pal

Everyday

1. (informal) A friend. tree →
2. «Pen pal» or «pen friend»: someone you write letters to, often in another country. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday talk and stories it is a friendly word for a friend: «my old pal», «best pals». In school: pupils may have a «pen pal» abroad to practise writing. Sometimes «pal» is used in an annoyed way to a stranger: «Listen, pal…».

Examples

• He's my best pal. tree →
• We have been pals since nursery. tree →
• I write letters to my pen pal in Australia. tree →
• The dog is my faithful pal. tree →
• Come on, pal, let's go home. tree →
• The two of them palled up on the first day of camp. tree →

Note

Informal: fine in speech and friendly letters, but in formal writing use «friend». Plural: «pals». Similar words: «mate» (UK, Australia), «buddy» (US). Verb forms double the «l»: palled, palling.