mates
Translation
friends, buddies, pals
Examples
I'm going out with my mates tonight.
I'm going out with my buddies tonight.
He's one of my best mates.
He's one of my best buddies.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) a friend I'm going out with my mates tonight.
Similar Words
Synonyms: friends, pals, chums, buddies
Etymology
From Middle Low German 'mate' meaning 'comrade'.
Memory Tips
In chess, 'checkmate' means the king is trapped. A 'mate' is someone you're 'paired' with, like a friend.