Mate

Definition

A companion, partner, or a fellow member of a team.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /meɪt/
• Respelling: MAYT (with "MAYT" as in "date")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /meɪt/
• Respelling: MAYT (with "MAYT" as in "date")

In both dialects, "mate" places the primary stress on the single syllable. The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "MAYT."

Etymology

The term "mate" is derived from the Middle English word "mate", meaning "tablemate" or "companion". It's from the Old English "gemetta" which refers to one who shares a meal, rooted in "mete", meaning "food".

Derivatives

• Mateship
• Matelot (British slang for sailor)
• Matey
• Mating
• Mateless

Synonyms

• Comrade
• Buddy
• Pal

Antonyms

• Enemy
• Adversary
• Rival

Usage

• She's my schoolmate; we've known each other for years.
• Birds are often seen mating in the spring.

Related Terms

• Friendship
• Colleague
• Companionship
• Ally
• Cohort

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A person's partner, especially in marriage or a romantic relationship.
• Example: She met her mate during college.

• A fellow member or colleague.
• Example: His workmates teased him about the mistake.

• (In chess) The short form of checkmate.
• Example: After a few moves, it was a clear mate.

• A breeding partner in the animal kingdom.
• Example: The male bird displays vibrant colors to attract a mate.

Verb

• To pair animals for the purpose of breeding.
• Example She mated her poodle with a neighbor's dog.

• To combine or connect.
• Example: The two machines mate perfectly, making the process efficient.