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Familiar Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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familiar

[fษ™หˆmษชlษชษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling or showing knowledge or understanding

Well known from being seen often; usual; common

Synonyms

common, known, recognizable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
familiar

Used when something is well-known or easily recognized, often due to frequent exposure or personal experience.

  • The man's face was familiar to me, but I couldn't remember his name
recognizable

Best used when discussing something that can be easily identified due to distinct features or characteristics.

  • The Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world
known

Refers to something or someone that is recognized or identified by many people, often due to shared knowledge or public information.

  • The scientist is known for her groundbreaking research in biology
common

Appropriate for describing something that occurs frequently or is widespread. It can also imply a lack of uniqueness.

  • It's common to see tourists in this area during the summer

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 | Noun

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
familiar

This word can be used to refer to something or someone you know well or are accustomed to. It can also signify a supernatural spirit, often in the context of folklore or magical traditions, that assists a witch or sorcerer.

  • She felt a sense of comfort in the familiar surroundings of her hometown.
  • In many stories, a witch often has a familiar, like a black cat or a raven.
spirit

This word can refer to a non-physical entity often believed to be the essence of a person or a supernatural being. It can also be used to describe someone's inner character or feeling.

  • Many cultures believe that spirits of the dead watch over the living.
  • Her adventurous spirit always led her to new and exciting places.
guardian

This word is used to describe someone who is responsible for the care and protection of another person, often a child or someone who cannot care for themselves. It has a formal and sometimes legal connotation.

  • As a guardian, she is responsible for her younger brother's welfare until he turns 18.
  • The ancient city was protected by legendary guardians.
companion

Use this word when referring to someone who spends a lot of time with another person, providing friendship and support. It implies emotional closeness and loyalty.

  • He has been my loyal companion for years, always by my side through thick and thin.
  • She adopted a dog as a companion to help her feel less lonely.

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Familiarity can create a sense of comfort, often influencing our preferences in choices and relationships.
  • The mere exposure effect suggests that the more we're exposed to something, the more we tend to prefer it, highlighting the importance of familiarity.
  • Familiarity can sometimes lead to overconfidence in situations, as we may feel we know something well without fully understanding it.

Culture

  • In many cultures, familiar rituals or practices strengthen community bonds and individual identities.
  • Stories and customs passed down through generations create a familial familiarity that helps define cultural heritage.
  • In storytelling, familiar plots or tropes can evoke strong emotions, making audiences feel connected to the narrative.

Linguistics

  • In language, familiar phrases or idioms can create a sense of belonging among speakers of the same dialect.
  • Familiar words can evolve over time, picking up new meanings and connotations based on cultural changes and usage.
  • When learning a new language, familiar sounds or structures can help learners feel more confident in their communication.

Literature

  • Many famous literary characters are often described as 'familiar', indicating their close connection to the protagonist's journey.
  • The use of familiar settings in literature can evoke nostalgia and help readers connect personally with the story.
  • Familiar tropes, such as 'the hero's journey', are common in literature, helping us relate to diverse stories across cultures.

Origin of 'familiar'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'familiaris', meaning 'of a household', which ties to knowing people within one's home.
  • In the 14th century, 'familiar' was used to describe a servant or someone close to a family, showing a personal connection.
  • The term evolved in the 16th century to also refer to things or ideas that are well-known or comfortable.

The word 'familiar' has its origins in the Latin word 'familiฤris', 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.

See also: familial, familiarly.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,764, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.