familiar
familiar Lexical Profile
familiar Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Well known from long or close association; easily recognized because previously experienced or encountered.
"It was a relief to see a familiar face in the crowded airport terminal."
Having a good knowledge or understanding of something (usually followed by 'with').
"All laboratory assistants must be thoroughly familiar with the safety protocols before handling chemicals."
Involving or characterized by close friendship, informality, or personal intimacy; sometimes excessively or presumptuously informal.
"The diplomat maintained a polite distance and avoided becoming too familiar with the local press."
• noun
In European folklore and superstition, a supernatural spirit or demon often embodied in an animal such as a black cat, owl, or toad, believed to attend and serve a witch or magician.
"In many early modern witchcraft trials, a household pet was suspected of being a witch's familiar."
A close friend or associate with whom one has regular, informal contact.
"The courtyard was reserved for the duke and a small circle of his trusted familiars."
• Rhymes for familiar
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Old French 'familier', from Latin 'familiaris' (meaning 'domestic, of a household, or intimate'), derived from 'familia' (meaning 'household servants' or 'family'), ultimately from 'famulus' (meaning 'servant').
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.