companion
/kəmˈpænjən/ (bre, ipa) · /kəmˈpænjən/ (ame, ipa) · /kəm-ˈpan-yən/ (ame, mw)
companion — noun
- companionsingular
- companionsplural
1. a person who spends time with you, shares your activities or experiences, or tra
a person who spends time with you, shares your activities or experiences, or travels with you, so that you are not alone
Aiko and her travel companion visited twelve countries during their year abroad.
collocation: travel companion
The elderly woman's constant companion was a small white dog named Biscuit.
collocation: constant companion
Ravi found a reliable hiking companion through a local outdoor club.
During the long bus ride, Priya's cheerful companion made the hours pass quickly.
Dogs have been loyal companions to humans for thousands of years.
- friend
implies a stronger emotional bond and personal affection, not just shared activity
- partner
used for someone you do a specific activity with, such as a dance partner or business partner
- associate
more formal and less personal, usually in a work or professional context
- comrade
suggests a shared difficult experience or a political/military connection, slightly old-fashioned
- stranger
someone you do not know at all
用法筆記
Companion suggests shared activity rather than emotional closeness; for a deeper personal bond, use 'friend'.
常見錯誤
2. in earlier centuries, a woman employed by a family to stay in their home, look a
in earlier centuries, a woman employed by a family to stay in their home, look after an older or sick person, and offer them friendship and help
In Victorian times, wealthy families often employed a paid companion for their elderly relatives.
historical register: employed + paid companion
The old widow's companion read to her every afternoon and helped with her letters.
Beatrice worked as a lady's companion for five years before she got married.
Lady Granville hired a young companion to travel with her on trips to the seaside resort of Brighton.
用法筆記
This historical sense is now old-fashioned; in modern English, 'carer' or 'caregiver' is more common for paid help.
3. one of two things that match or are designed to be used together as a pair
one of two things that match or are designed to be used together as a pair
The shop assistant found the companion piece to the broken vase in the back room.
collocation: companion piece
This rich red wine is the perfect companion to roast lamb dishes.
companion to [food/dish]
I bought the left glove years ago and found its companion at a Paris market.
The antique dealer showed us a silver teapot and its companion sugar bowl.
- match
more common in everyday speech; 'this sock is the match of that one'
- counterpart
more formal, used for things that have a complementary role rather than identical appearance
- pair
refers to the set of two items rather than one item in relation to the other
用法筆記
Often used in the phrase 'companion piece' for art, furniture, or collectibles that form a matching set.
4. a reference book whose title explains that it organises helpful facts, suggestio
a reference book whose title explains that it organises helpful facts, suggestions, or directions on one specific topic
'The Gardener's Companion' is a popular reference book with simple tips for beginners.
in book title: noun + 's Companion
She bought 'A Companion to Victorian Literature' for her university course.
in book title: Companion to [subject]
The 'Pocket Companion to Birdwatching' fits easily into a jacket pocket.
Chef Diego picked up 'The Cook's Companion' whenever he needed ideas for a new menu.
用法筆記
Almost always appears as part of a book title. 'A Companion to...' is a standard format for academic reference books.
常見錯誤
companion — verb
- companionpresent simple I / you / we / they
- companions3rd person singular
- companioning-ing form
- companionedpast simple
1. to go somewhere with someone, travelling with them or staying near them for comp
to go somewhere with someone, travelling with them or staying near them for company or safety
A trained nurse companioned the elderly patient to all her hospital appointments.
formal register: transitive use with person as object
In the novel, a mysterious guide companions the hero through the dark forest.
Two security officers companioned the diplomat during her visit to the border zone.
The shepherd dog naturally companioned the flock on their long walk to higher ground.
文法句型
companion + object
用法筆記
The verb form of 'companion' is rare in modern English. Use 'accompany' instead for everyday speech and writing.
常見錯誤
2. to spend time with someone as a friend or companion, especially regularly over a
to spend time with someone as a friend or companion, especially regularly over a period
The two elderly sisters companioned with each other for many years after their husbands passed away.
intransitive: companion with + object
Kofi found great comfort in companioning with old friends from his home village.
In her final years, the novelist companioned only with a small circle of close admirers.
The retired soldiers continued to companion with one another at monthly gatherings.
- keep company
the standard modern phrase; 'keep someone company' is used in everyday English
文法句型
companion with + object
用法筆記
Extremely rare in modern English. The phrasal expression 'keep someone company' is the standard alternative.