familiar

fa-mil-iar · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    (adjective) Well known from long or close association.

  2. 2.

    (adjective) Having a good knowledge of something.

  3. 3.

    (adjective) Informal and friendly, sometimes excessively so.

  4. 4.

    (adjective) Often encountered or experienced; common.

  5. 5.

    (noun) A spirit or demon believed to attend and serve a witch.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    familiar face — someone one recognizes
  • •
    familiar ground — a topic or area one knows well
  • •
    familiar territory — an area or subject one is comfortable with

Related words

Antonyms: strange, unfamiliar, unknown
See also: acquainted, family, known, recognize
Synonyms: acquainted, known, recognizable, well-known

Etymology

From Old French familier, from Latin familiaris meaning "of a household, domestic, intimate, friendly," from familia meaning "family, household."