What does "partner" mean?
Either of a pair of people or things that belong together.
Partner
/ˈpɑːtnə(ɹ)/ name, noun, verb
name, noun, verb ·Common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Either of a pair of people or things that belong together.
- Grammar: partner is listed as name, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: collaborator, spouse, a party to, accessory.
- Useful contrasts: adversaries, adversary, archenemies.
- Usage evidence: Although the two boys disliked the partner of each other the beginning, they became good friends soon.
How to use "partner"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "partner" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "partner" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "partner" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "partner" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "partner" is acting as name, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "collaborator" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "partner", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Either of a pair of people or things that belong together.
- 2 an associate in an activity or endeavor or sphere of common interest wordnet
- 3 Someone who is associated with another in a common activity or interest.
"business partner"
- 4 a person who is a member of a partnership wordnet
- 5 Someone who is associated with another in a common activity or interest.; A member of a business or law partnership.
"He Suſpends on theſe Reaſons, that Thomas Rue had granted a general Diſcharge to Adam Muſhet, who was his Conjunct, and correus debendi, after the alleadged Service, which Diſcharged Muſhet, and conſequently Houstoun his Partner."
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 a person's partner in marriage wordnet
- 7 Someone who is associated with another in a common activity or interest.; A spouse or other person with whom one shares a domestic, romantic, or sexual bond.
"New guidance on how to prosecute abusive partners for controlling and coercive behaviour has highlighted the phenomenon of love-bombing, a tactic used by suspects to confuse victims and gain more control."
- 8 Someone who is associated with another in a common activity or interest.; Someone with whom one dances in a two-person dance.
"He tried to persuade Cicely to stay away from the ball-room for a fourth dance.[…]But she said she must go back, and when they joined the crowd again her partner was haled off with a frightened look to the royal circle, […]."
- 9 Someone who is associated with another in a common activity or interest.; Someone with whom one plays on the same side in a game, such as card games or doubles tennis.
- 10 One of the pieces of wood comprising the framework which strengthens the deck of a wooden ship around the holes through which the mast and other fittings pass.
- 11 A group financial arrangement in which each member contributes a set amount of money over a set period. Jamaica
Verb
- 1 To join as a partner. transitive
- 2 provide with a partner wordnet
- 3 To work or perform as a partner. intransitive, often
"“In the current period, when people are embedded in social and informational bubbles with like-minded friends and relatives,” he says, “the idea of partnering with someone from a different bubble is understandably daunting. At a minimum it’s awkward and complicated.”"
- 4 act as a partner wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname.
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"Although the two boys disliked the partner of each other the beginning, they became good friends soon."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "partner"?
Common synonyms include: collaborator, spouse, a party to, accessory, accompanier, accompaniments.
How do you use "partner" in a sentence?
Although the two boys disliked the partner of each other the beginning, they became good friends soon.
How do you pronounce "partner"?
Pronounced /ˈpɑːtnə(ɹ)/.
Etymology
From Middle English partener, partiner, alteration (due to Middle English part) of Middle English parcener, from Old French parçonier, parçonneour (“joint heir”) from parçon (“partition”), from Latin partītiōnem, singular accusative of partītiō (“portion”). The word may also represent Old French part tenour (“part holder”). Compare also Middle English partifere (“partner”), partifelewe (“partner”). Doublet of parcener.