deskmate

USAGE SUMMARY

'deskmate' is an acceptable and usable word in written English.
However, it is not a very commonly used word. You can use it to refer to a classmate or co-worker who sits at the same desk as you. For example: "My deskmate and I have become good friends since we started working together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

My present self is shocked that I did not try to "do" something for Louise, my old deskmate.

The New Yorker

It is ridiculous that a male director's bonus could be double that of his female colleague, no-one performs that much better than their deskmate.

The Guardian

Gavin Williamson, appointed by Theresa May as her parliamentary enforcer in July, has spoken in recent days about his unusual deskmate, who is kept in a glass tank and named after a Greek god who castrated his father and ate his children.

The Guardian

"Stick it up your bollocks," he tells his synth deskmate.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

No one could have demanded the universe supply a more congenial and entertaining deskmate.

The Guardian - Music

He giggles; nudges his deskmate to share the joke.

The Guardian - Books

"Look, it's snowing!" said my deskmate and fellow Paisley Park devotee, pointing at the sky.

The Guardian - Music

When I started as a cub reporter on a local paper in the mid-1990s, my deskmate had got his break straight from school as a Saturday boy, making the tea and learning on the hoof.

The Guardian - Opinion

A: Given the size of my desk, the size of the picture, and the need to be mindful of my deskmate, Cheryl, please limit the group size to four or fewer at any one time.

The New Yorker

Carnahan's deskmate on the Senate floor, Jon Corzine of New Jersey, had never served in government when he was elected.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Two of my deskmates were black and they talked to me the most: black people were therefore friendly.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. While "deskmate" is understandable, alternatives like "colleague" or "classmate" might be more appropriate depending on the situation.

Common error

While sharing a desk can foster camaraderie, don't assume everyone referred to as a "deskmate" is a close friend. The term primarily denotes physical proximity, not necessarily a close relationship.

Linguistic Context

The word "deskmate" functions primarily as a noun, identifying a person who shares a desk with another. Ludwig AI indicates that it's an acceptable word. Examples include references to school and work environments.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deskmate" is a grammatically correct noun used to describe someone who shares a desk with another person. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, although it might not be as common as alternatives like "colleague" or "classmate". It's most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using "deskmate", consider the specific context and whether a more general term might be more appropriate. While the term itself doesn't imply a close relationship, it does highlight the shared workspace. Be mindful that using a more formal alternative such as "colleague" can be more appropriate in specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desk partner

Emphasizes a collaborative aspect of sharing a desk.

seatmate

Refers to someone who shares a seat, often in a classroom or vehicle, implying a closer physical proximity than just sharing a desk.

benchmate

Similar to 'seatmate', but can also apply to sharing a workbench or lab bench.

office mate

Implies sharing an office space, which might be larger than just a desk.

row partner

Describes someone in the same row, often in educational environment.

work colleague

A general term for someone you work with, regardless of physical proximity.

cubicle neighbor

Specifically refers to someone whose cubicle is next to yours.

neighboring colleague

Describes a colleague sitting close.

person at the next desk

A more descriptive and less common way to refer to a deskmate.

workplace companion

Describes sharing a workspace with someone.

FAQs

How can I use "deskmate" in a sentence?

You can use "deskmate" to refer to someone who shares a desk with you, such as, "My "deskmate" and I often collaborate on projects."

What is a more common alternative to "deskmate"?

Depending on the context, you might use "colleague" or "classmate" as more widely understood alternatives to "deskmate".

Is "deskmate" appropriate in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "deskmate" might be considered informal in certain contexts. "Colleague" or a more descriptive phrase might be preferable for formal writing.

What's the difference between "deskmate" and "officemate"?

"Deskmate" specifically refers to someone sharing a desk, while "officemate" implies sharing an entire office space, which can include multiple desks.