companionship

[ kuhm-pan-yuhn-ship ]

noun

1. association as companion; fellowship.
2. Printing. a group of compositors working under a foreman.

Word History and Origins

Origin of companionship¹

First recorded in 1540–50; companion ¹ + -ship

Example Sentences

In the 18th and early 19th centuries, molly houses were locations where "mollies", or queer men, met for companionship and sex.

From BBC

There has also been a lot more public discourse on all the ways men depend on women, for everything from housework to companionship.

From Salon

In her post, Mellencamp wrote that their relationship had “been years of discovery, laughter, tears, growth, and companionship.”

From Los Angeles Times

Cassius "brought joy and companionship to his best mate George for over 37 years", the habitat said.

From BBC

It features a group of older singles looking for love and companionship — some are divorced, others widowed, and some just haven’t found their person.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• camaraderie
• togetherness

More About Companionship

What does companionship mean?

Companionship is the state of spending time with someone or having someone to spend time with—the state of having a companion or being someone’s companion.

A companion is a person who frequently spends time with you, associates with you, or accompanies you when you go places. Companionship is similar to friendship, and a person one calls a companion is usually their friend or romantic partner. But the word companionship specifically implies that a lot of time is spent in each other’s company.

The word commonly applies to relationships between people, but pets can also provide companionship.

Example: People make fun of older people for using dating sites, but the truth is that a lot of them are just lonely and looking for companionship.

Where does companionship come from?

The first records of the word companionship come from the 1540s. The word companion comes from a Late Latin word meaning “one who eats bread with another,” from the parts com-, “with,” and pānis, “bread.” The word company is based on the same roots. The suffix -ship is used in the same way as it is in words like friendship and relationship.

Companionship can come from close friendships or even more intimate relationships, such as between siblings or spouses. When you experience companionship, it means you’re frequently in the company of someone—eating together, going places together, and generally spending time together. When people describe themselves as seeking companionship on a dating app, it typically means they’re looking for a romantic partner to spend a lot of time with, especially to enjoy the same activities together. Pets often provide companionship that helps people feel less lonely. In all cases, companionship is about being together.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to companionship?

• companion (noun)

What are some synonyms for companionship?

• fellowship
• togetherness

What are some words that share a root or word element with companionship? 

 

• company
• friendship

What are some words that often get used in discussing companionship?

 

• provide
• seek
• human
• lonely
• intimacy
• friendship
• relationship
• dog

How is companionship used in real life?

Companionship is often used when talking about human relationships, but it can also be applied to the companionship provided to people by their pets.

It’s been almost 2 years since my dad passed away and my mom is finally strong enough to move on and consider dating. Today i am meeting her new bf… I’m excited :) people deserve to be happy and have companionship.

— Yultron (@yultron) December 26, 2019

For those who need this.

The New Year is an artificial deadline.

Your growth is determined by your own pace. Be it in acheiving a personal goal or finding companionship. There's no race with anyone except yourself

There is always an out and you are never alone

Happy New Year!

— Rohan Javet Beg (@RohanBeg) December 31, 2019

Andrew's Accessibility Advice:

Disability can be really isolating and lonely. Many disabled people won't ask for companionship because they don't want to be a burden. Asking for companionship can be really hard. Reach out to your disabled friends. Reaching out is part of access

— Drew Gurza is Your Disabled Best Friend (@DrewGurza) December 29, 2019

 

 

Try using companionship!

Which of the following people is someone with whom you could share companionship?

A. friend
B. partner
C. sibling
D. all of the above