familiar

Pluralfamiliars

1. 1
   well knownadjective

   Known well because you have seen or heard it many times.

   Like an old song you know by heart.

   The song felt familiar, even though she couldn't name it.

   His face looked familiar from the evening news.

   UsageA thing is familiar to you. Say it sounds familiar or looks familiar when you half know it.

   Similarrecognizable, known, well-known, common, everyday

   Oppositeunfamiliar, unknown, strange, unrecognizable

   Note
2. 2
   knowing aboutadjective

   Knowing about something because you have learned it or experienced it.

   Like knowing your own neighborhood without looking at a map.

   Are you familiar with this part of town?

   She is familiar with how the machine works.

   UsageYou are familiar with something: familiar with this part of town.

   Similaracquainted, conversant, versed, knowledgeable

   Oppositeunfamiliar, unacquainted, ignorant

3. 3
   adjective

   Close and friendly, the way people who know each other well behave.

   Like the easy, relaxed way old friends talk to each other.

   They were on familiar terms after working together for years.

   He greeted me in a warm, familiar way.

   UsageOn familiar terms is friendly. Too familiar with someone can sound rude.

   Similarintimate, friendly, informal, casual, relaxed

   Oppositeformal, distant, reserved, aloof

   Note

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