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partner
/ˈpɑːrt.nər/
a person or organization you work with
She found a reliable partner to start the business with.
A reliable partner is someone trustworthy to collaborate with.
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
Related Phrases
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
suffixEnglish Dictionary