Which of the following is another word for "friend"?

Introduction / Context:
Synonym questions test your vocabulary and your ability to recognise words with similar meanings. The word "friend" refers to someone with whom you share a close, positive relationship. This question asks you to find another word that can refer to a friend, especially in a context involving play or companionship, while the other options mostly represent opposite meanings.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The base word is "friend".
• The options are Playfellow, Enemy, Rival, Foe and Stranger.
• Each option has a specific emotional or social meaning.
• Exactly one option should express a similar positive relationship to that of a friend.

Concept / Approach:
"Playfellow" is a word that means a companion in play, especially for children. A playfellow is someone you spend time with in a friendly way, which aligns well with the concept of a friend. The other options represent negative or neutral relationships. An "enemy" and a "foe" are both opponents or people who wish you harm. A "rival" is a competitor, and a "stranger" is someone you do not know. Therefore, only "Playfellow" fits as another word that can describe a friend.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the core meaning of "friend" as a person with whom you share a positive, supportive relationship.Step 2: Consider option A, "Playfellow". This word refers to a companion in games or leisure activities, which usually implies friendship, especially among children.Step 3: Examine option B, "Enemy". This is the opposite of a friend; an enemy is someone who is hostile or opposed to you.Step 4: Examine option C, "Rival". A rival is a competitor, often in sports, academics or work; the relationship may be friendly but is defined by competition, not by friendship.Step 5: Examine option D, "Foe". This is another word for enemy and again represents an opposite relationship to that of a friend.Step 6: Examine option E, "Stranger". A stranger is someone you do not know at all, who certainly is not yet a friend.Step 7: Conclude that "Playfellow" is the only option that clearly describes a friend like relationship.

Verification / Alternative check:
An alternative way to verify is to imagine sentences where you replace "friend" with each option. The sentence "He is my playfellow" naturally suggests a friendly companion in games, especially in childhood. However, "He is my enemy" or "He is my foe" clearly contradicts the idea of friendship. "He is my rival" suggests competition rather than closeness. "He is a stranger" indicates lack of familiarity. This substitution test confirms that only "Playfellow" can stand in for "friend" without changing the positive meaning.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Enemy" and "Foe" are both words that mean someone who is against you, either in war, conflict or personal relations. These are direct antonyms of "friend". "Rival" focuses on competition and suggests a relationship defined by rivalry rather than support and affection. "Stranger" refers to someone you do not know, and there is no friendship implied. None of these words can reasonably be treated as synonyms for "friend" in standard English usage.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may confuse "rival" with "friend" when thinking about friendly rivalry in sports or games, but the dictionary meaning of "rival" still centres around competition. Another pitfall is to pick a familiar negative word like "enemy" by mistake if you do not carefully read the question. Always pay attention to whether the question asks for a similar meaning (synonym) or opposite meaning (antonym), and then match each option to the core sense of the base word. Doing this consistently will help you avoid careless errors.

Final Answer:
The word that can be used as another word for "friend" is Playfellow.