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Glite Dictionary
fast mate

fast mate

6.6
A close friend who spends a lot of time with you
  • noun
  • Informal
translation icon : amigo cercano
  • Everyone knew Jim and Ravi were fast mates who did everything together.

Examples

  • Even after moving to different cities, the two remained fast mates.

  • They became fast mates during their university years.

  • Tom is my fast mate.

  • I consider Sarah my fast mate.

  • Even after moving to different cities, the two remained fast mates.

  • Everyone knew Jim and Ravi were fast mates who did everything together.

  • They became fast mates during their university years.

Synonyms

buddy
vsfast mate
  • Informal
∞ 1.0

A close friend you spend time with

is a close relation without implying casual regular presence
mate
vsfast mate
  • UK
213 5.3

A person who is a friend, used in casual talk

is about close relation without gender or casual tone
bestie
vsfast mate
  • Slang
19 7.2

A very close friend you trust and talk to often

is a very close personal relation without the informal label
loyal friend
vsfast mate
10 1.0

A person who always supports you and can be trusted

is primarily about closeness rather than faithfulness
loyal companion
vsfast mate
1 2.8

A person or animal who stays with and supports you in hard times

is focused on closeness not necessarily lasting loyalty
cobber
vsfast mate
  • Australian
1 9.9

A close friend like a mate from school or work

is the same close relation but not regionally marked

Antonyms

stranger
∞ 1.0

A person you do not know

acquaintance
114 3.5

A person you know slightly who is not a close friend

How Close

fast mate
  • Informal
6.6
friend
∞ 1.0
acquaintance
114 3.5

Surface Forms

fast mate singular
fast mates plural

Morphology

fast + mate

The adjective 'fast' in the sense 'loyal, steadfast' combined with 'mate' (informal friend) yields the meaning 'a loyal or very close friend' directly from the constituents. This is a straightforward adjective + noun composition common across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both words would likely infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Fast mate comes from an old use of fast meaning 'firm' or 'tied' and mate meaning friend. Imagine two people so close they seem tied together and you can see why fast mate means 'a very close, loyal friend'.