Based on common understanding and dictionary definitions, a best friend is primarily defined as a person, but the term can also extend to something you highly value or depend on.
According to common references, the term "best friend" can be defined in a few ways:
Key Definitions of "Best Friend"
Primarily, a best friend refers to a person. This is someone you share a deep, close bond with, often considered your closest or most cherished friend. This friendship is built on trust, mutual respect, and shared experiences.
- For example, as noted in one definition, "Sheila has been my best friend since we were seven," highlighting a long-standing and significant personal relationship.
Beyond the personal relationship, the term "best friend" can also describe non-human entities or concepts:
- It can refer to something that a person particularly depends on or has a special affection for. This might be an object, a pet, or even an activity that provides comfort or support.
- It can also describe something considered or suggested to be particularly useful or valuable. In this context, "best friend" acts metaphorically to highlight the essential role or benefit of something.
Understanding the Different Meanings
To make the definitions clear, here's a breakdown:
| Definition Type | Description | Example/Concept |
|---|---|---|
| Person | Your closest, most cherished, and trusted friend. | A long-time companion you confide in (e.g., Sheila in the example). |
| Object/Concept | Something you depend on, have special affection for, or find extremely useful/valuable. | A beloved pet, a dependable tool, or even a cherished book or hobby. |
While the human connection is the most common interpretation when people ask "How do I define my best friend?", it's clear the term can encompass anything that holds a position of high value, dependence, or affection in your life, or is considered exceptionally useful.
Defining your best friend involves identifying who or what fulfills these roles for you personally.
