mate
UK: meɪt | US: meɪt
n. a companion, friend, or partner
n. (chiefly British) a colloquial term for a friend or acquaintance
vt. to pair or join together, especially in reproduction (e.g., animals)
The word "mate" traces back to Middle Low German māt (companion, friend), which entered English via Middle Dutch māte. It originally referred to a shared meal companion, reflecting the social bond of eating together. Over time, it broadened to denote friendship or partnership, retaining its core sense of camaraderie. In British English, it became a casual term for "friend," while in biological contexts, it evolved to describe pairing for reproduction.
He’s been my best mate since childhood.
The sailors worked together like loyal mates.
The birds will mate in the spring.
“Cheers, mate!” he said, raising his pint.
The zoo hopes the pandas will mate successfully.