Enemy vs. Friend — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 19, 2024
"Enemy" refers to someone who is actively opposed or hostile, while "friend" denotes a person with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically exclusive of family relations.
Difference Between Enemy and Friend
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An "enemy" is defined as a person who feels or shows active opposition or hostility towards someone. Conversely, a "friend" is someone regarded with affection and trust, often involved in supportive and cooperative behavior.
In a societal context, an enemy may work against one's interests, potentially causing harm or conflict. In contrast, friends typically work together to support each other's personal and communal goals, enhancing mutual well-being.
The emotional impact of interacting with an enemy is generally negative, fostering feelings of distrust and caution. On the other hand, interacting with a friend usually generates positive emotions, such as happiness and a sense of security.
Enemies are often involved in undermining or sabotaging one’s efforts, which can occur in personal, professional, or geopolitical situations. Whereas friends are characteristically involved in encouraging and assisting in one’s endeavors, offering help and advice.
Historically and culturally, stories and teachings often use enemies to illustrate moral lessons about conflict and human nature. Meanwhile, friends are commonly depicted as sources of loyalty, love, and life lessons, stressing the value of positive human connections.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A person who is opposed or hostile
A person who shares mutual affection
Emotional Impact
Negative, causes distrust
Positive, promotes happiness
Typical Interaction
Conflict, opposition
Cooperation, support
Role in Personal Development
Often challenges or obstructs
Supports and facilitates growth
Cultural Representation
Illustrated as antagonist
Illustrated as ally or supporter
Compare with Definitions
Enemy
A force or nation in conflict.
During the war, each side treated the other as the enemy.
Friend
A person attached to another by feelings of affection.
She was grateful to have her friend by her side during tough times.
Enemy
An opponent in a competition.
In chess, each player views the other as an enemy.
Friend
Someone who supports and is loyal.
A true friend helps you move forward in life.
Enemy
An obstacle to success.
Fear is often an enemy to personal achievement.
Friend
An advocate or ally.
She acted as a friend to the cause, promoting its goals actively.
Enemy
A person actively opposed to someone.
The superhero faced his enemy in a decisive battle.
Friend
A contact on a social media platform.
He has hundreds of friends on social media, some of whom he meets regularly.
Enemy
A rival in a business or personal endeavor.
He viewed his corporate competitor as his primary enemy.
Friend
A member of a group with a common interest.
He met many friends in the photography club.
Enemy
An enemy or a foe is an individual or a group that is considered as forcefully adverse or threatening. The concept of an enemy has been observed to be "basic for both individuals and communities".
Friend
A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts.
Enemy
One who feels hatred toward, intends injury to, or opposes another; a foe.
Friend
A person whom one knows; an acquaintance.
Enemy
One who opposes or is hostile to an idea or cause
An enemy of democracy.
Friend
A person with whom one is allied in a struggle or cause; a comrade.
Enemy
Something destructive or injurious in its effects
"Art hath an enemy called Ignorance" (Ben Jonson).
Friend
One who supports, sympathizes with, or patronizes a group, cause, or movement
Friends of the clean air movement.
Enemy
A hostile power or force, such as a nation.
Friend
Friend A member of the Society of Friends; a Quaker.
Enemy
A member or unit of such a force.
Friend
(Informal) To add (someone) as a friend on a social networking website.
Enemy
A group of foes or hostile forces. See Usage Note at collective noun.
Friend
(Archaic) To befriend.
Enemy
Of, relating to, or being a hostile power or force.
Friend
A person, typically someone other than a family member, spouse or lover, whose company one enjoys and towards whom one feels affection.
John and I have been friends ever since we were roommates at college.
Trust is important between friends.
I used to find it hard to make friends when I was shy.
We became friends in the war and remain friends to this day.
We were friends with some girls from the other school and stayed friends with them.
Enemy
Someone who is hostile to, feels hatred towards, opposes the interests of, or intends injury to someone else.
Under enemy duress
He made a lot of enemies after reducing the working hours in his department.
You may not want any enemies, but sometimes, your enemies choose you.
Friend
An associate who provides assistance.
The Automobile Association is every motorist's friend.
The police is every law-abiding citizen's friend.
Enemy
A hostile force or nation; a fighting member of such a force or nation.
Rally together against a common enemy.
Friend
A person with whom one is vaguely or indirectly acquainted.
A friend of a friend;
I added him as a friend on Facebook, but I hardly know
Enemy
Something harmful or threatening to another
Friend
A person who backs or supports something.
I’m not a friend of cheap wine.
Enemy
Of, by, relating to, or belonging to an enemy.
The building was destroyed by enemy bombing.
Friend
(informal) An object or idea that can be used for good.
Fruit is your friend.
Enemy
(video games) A non-player character that tries to harm the player.
Friend
Used as a form of address when warning someone.
You’d better watch it, friend.
Enemy
To make an enemy of.
Friend
(object-oriented programming) A function or class granted special access to the private and protected members of another class.
Enemy
One hostile to another; one who hates, and desires or attempts the injury of, another; a foe; an adversary; as, an enemy of or to a person; an enemy to truth, or to falsehood.
To all good he enemy was still.
I say unto you, Love your enemies.
It was difficult in such a country to track the enemy. It was impossible to drive him to bay.
Friend
(climbing) A spring-loaded camming device.
Enemy
Hostile; inimical.
They . . . every day grow more enemy to God.
Friend
(euphemistic) A lover; a boyfriend or girlfriend.
Enemy
An opposing military force;
The enemy attacked at dawn
Friend
A relative, a relation by blood or marriage.
Friends agree best at a distance.
Make friends of framet folk.
Enemy
Any hostile group of people;
He viewed lawyers as the real enemy
Friend
To act as a friend to, to befriend; to be friendly to, to help.
Enemy
A personal enemy;
They had been political foes for years
Friend
(transitive) To add (a person) to a list of friends on a social networking site; to officially designate (someone) as a friend.
Friend
One who entertains for another such sentiments of esteem, respect, and affection that he seeks his society and welfare; a wellwisher; an intimate associate; sometimes, an attendant.
Want gives to know the flatterer from the friend.
A friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Friend
One not inimical or hostile; one not a foe or enemy; also, one of the same nation, party, kin, etc., whose friendly feelings may be assumed. The word is some times used as a term of friendly address.
Friend, how camest thou in hither?
Friend
One who looks propitiously on a cause, an institution, a project, and the like; a favorer; a promoter; as, a friend to commerce, to poetry, to an institution.
Friend
One of a religious sect characterized by disuse of outward rites and an ordained ministry, by simplicity of dress and speech, and esp. by opposition to war and a desire to live at peace with all men. They are popularly called Quakers.
America was first visited by Friends in 1656.
Friend
To act as the friend of; to favor; to countenance; to befriend.
Fortune friends the bold.
Friend
A person you know well and regard with affection and trust;
He was my best friend at the university
Friend
An associate who provides assistance;
He's a good ally in fight
They were friends of the workers
Friend
A person with whom you are acquainted;
I have trouble remembering the names of all my acquaintances
We are friends of the family
Friend
A person who backs a politician or a team etc.;
All their supporters came out for the game
They are friends of the library
Friend
A member of the Religious Society of Friends founded by George Fox (the Friends have never called themselves Quakers)
Common Curiosities
What are the traits of a friend?
Friends are characterized by affection, loyalty, and a desire to support.
Can an enemy become a friend?
Yes, with changes in circumstances and attitudes, enemies can reconcile and become friends.
What defines an enemy?
An enemy is someone who harbors hostility or opposition against another.
What positive effects do friends have?
Friends contribute positively by providing emotional support, joy, and practical assistance.
How can enemies impact one's life?
Enemies can introduce stress, conflict, and obstacles, potentially driving personal growth.
How can one differentiate a friend from an acquaintance?
Friends are typically closer and more involved in one’s life than acquaintances, who are often more distant.
How do friends influence personal development?
Friends can influence decisions, behaviors, and personal growth through their support and feedback.
Is it possible to have no enemies?
While rare, some individuals and philosophies strive to live without creating enemies.
How do cultural perceptions of enemies and friends differ?
Cultures may view enemies as necessary evils and friends as essential to social and personal well-being.
What role do friends and enemies play in literature?
They are central to conflict and resolution, often driving narratives and character development.
Are online friends real friends?
Online friends can be real if the mutual affection and support characteristic of friendship are present.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
