Familiar
/fəˈmɪliər/
Definitions
3 meaningsWell-known and easily recognized; frequently experienced or encountered.
/fəˈmɪliər/
Known and easily recognized.
The melody was familiar, as if I had heard it before.
💡 Simply: Imagine walking into your best friend's house. The comfy couch, the smell of their mom's cooking – it's all familiar because you know it so well!
👶 For kids: When something is familiar, it means you know it and have seen it before, like your favorite toy!
More Examples
She felt a sense of comfort in the familiar surroundings of her hometown.
The route to work became familiar after a few weeks of driving.
How It's Used
"The familiar scent of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen."
"The author used familiar imagery to evoke a sense of nostalgia in the reader."
Having a good understanding or knowledge of something; well-acquainted with.
/fəˈmɪliər/
Having a good knowledge of something; acquainted.
She is very familiar with the company's policies.
💡 Simply: If you've played a video game a lot, you're familiar with all the levels and characters. You know the game really well!
👶 For kids: When you know a lot about something, you are familiar with it, like your favorite animal!
More Examples
The chef was familiar with a variety of cuisines.
Are you familiar with this type of machinery?
How It's Used
"He was familiar with the concepts of calculus."
"She's familiar with various software applications."
Friendly and informal; showing a casual or intimate relationship.
/fəˈmɪliər/
Friendly and informal.
The two colleagues were familiar with each other, often sharing personal stories.
💡 Simply: When you're with your best friend, you're familiar, right? You don't need to be super formal; you can be relaxed and just yourself!
👶 For kids: When you feel comfortable and friendly with someone, like your best friend, you are familiar with them!
More Examples
She gave him a familiar hug.
They developed a familiar bond over the years.
How It's Used
"They had a familiar relationship, joking and teasing each other."
"The author used a familiar tone to connect with the readers."
Idioms & expressions
a familiar face
Someone you recognize and know.
"It was nice to see a familiar face at the conference."
familiar with
To have knowledge or experience of something
"Are you familiar with this software?"
From Latin familiaris, meaning "belonging to a household, intimate," derived from familia ("family").
The word 'familiar' has been used since the late 14th century, initially referring to something well-known or intimate.
Memory tip
Think of a family member – someone you are very familiar with.