Familiarly: meaning, definitions and examples

👫

Add to dictionary

familiarly

[fəˈmɪliərli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in conversation

In a friendly or informal manner, as if you know someone well.

Synonyms

casually, friendlily, informally.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
familiarly	Similar to 'familiarly' from the first entry, indicating a well-acquainted or relaxed manner, suitable for interactions among people who know each other well. She spoke familiarly about her family traditions. They joked familiarly, sharing old anecdotes and laughter.
informally	Used in situations where formal protocols and etiquette are not followed. It suggests a relaxed, unofficial manner. They discussed business matters informally over lunch. He dressed informally for the casual get-together.
casually	Used when describing an interaction or situation that is nonchalant, informal, or not planned. It can imply a lack of seriousness or effort. They met casually for coffee every Wednesday. He casually mentioned that he might move to another city.
friendlily	Used to describe an interaction that is warm, kind, and supportive. It implies a positive and welcoming manner. She smiled friendlily at the newcomers. He helped his neighbor friendlily, offering to carry their groceries.

Examples of usage

He spoke familiarly to everyone he met.
She greeted me familiarly, as if we were old friends.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

in a way that shows closeness or intimacy

In a way that shows a close or intimate knowledge or familiarity with something.

Synonyms

closely, intimately, knowledgeably.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
familiarly	This word is often used to describe actions or interactions where someone behaves in a way that suggests they know the person well and feel comfortable around them. It can sometimes carry a negative undertone if the familiarity is seen as inappropriate. She spoke to him familiarly, as if they had known each other for years. He put his arm around her shoulders familiarly, causing her to step back.
intimately	This word is typically used to describe relationships or interactions that involve deep personal knowledge and emotional closeness. It is often associated with romantic or very close friendships, but can also refer to a deep understanding of a subject. They know each other intimately and share many secrets. She understands the workings of the company intimately.
closely	This word is often used to describe a relationship or interaction where people share a close connection, but not necessarily with deep personal knowledge. It can also refer to a high level of attention or scrutiny. They have worked closely on the project for months. We need to watch this situation closely.
knowledgeably	This word describes an interaction or statement that demonstrates deep understanding or expertise in a subject. It is often used in professional or educational settings. He spoke knowledgeably about the history of the region. The professor answered all the questions knowledgeably and confidently.

Examples of usage

She handled the delicate situation familiarly, like a seasoned diplomat.
The chef cooked the dish familiarly, with the expertise of someone who had made it countless times.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'familiarly' comes from the Latin root 'familiaris,' meaning 'of a household or family.'
The term developed in Middle English, where it began to refer to a close, personal relationship.
It has evolved to describe interactions that are friendly and informal.

Cultural Usage

In many cultures, speaking familiarly with someone reflects trust and comfort in that relationship.
In some traditions, using familiar language with elders or authority figures is seen as disrespectful.
Conversational styles often shift depending on familiarity; for example, friends might use nicknames while formal language is reserved for strangers.

Psychology

Psychologically, familiar behavior can enhance relationships by promoting bonding and mutual understanding.
In social psychology, familiarity can lead to increased liking, known as the 'mere exposure effect.'
People often feel more at ease and willing to share personal thoughts when they engage familiarly.

Literature

Many authors use familiar dialogue to create relatable characters and deep relationships in their stories.
Literature from different cultures often reflects varying degrees of familiarity, influencing character interactions and plot development.
In literary analysis, familiar language can highlight themes of intimacy, social class, and personal connection.

Translations

Translations of the word "familiarly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 familiarmente

🇮🇳 परिचित रूप से

🇩🇪 vertraut

🇮🇩 akrab

🇺🇦 знайомо

🇵🇱 znajomo

🇯🇵 親しく

🇫🇷 familièrement

🇪🇸 familiarmente

🇹🇷 samimiyetle

🇰🇷 친숙하게

🇸🇦 بألفة

🇨🇿 důvěrně

🇸🇰 dôverne

🇨🇳 熟悉地

🇸🇮 domače

🇮🇸 kunnuglega

🇰🇿 таныстықпен

🇬🇪 ახლობლურად

🇦🇿 tanışlıqla

🇲🇽 familiarmente

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,167, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
19164 cranium
19165 executrix
19166 grub
19167 familiarly
19168 rosin
19169 crackling
19170 nudged
...