner or someone with whom something is shared, e.g. shipmate, classmate.

Meaning

A fellow, comrade, colleague, partner or someone with whom something is shared, e.g. shipmate, classmate.

More Meanings

1. (especially of a non-human animal) A breeding partner.
2. (nautical) In naval ranks, a non-commissioned officer or his subordinate (e.g. Boatswain's Mate, Gunner's Mate, Sailmaker's Mate, etc).
3. (nautical) A ship's officer, subordinate to the master on a commercial ship.
4. (nautical) A first mate.
5. A technical assistant in certain trades (e.g. gasfitter's mate, plumber's mate); sometimes an apprentice.
6. (colloquial, British, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, sometimes elsewhere in the Commonwealth) A friend, usually of the same sex.
7. (colloquial, British, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, sometimes elsewhere in the Commonwealth) Friendly term of address to a stranger, usually male, of similar age.

Example Sentences

He's my best mate.

I'm going to the pub with a few mates.

Excuse me, mate, have you got the time?

The pieces of the puzzle mate perfectly.

Word Forms

• mates
• mating
• mated

Synonyms for mate

Depending on context, synonyms include fellow, fere, friend, buddy, billy, bredrin.

Antonyms for mate

Common opposites include demate.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include teammate, match, pair, partner, consort, couple.

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