Literary notes about Acquaintanceship (AI summary)
Writers employ "acquaintanceship" to capture a range of human interactions—from the tentative and ephemeral to the deeply transformative. In some works, it denotes an initial, even superficial familiarity that may gradually blossom into a more intimate connection, as seen when a brief encounter ripens into lasting friendship [1], [2]. In other narratives, the term conveys the reluctance or ease with which one might commence or sever social ties, highlighting the delicate balance between social obligation and personal discretion [3], [4]. Moreover, "acquaintanceship" is sometimes used to evoke broader, almost metaphorical relationships, suggesting that even the casual or transient can leave lasting impressions on one's life and identity [5], [6].
- Became acquainted with Reinhard Nannstein, an acquaintanceship that became a close friendship.
— from Concordance: A Terran Empire concordance by Ann Wilson - At what time he became acquainted with Fitzjames I am unable to say; but the acquaintanceship ripened into one of his closest friendships.
— from The Life of Sir James Fitzjames Stephen, Bart., K.C.S.I.A Judge of the High Court of Justice by Leslie Stephen - It's an easy matter to shun an acquaintanceship; but by no means so easy to break it off, after it is once formed.
— from Off-Hand Sketches, a Little Dashed with Humor by T. S. (Timothy Shay) Arthur - Here the question was not one of gradual elimination, but of abrupt termination to the acquaintanceship.
— from The Inner Shrine by Basil King - In their long acquaintanceship and intimacy they could not recall a harsh word that had been uttered by Amelia.
— from Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray - Her conversations with historical personages give one an intimate acquaintanceship with the great characters in the world's tragedy.
— from True Stories of the Great War, Volume 1 (of 6) Tales of Adventure--Heroic Deeds--Exploits Told by the Soldiers, Officers, Nurses, Diplomats, Eye Witnesses
