Friendship
Etymology
From Old English "frēondscipe", from "frēond" (friend) — originally the present participle of "frēogan" (to love) — plus "-scipe" (the state of). A friend is, at root, "one who is loving," and friendship the ongoing condition of it.
noun · /FREND-ship/
A voluntary bond of mutual affection and goodwill between people.
What it names
The one close relationship built on nothing but choice — no blood, contract, or romance required to hold it together.
Example
Their friendship survived three cities and two divorces because neither ever kept score.
Related idea
Friendship implies genuine affection and reciprocity; companionship names only the comfort of shared presence, which strangers on a long journey can supply without ever becoming friends.
See also