intimate friend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intimate friend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a close and personal friendship, often implying a deep emotional connection. Example: "She confided in her intimate friend about her struggles, knowing he would understand her completely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

They could tell only their spouses or an intimate friend.

The New York Times

As a conehead, Lumen savors "fraternal confidences" with an "intimate friend".

The New Yorker

The Russian linguist and polymath Roman Jakobson became an intimate friend.

Independent

His great-grandfather, Nicholas Fish was an intimate friend of Lafayette.

The New Yorker

The photographer Mr Banier was originally an intimate friend of Mr Bettencourt rather than his wife.

Independent

For 10 years he was minister of cultural affairs and the intimate friend of de Gaulle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Over that stranger's shoulder, a writer of horoscopes is an intimate friend.

The New York Times - Books

Joshua Fry Speed, his most intimate friend, reported that his first impression of Lincoln was "gloomy".

The New Yorker

"The 'moralisation' of works, the intimate friend of censorship, is a dangerous game.

The Guardian - Film

Intimate friend of common virtue,   Our hearts hot as flame,   As we grow gray, our longing will not fade.

The New York Times

And at one party Charlie Chaplin, who was an intimate friend of Ralph's... arrived and took over.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intimate friend" when you want to emphasize a deep, personal connection and a high level of trust. It's more evocative than simply saying "friend".

Common error

Avoid using "intimate friend" in professional or overly formal writing. Opt for "close colleague" or "trusted associate" in such situations to maintain a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intimate friend" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving to identify a person who is a close and trusted companion. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, highlighting its role in describing significant personal relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intimate friend" is a grammatically sound noun phrase widely used to describe a close, trusted companion. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While appropriate for neutral to slightly formal settings, it is crucial to consider context, opting for alternatives like "close colleague" in professional environments. Alternatives such as "close confidant" or "dearest companion" can add nuanced shades of meaning. In essence, "intimate friend" serves to emphasize deep connection, trust, and emotional closeness, as demonstrated by the examples provided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close confidant

Emphasizes the trust and sharing of secrets.

confidante

A female friend in whom one confides.

best friend

Highlights a bond of loyalty and affection.

dearest companion

Indicates a valued and cherished relationship.

bosom buddy

Suggests a cheerful and familiar friendship.

pal

An informal term for a close friend.

trusted ally

Focuses on reliance and mutual support.

chum

Another informal term for a close friend, often used in a nostalgic context.

soulmate

Implies a deep, spiritual connection.

partner in crime

Suggests a bond formed through shared adventures and mischief.

FAQs

How to use "intimate friend" in a sentence?

You can use "intimate friend" to describe someone with whom you share a deep and personal connection, such as, "She confided in her "intimate friend" about her deepest fears."

What can I say instead of "intimate friend"?

You can use alternatives like "close confidant", "best friend", or "dearest companion" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "intimate friend" or "close friend"?

"Intimate friend" and "close friend" are both correct, but ""intimate friend"" suggests a deeper level of emotional connection and trust.

What's the difference between "intimate friend" and "acquaintance"?

An ""intimate friend"" is someone you share a close, personal relationship with, while an "acquaintance" is someone you know casually but do not have a deep connection with.