partner

/ˈpɑːrt.nər/
nounBeginner
general

a person or organization you work or associate with, especially in a business or personal relationship

They became business partners after years of collaboration.

They started a business together after working together for a long time.

Her dance partner was very skilled and supportive.

The person she danced with was talented and helpful.

💡

Can refer to a spouse or romantic partner in some contexts.

informal

a person you are married to or in a long-term romantic relationship with

He introduced his partner at the event.

He presented his spouse or significant other at the gathering.

💡

Common in modern usage to describe a spouse or romantic partner without specifying gender.

Collocations

business partnersomeone you share a business withdance partnersomeone you dance withlife partnera long-term romantic or marital partner

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

partnershipphrase
a relationship between people or organizations working together
partner upphrasal verb
to form a partnership or team with someone

💡Pro Tip

Gender-neutral usage

'Partner' is often used as a gender-neutral term for a spouse or romantic partner.

Gold Rule

Business vs. personal

The meaning of 'partner' depends heavily on context—clarify if referring to a business or personal relationship.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'partener,' from Old French 'partenaire,' from 'part' (part) + '-naire' (suffix indicating a person).

📝Usage Notes

In business contexts, 'partner' can also refer to a member of a partnership firm. In LGBTQ+ contexts, it is often used to describe a romantic partner without specifying gender.

Word Breakdown

part
a portion or division
root
+
-ner
a person who does something
suffix
English Dictionary