WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026fa•mil•iar /fəˈmɪlyɚ/USA pronunciation
adj.
- commonly or generally known or seen:a familiar sight.
- well-acquainted;
thoroughly conversant and knowledgeable:She is thoroughly familiar with editing symbols.
- informal;
easygoing;
without ceremony:to write in a familiar style.
- closely intimate or personal:to be on familiar terms.
- more intimate or personal than is proper;
presuming:familiar advances.
n. [countable]
- a familiar friend or associate.
fa•mil•iar•ly, adv.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026fa•mil•iar
(fə mil′yər),USA pronunciation adj.
- commonly or generally known or seen:a familiar sight.
- well-acquainted;
thoroughly conversant:to be familiar with a subject.
- informal;
easygoing;
unceremonious;
unconstrained:to write in a familiar style.
- closely intimate or personal:a familiar friend; to be on familiar terms.
- unduly intimate;
too personal;
taking liberties;
presuming:The duchess disliked familiar servants.
- domesticated;
tame.
- of or pertaining to a family or household.
n.
- a familiar friend or associate.
- Mythology[Witchcraft and Demonology.]
- Mythologyan animal, as a cat, that embodies a supernatural spirit and aids a witch in performing magic.
- MythologySee familiar spirit.
- Religion[Rom. Cath. Ch.]
- an officer of the Inquisition, employed to arrest accused or suspected persons.
- Religiona person who belongs to the household of the pope or of a bishop, rendering domestic though not menial service.
- Latin, as above
- Middle French
- Latin familiāris of a household (see family, -ar1); replacing Middle English famulier
- Middle English 1300–50
4. Familiar, confidential, intimate suggest a long association between persons. Familiar means well-acquainted with another person:a familiar friend.Confidential suggests a sense of mutual trust that extends to the sharing of confidences and secrets:a confidential adviser.Intimate suggests close acquaintance or connection, often based on interest, sympathy, or affection:intimate and affectionate letters. 5. forward, bold.
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
familiar /fəˈmɪlɪə/ adj - well-known; easily recognized: a familiar figure
- frequent or customary: a familiar excuse
- (postpositive) followed by with: acquainted
- friendly; informal
- close; intimate
- more intimate than is acceptable; presumptuous
- an archaic word for familial
n - Also called: familiar spirit a supernatural spirit often assuming animal form, supposed to attend and aid a witch, wizard, etc
- a person, attached to the household of the pope or a bishop, who renders service in return for support
- a friend or frequent companion
Etymology: 14th Century: from Latin familiāris domestic, from familia familyfaˈmiliarly adv faˈmiliarness n
'familiar' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):