Why do Americans use the word “classmate” in school, but not “mate” when referring to actual close friends?

Why do Americans use the word “classmate” in school, but not “mate” when referring to actual close friends?
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1 Answer

Answer :

I don’t think there’s a “why.” That’s just the way we say it. Also roommate, housemate, officemate, bedmate…but when we say “mate” by itself, it usually means a spouse or committed partner. We have lots of other words for “friend.”
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