Unfamiliar Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Psychology

• Experiencing the unfamiliar can trigger a natural fight or flight response, due to instincts developed from early human survival needs.
• The brain is wired to seek familiarity for comfort; when faced with the unfamiliar, it works harder to understand and process new information.
• Feeling uncomfortable in unfamiliar situations is a common human experience, often linked to anxiety and stress responses.

Cultural Context

• Traveling to new countries immerses people in unfamiliar environments, which can help broaden perspectives and improve adaptability.
• In literature, the unfamiliar often serves as a device to explore themes of fear and curiosity, pushing characters into growth and discovery.
• Cultural exchanges frequently highlight the unfamiliar, fostering understanding and empathy between diverse communities.

Everyday Life

• People often encounter unfamiliar smells in new restaurants, symbolizing the excitement of trying different cuisines.
• Starting a new job can lead to a feeling of being surrounded by unfamiliar tasks and colleagues, which can both challenge and inspire growth.
• Social media introduces users to unfamiliar ideas and trends, shaping opinions and interests in ways previously unimaginable.

Learning and Education

• Exposure to unfamiliar subjects in school helps develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Teachers encourage students to embrace the unfamiliar to foster creativity and innovation in their work.
• Language learning often involves navigating unfamiliar vocabulary and grammar, enhancing cognitive flexibility.

Main points about word origin

• The word originates from the Old French 'familiar', which means 'well-known' or 'intimate'; adding 'un-' makes it mean 'not well-known'.
• The prefix 'un-' comes from Old English and means 'not' or 'opposite of', while 'familiar' can be traced back to the Latin 'familiaris', relating to family.
• The transition of 'familiar' into English occurred around the 14th century, leading to the compound 'unfamiliar' gaining traction in the 15th century.

The word 'unfamiliar' originated in the late 16th century from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'familiar'. It has been used in English literature to describe things or situations that are not known, recognized, or easily understood.

See also: familiarity, familiarize, unfamiliarity, unfamiliarized.

Position #8,758 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

• ...
• 8755 echoed
• 8756 costing
• 8757 detecting
• 8758 unfamiliar
• 8759 misdemeanor
• 8760 deployed
• 8761 epithelium
• ...