Mate Meaning
Mate Definition & Usage
A friend or companion, typically used informally in British English to refer to someone with whom one shares a close relationship.
Examples
- "He's my best mate; we've known each other since we were kids."
- "I met some great mates while I was traveling in Australia."
- "She’s always there for me, like a true mate."
- "We’ve been mates for years, and I trust her with everything."
- "He’s a good mate of mine from college."
A person with whom one shares a partnership, especially in the context of romantic relationships or professional collaborations.
Examples
- "He’s been with his mate for over five years now."
- "In their partnership, they make an excellent team, working well together as mates."
- "She asked if he wanted to be her mate in the competition."
- "They've been business mates for a decade, helping each other succeed."
- "His mate from work is always supportive of his ideas."
To pair with someone, often in a cooperative or romantic sense, or to match with another animal or person for reproduction.
Examples
- "The birds mate during the warmer months."
- "They decided to mate and start a family."
- "The two teams will mate in the final match this weekend."
- "Humans have always been selective about who they mate with."
- "During the event, participants were mated based on their skills and interests."
Cultural Context
In various cultures, the term 'mate' carries different connotations based on social customs and informal communication styles. In Australian and British English, it is commonly used to describe close friends or companions, often used casually in day-to-day speech. It also has a long history in animal breeding contexts, where it refers to pairing for reproduction.
The Adventure of Old Mates
Story
The Adventure of Old Mates
It was a crisp morning in London, and the streets buzzed with energy as Marcus met his old mate, Jake, at their usual café. They hadn’t seen each other in years, but their bond had never weakened. As they sat down with steaming cups of coffee, Jake grinned. 'So, mate, what's new with you?' he asked, leaning back in his chair. Marcus laughed, feeling the familiar comfort of their friendship. 'Oh, the usual. Work's been crazy, but you know how it is. How’s life treating you?' he responded, taking a sip of his drink. 'Not bad,' Jake said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. 'I’m actually thinking about asking Sarah to be my mate... officially.' Marcus raised an eyebrow. 'You mean, as in... partner for life? Is this the moment, Jake?' he teased, clearly excited for his old mate. Jake nodded, his face serious for a moment. 'Yeah. I’ve been thinking about it for a while. She’s the one, Marcus.' Marcus grinned widely, 'Well, mate, if you’re sure, then I say go for it. You know I’ve got your back.' They continued talking for hours, reminiscing about their shared memories, their successes, and the occasional heartbreaks. As the café’s warmth wrapped around them, Marcus felt a deep sense of gratitude. Jake wasn’t just his mate in the casual sense. They had been through so much together—business, heartbreak, laughter—and now, his mate was taking the next step toward a future he had only dreamed of. As they parted ways later that afternoon, Marcus felt a renewed sense of hope. Life wasn’t always easy, but with a true mate by your side, it made the journey much more worthwhile.
Related Words
