I.
noun
1 sexual partner
ADJECTIVE
▪ potential , prospective
▪
Many matchmaking sites compile lists of potential ~s using basic information.
▪ ideal , suitable
▪
He's a cheat and a gambler; hardly an ideal ~.
VERB + MATE
▪ attract , find
▪
These birds have bright plumage to attract a ~.
▪ choose , select
2 ( BrE , informal ) friend
ADJECTIVE
▪ best , good
▪
They've been good ~s ever since they were at school together.
VERB + MATE
▪ have
▪
He's got loads of ~s at school.
II.
verb
Mate is used with these nouns as the subject: ↑ pair