Keep Me Company: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
August 18, 2023

"Keep me company" is a common idiom that means to stay with someone for some time, usually to make them feel less lonely, bored, or sad. It can also mean to be friends with someone or to date someone.

In short:

  • It means to stay with someone for the sake of companionship, or in order to prevent them from feeling lonely.
  • The idiom can also be used to express a romantic interest in someone.

What Does "Keep Me Company" Mean?

The meaning of the idiom "keep me company" is straightforward. It's to accompany someone to make them feel less alone. It can also be used to express a romantic interest in someone, especially in the past tense ("kept me company").

Where Does "Keep Me Company" Come From?

The idiom "keep me company" has been used since at least the 14th century, and it is derived from the Old French word "compaignie," which comes from the Latin word "companio," meaning "one who eats bread with another."

Historical Example

One of the earliest examples of the idiom "keep me company" can be found in the poem "The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer, written in the late 14th century.

10 Examples of "Keep Me Company" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use the idiom "keep me company" in various sentences:

  • Can you keep me company while I do my homework? It's so dull by myself.
  • She kept me company on the long flight. That's why I didn't get bored there.
  • He asked her to keep him company for the night. He is head over heels for her.
  • Fret not. You don't have to keep me company if you have other plans. I don't want to bug you.
  • Yass! She's a true friend. She always keeps me company whenever I am lonely.
  • Count me in! I don't mind keeping you company, but you must do your best. We can't afford to lose.
  • Tom was racked with guilt when he learned about Karen's accident. He should have kept her company.
  • I feel that he's a good person. He's keeping me company while I recover from surgery.
  • Thanks so much for keeping me company. You made me feel less lonely during my trying times.
  • Never mind. She didn't want him to keep her company. She wanted to be alone.

Examples of "Keep Me Company" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of how "keep me company" is used in different media:

  • In the song "Keep Me Company" by Bobby Vinton, the singer asks his lover to stay with him and keep him warm. He sings: "Keep me company. Let's snuggle up so close. Keep me company. You're the one I love the most."
  • In the movie "Cast Away" (2000), the main character Chuck Noland (played by Tom Hanks), is stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash. He creates a volleyball named Wilson and treats it as his friend and companion. He tells Wilson, "You're the only one who knows what I'm talking about. You're my only friend here. You have to keep me company."
  • In the book "The Catcher in the Rye" (1951) by J.D. Salinger, the protagonist Holden Caulfield (played by Tom Hanks), is a rebellious teenager who wanders around New York City after being expelled from his school. He meets various people and tries to find some meaning in his life. He tells a taxi driver: "It's no fun when you're alone. Keep me company, buddy."

Other Ways to Say "Keep Me Company"

There are other ways to say "keep me company" with a similar meaning but may sound more formal, casual, or specific.

Here are some alternative expressions that can be used instead of "keep me company":

  • Stay with me
  • Hang out with me
  • Be my guest
  • Join me
  • Stay by my side
  • Spend time with me
  • Stick with me
  • Be with me

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Keep Me Company"

Here are some of the most common questions that people have about the idiom "keep me company" and their answers:

  • What does "keep me company" mean?

It means to stay with someone for some time, usually to make them feel less lonely, bored, or sad. It can also mean to be friends with someone or to date someone.

  • What is the origin of "keep me company"?

The idiom "keep me company" has been used since at least the 14th century, and it is derived from the Old French word "compaignie," which comes from the Latin word "companio," meaning "one who eats bread with another."

  • What are some synonyms for "keep me company"?

Some synonyms for "keep me company" are stay by my side, be with me, spend time with me, stick with me, and hang around with me.

  • What are some antonyms for "keep me company"?

Some antonyms for "keep me company" are leave me alone, go away from me, ignore me, abandon me, and ditch me.

  • What is the difference between "keep me company" and "accompany me"?

Both expressions mean to stay with someone, but "keep me company" is more informal and implies a friendly or emotional motive, while "accompany me" is more formal and indicates a professional or practical reason.

  • Is "keep me company" a compliment or an insult?

It depends on the speaker's context and tone, but generally, "keep me company" is a compliment that shows appreciation or affection for someone's presence. However, it can also be an insult if said sarcastically or dismissively, implying that someone is boring or annoying.

  • How do you say "keep me company" in other languages?

Spanish: Hacerme compañía

French: Me tenir compagnie

German: Mir Gesellschaft leisten

Italian: Farmi compagnia

  • Can you use "keep me company" in a formal setting?

Generally, no. The idiom "keep me company" is informal and casual, and it may not be appropriate for a formal setting, such as a business meeting, an academic presentation, or a legal document. In such cases, it is better to use more traditional expressions, such as "stay with me," "accompany me," or "be present with me."

  • Can animals "keep you company"?

Yes, animals can keep you company. Many people have pets that provide them with companionship and comfort. Animals can also save you company by being loyal, playful, protective, or helpful.

  • Can you say "keep us company"?

Yes, you can say, "keep us company." This means staying with more than one person for the sake of companionship. You can use this expression when you are in a group that wants someone else to join them.

Example: We're having a party tonight. Why don't you come and keep us company?

Final Thoughts About "Keep Me Company"

The idiom "keep me company" is a common and valuable expression that means to stay with someone for the sake of companionship or to prevent them from feeling lonely.

Key points about the idiom's usage:

  • It can be used when asking for or offering someone's company.
  • It can be used when describing someone's company.
  • It can be used to express gratitude or regret for someone's company.
  • It can be used when expressing a romantic interest in someone.

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