boon
boon Lexical Profile
boon Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Something that is very helpful, beneficial, or timely; a welcome blessing or advantage.
"The new commuter rail line has been a tremendous boon to residents living in the outer suburbs."
A favor, petition, or earnest request (now archaic or literary).
"In the medieval romance, the knight knelt before the queen to ask a humble boon."
• adjective
Close, intimate, and convivial; enjoying one another's company (used almost exclusively in the phrase 'boon companion').
"Throughout their university years, the two writers remained boon companions who shared every literary ambition."
Word Nuance & Usage
As an adjective, 'boon' is almost exclusively restricted to the fixed collocation 'boon companion,' referring to a close, jovial friend.
• Rhymes for boon
Word Origin & Etymology
The noun derives from Middle English bone ('prayer' or 'request'), borrowed from Old Norse bón. The adjective is an unrelated borrowing from Old French bon ('good'), ultimately from Latin bonus.