companionship

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "companionship" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe a close and trusting relationship between two or more people. Example sentence: She sought comfort in the companionship of her closest friends.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are benefits to being in a gang, such as companionship and protection.

The Guardian

But in the offline world, "social life" has a range of meanings, from constant chatter to quiet companionship.

The Guardian - Opinion

It pointed ahead to a life in which furtive sex and fleeting assignations might be attainable, but the enduring security and companionship of marriage would be forever out of reach.

The Economist

Now new theories of the extra efficiency to be achieved by greater labour mobility may be about to reduce even further the already technology-diminished feeling of companionship that comes from working with the same people for a long time.The price of atomisation is paid, in one way or another, by almost everybody.

The Economist

Mr Seth follows them from early 20th-century India to Germany and finally to England where, displaced from the cultures of their respective homelands, they come to embrace a third one together, that of the British middle class.Out of this emerges a subtle portrait of the complexities of a long companionship based on confidences rather than mutual confidence.

The Economist

With opportunistic savvy, she serves beer and companionship to both government soldiers and rebel militias.

The Economist

Kirin and Suntory, two brewers, are using biotechnology to produce new ranges of seedlings.The rising number of single-person households is also encouraging the Japanese to seek the companionship of pets, real, virtual and stuffed.

The Economist

But the personalities were hugely different from one another.Niels Bohr, the elder statesman of the community, was an athletic team worker and family man who needed constant companionship to test his thoughts.

The Economist

In letters and articles, Brasillach dwelt on the male companionship that marked his student years, his brief period of captivity as prisoner of war and his five months in prison.

The Economist

Charles Brown, a supposed close friend, was too seldom there for Keats when he needed him, for money, shelter or companionship.

The Economist

Grandparents, neighbours and others can offer children windows of happiness in an otherwise bleak week, with security, fun, companionship or a phone number (usually treasured but rarely used, in the author's experience) to call if things become unbearable.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "companionship" to emphasize the emotional and social benefits of having company, especially in contexts where mutual support and shared experiences are valued.

Common error

Avoid using "companionship" in situations where a more formal term like "association" or "partnership" is required, as it implies a level of personal connection that might be inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "companionship" is as a noun. It refers to the state of being a companion or the benefits derived from having company. As Ludwig points out, the word is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

19%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "companionship" is a versatile and frequently used noun that describes the state of having or being a companion. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appears across a range of contexts, from news and media to encyclopedias and scientific publications. While generally neutral in tone, it’s important to consider the specific context to ensure appropriateness. Related phrases like "friendship" or "fellowship" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey. Remember, using "companionship" appropriately emphasizes the emotional and social value of relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fellowship

Focuses more on shared interests and activities, implying a sense of community and mutual support.

friendship

Emphasizes a bond of affection and mutual liking between individuals.

camaraderie

Highlights a sense of trust and goodwill among people who spend time together, often in a work or shared experience setting.

social connection

Broadly refers to the relationships people have, emphasizing the feeling of belonging and being connected to others.

being together

A simple and direct way to express the act of sharing time and space with someone.

mutual support

Highlights the aspect of providing and receiving help and encouragement within a relationship.

shared experiences

Focuses on the activities and moments that people go through together, creating a shared history.

human interaction

Emphasizes the act of communicating and engaging with other people.

social bonds

Focuses on the connections and ties that link people together in a society or group.

togetherness

Stresses the feeling of unity and closeness among people.

FAQs

How can I use "companionship" in a sentence?

You can use "companionship" to describe the state of having a companion or the benefits derived from social interaction. For example, "The elderly woman valued the companionship of her pet."

What's the difference between "companionship" and "friendship"?

"Companionship" emphasizes the state of being with someone, while "friendship" highlights a bond of affection and mutual liking. You can have companionship without deep friendship, and vice versa.

What are some words similar to "companionship"?

Similar words include "fellowship", "friendship", and "camaraderie". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "companionship" a formal or informal word?

"Companionship" is generally considered a neutral term, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the specific sentence and the desired tone.