Basic Details
Word: Acquaintance
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A person you know slightly but who is not a close friend.
Synonyms: Associate, acquaintance, companion
Antonyms: Stranger, enemy
Idioms and Phrases
- Meet your acquaintance: To come across someone you know again. Example: "I was surprised to meet my acquaintance from school at the market."
- A nodding acquaintance: A slight or casual familiarity with someone. Example: "I have a nodding acquaintance with my neighbour, but we havent had a real conversation."
Usage Examples
Example 1: At the party, I met several new acquaintances who shared my interests in art.
Example 2: Though he is an acquaintance, I feel comfortable enough to share my ideas with him.
Example 3: She greeted her acquaintance with a warm smile, even though they had not spoken for a long time.
Fun Fact
The word "acquaintance" comes from the Latin word "cognitare" which means "to know". Over time, it evolved to refer specifically to individuals we know but do not have deep relationships with.
Famous Quote
"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one!'" - C.S. Lewis
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "acquaintance" mean?
a) A close friend
b) A person you know slightly
c) A stranger
d) A family member
Answer: b) A person you know slightly
2. Which of these is a synonym of "acquaintance"?
a) Stranger
b) Associate
c) Best friend
d) Enemy
Answer: b) Associate
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "acquaintance"?
a) Colleague
b) Acquaintance
c) Friend
d) Stranger
Answer: d) Stranger
4. Which of these sentences uses "acquaintance" correctly?
a) I have known my acquaintance since childhood.
b) My close acquaintance is my best friend.
c) She made an acquaintance at the party last night.
d) An acquaintance is the same as a family member.
Answer: c) She made an acquaintance at the party last night.
5. Which idiom means to have slight familiarity with someone?
a) Meet your acquaintance
b) A nodding acquaintance
c) A fair-weather friend
d) Friends of a feather
Answer: b) A nodding acquaintance
