Acquaintance

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Acquaintance

Acquaintance (/əˈkweɪntəns/) is a term used in the field of psychology and sociology to describe a person known to one, but usually not a close friend. The term is derived from the Old French word "acointance", meaning "acquaintance, friendship, familiarity", itself from "acointier", meaning "make known".

Definition

An acquaintance is someone recognized by sight or someone known, though not intimately: a casual or passing acquaintance. In the field of mental health, the term can be used to describe the level of knowledge a therapist has about a patient.

Related Terms

  • Friend: A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts.
  • Stranger: A person whom one does not know or with whom one is not familiar.
  • Colleague: A person with whom one works in a profession or business.
  • Peer: A person who is equal to another in abilities, qualifications, age, background, and social status.

Usage in Medical Context

In the context of psychiatry and psychotherapy, the term acquaintance can be used to describe the initial stage of the therapist-patient relationship. This stage is characterized by the therapist getting to know the patient, understanding their background, and establishing a foundation for future therapy sessions.

See Also

External links

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