Definition of Familiar
Familiar is an adjective and noun with various meanings, primarily related to knowledge, acquaintance, or ease of recognition.
Adjective:
- Well-known from frequent exposure or experience.
- Example: “The tune was familiar to everyone in the room.”
- Closely acquainted with someone or something.
- Example: “She is familiar with the company’s policies.”
- Casually or informally friendly, sometimes overly so.
- Example: “He was a bit too familiar with the guests.”
- Frequently encountered or seen.
- Example: “A familiar sight in the neighborhood.”
Noun:
- A close companion or associate.
- Example: “He acted as a familiar to the wizard.”
- A supernatural spirit or demon that assists a witch.
- Example: “Her black cat was rumored to be her familiar.”
Synonyms for Familiar
Strongest Matches:
- Well-known
- Recognizable
- Acquainted
- Customary
- Commonplace
- Frequent
Strong Matches:
- Intimate
- Conversant
- Accustomed
- Experienced
- Habitual
- Close
Weak Matches:
- Noteworthy
- Obvious
- Routine
- Usual
- Informal
Contextual Usage of Familiar
In Literature:
- “He spoke in a familiar tone, as if they had known each other for years.”
- “The hills and valleys were familiar landscapes of her childhood.”
In Daily Conversations:
- “Are you familiar with this software?”
- “His voice sounds familiar, but I can’t remember where I heard it before.”
In Business:
- “She is familiar with financial modeling techniques.”
- “Our team is familiar with the latest industry trends.”
Related Words
- Acquaintance (noun) – a person one knows but who is not a close friend.
- Recognition (noun) – the action of recognizing someone or something.
- Conversant (adjective) – knowledgeable about or experienced in something.
- Customary (adjective) – according to custom; habitual.
Additional Relevant Information
Etymology:
Derived from Middle English familiar, from Old French, and ultimately from Latin familiaris, meaning “domestic, of a household.”
Common Collocations:
- Familiar face – a person recognized from previous encounters.
- Familiar territory – a place or subject that one knows well.
- Familiar tune – a song or melody that is widely recognized.
- Familiar ring – something that sounds or seems known from past experience.
Disclaimer:
This page is intended for general linguistic and educational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, meanings and usage may vary by context and region. Always consult authoritative linguistic sources for precise definitions and interpretations.
