Familiar

/fəˈmɪl.i.ə/ · adjective

Meaning

Known to one, or generally known; commonplace..

Definitions by Sense

1. Known to one, or generally known; commonplace.
2. Acquainted.
3. Intimate or friendly.
4. Of or pertaining to a family; familial.
5. (witchcraft) An attendant spirit, often in animal or demon form.
6. (obsolete) A member of one's family or household.
7. A member of a pope's or bishop's household.
8. (obsolete) A close friend.

Example Sentences

There’s a familiar face; that tune sounds familiar.

The story struck the depressingly familiar note with which true stories ring in the tried ears of experienced policemen. No one queried it. It was in the classic pattern of human weakness, mean and embarrassing and sad.

Plastics are energy-rich substances, which is why many of them burn so readily. Any organism that could unlock and use that energy would do well in the Anthropocene. Terrestrial bacteria and fungi which can manage this trick are already familiar to experts in the field.

I'm quite familiar with this system; she's not familiar with manual gears.

We are on familiar terms now; our neighbour is not familiar

Don’t be familiar with me, boy!

Be thou familiar; but by no meanes vulgar:[…]

The witch’s familiar was a black cat.

Synonyms for familiar

Antonyms for familiar

Related Words

Word Forms

• more familiar
• most familiar
• familiars

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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