acquaintance
noun C1
Plain meaning
someone you know, but not very well
Exam-register meaning
a person known socially but not closely; weaker than “friend”
In context
naturalHe is not a close friend, just an acquaintance from college.
examWeak social ties, such as acquaintances, can still provide useful career information.
Common collocations
casual acquaintancemutual acquaintanceold acquaintance
Watch out
Do not call every acquaintance a “friend”; the relationship is less close.
Word family
acquaint (verb)acquaintance (noun)acquainted (adjective)