Unfamiliar
/ˌʌnfəˈmɪliər/
Definitions
2 meaningsNot known or recognized; strange.
/ˌʌnfəˈmɪliər/
The unfamiliar language made traveling difficult.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're in a new town and everything looks different. That's unfamiliar! It's like when you meet someone new and don't know them at all. It's when you aren't used to something.
👶 For kids: Something that is unfamiliar is new or strange. You don't know it.
More Examples
She found the unfamiliar customs of the country interesting.
He felt uneasy in the unfamiliar environment.
How It's Used
"He felt lost in the unfamiliar surroundings."
"She was uncomfortable meeting unfamiliar people."
Not well-acquainted with something.
/ˌʌnfəˈmɪliər/
The doctor was unfamiliar with the rare disease.
💡 Simply: Think about a class where you didn't understand the material. That topic would be unfamiliar to you. If you're not used to something.
👶 For kids: If you don't know something well, it's unfamiliar to you.
More Examples
He was unfamiliar with the local customs.
She was unfamiliar with the new technology.
How It's Used
"She was unfamiliar with the software and needed training."
"He was unfamiliar with the company's policies."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
unfamiliar with the terrain
Not accustomed to a particular landscape or area.
"The hikers, unfamiliar with the terrain, got lost."
From un- (not) + familiar (well-known). Familiar entered English in the 14th century from Latin familiaris.
The word 'unfamiliar' has been in use since the early 17th century, evolving to describe both the environment and personal knowledge or experience.
Memory tip
Think of the 'un-' prefix meaning 'not' and 'familiar' meaning 'known'. So, 'unfamiliar' is not known.
Word Origin
"'not' (un-) + 'familiar' (belonging to the family, well-known)"