ידיד

Hebrew

Etymology

Apparently from יָד‏ (yad, “hand”); literally, perhaps conveying the notion of being hand in hand.

Pronunciation

• (Modern Israeli Hebrew) IPA^(key): /jaˈdid/

Noun

יָדִיד • (yadíd) m (plural indefinite יְדִידִים‏, singular construct יְדִיד־, plural construct יְדִידֵי־‏, feminine counterpart יְדִידָה‏) [pattern: קָטִיל]

1. A (male) platonic friend.

Usage notes

• While the synonym חָבֵר‏ (khavér) is more common in Modern Hebrew, it is ambiguous between a platonic friend and a romantic one; יָדִיד‏ may therefore be used to avoid this ambiguity, though the question חבר חבר או רק חבר?‏ (khaver khaver o rak khaver?, “boyfriend-friend or just friend?”) is also used.

Derived terms

• יָזִיז‏ (yazíz)

Synonyms

• (friend): חָבֵר‏ m (khavér)