Familiar: meaning, definitions and examples

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familiar

[ fəˈmɪlɪər ]

^{Context #1}

feeling or showing knowledge or understanding

Well known from being seen often; usual; common

Synonyms

common, known, recognizable

Examples of usage

She looked familiar, but I couldn't remember where I had seen her before.
The place seemed vaguely familiar, but I couldn't quite place it.
He had a familiar face that I couldn't forget.

^{Context #2}

a demon supposedly attending and obeying a witch, often said to assume the form of an animal

A spirit often embodied in an animal and held to attend and serve or guard a person

Synonyms

companion, guardian, spirit

Examples of usage

The witch's familiar, a black cat, was always by her side.
He believed that his pet dog was actually his familiar in disguise.

Translations

Translations of the word "familiar" in other languages:

🇵🇹 familiar

🇮🇳 परिचित

🇩🇪 vertraut

🇮🇩 akrab

🇺🇦 знайомий

🇵🇱 znajomy

🇯🇵 馴染みのある (なじみのある)

🇫🇷 familier

🇪🇸 familiar

🇹🇷 aşina

🇰🇷 익숙한 (익숙한)

🇸🇦 مألوف

🇨🇿 známý

🇸🇰 známy

🇨🇳 熟悉的 (shúxī de)

🇸🇮 znan

🇮🇸 kunnugur

🇰🇿 таныс

🇬🇪 ცნობილი

🇦🇿 tanış

🇲🇽 familiar

Word origin

The word 'familiar' has its origins in the Latin word 'familiāris', meaning 'related to a household servant'. Over time, the word evolved to also mean 'well-known' or 'friendly'. In medieval times, it was believed that witches had animal companions known as familiars, which were thought to assist them in their magical practices. Today, the word is commonly used to describe something that is known or recognized.