Unfamiliarized Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unfamiliarized

[ʌn.fəˈmɪli.əˌraɪz(d) ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in psychology

To make someone unfamiliar with something; to cause someone to lose their familiarity with something.

Synonyms

bewilder, confuse, disorient.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unfamiliarized	Used when someone has not been introduced to or does not know something yet. Often used in formal contexts. New employees often feel unfamiliarized with the company's processes. She seemed unfamiliarized with the topic of the meeting.
disorient	Often used when someone loses their sense of direction or feels unsure about their surroundings. It is more about physical or situational confusion. The winding streets disoriented the tourists. He felt disoriented after waking up in the hospital.
bewilder	Used when someone is extremely puzzled or confused, often in a surprising or unexpected way. It emphasizes a stronger reaction. The complex instructions bewilded the new students. He was bewildered by the sudden change in plans.
confuse	Commonly used in everyday language when someone cannot think clearly or has difficulty understanding something. The technical jargon in the manual confused her. The map confused him, and he couldn't find the right street.

Examples of usage

The new environment unfamiliarized him with the daily routines he was so used to.
The intense training unfamiliarized her with her own limitations.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

general

To make something unfamiliar or strange.

Synonyms

alter, change, transform.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unfamiliarized	This word is often used in more formal settings to describe someone or something that has not been made aware or accustomed to something. Typically used in educational or procedural contexts. The new employees are still unfamiliarized with the company protocols. She remains unfamiliarized with the latest software updates.
alter	This term is suitable when describing minor or specific changes made to something. Often used in contexts involving adjustments or modifications. He altered his schedule to make time for the meeting. The tailor had to alter the dress to fit her perfectly.
change	This is a general word used to describe any modification or variation in the state, position, or nature of something. It is widely applicable in various contexts. She wants to change her hairstyle. They decided to change the company's strategy.
transform	This word implies a significant or dramatic change, often leading to an entirely new state or condition. It is commonly used in contexts where the change is profound. The new policy aims to transform the education system. Over the years, the small business transformed into a large corporation.

Examples of usage

The renovations unfamiliarized the house, making it almost unrecognizable.
The artist's unique style unfamiliarized the traditional art scene.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

The concept of familiarity is essential in psychotherapy, where new experiences can create anxiety, but familiarization can reduce it.
Familiarity can influence our preferences, leading us to like things more just because we have seen or experienced them before.
A process called 'exposure therapy' helps individuals become less afraid of something unfamiliar through repeated exposure.

Cognitive Science

The brain often relies on familiar cues to process information quickly and effectively.
When confronted with unfamiliar stimuli, the brain takes longer to assess and respond, which can lead to cognitive overload.
Creating familiarity with new information improves memory retention, making it easier for learners to absorb knowledge.

Education

Teachers often use familiar terms or concepts to explain new ideas, easing the learning process for students.
In classrooms, activities that introduce new subjects through familiar contexts engage students and make learning feel approachable.
Using stories or analogies from everyday life helps students familiarize themselves with abstract concepts.

Origin of 'unfamiliarized'

Main points about word origin

The word combines 'un-' meaning 'not', and 'familiar', which comes from the Latin 'familiaris', meaning 'of a household' or 'intimate'.
It was formed by adding the suffix '-ize', which indicates the process of making.
In English, adding 'un-' often negates the word, showing a reverse or lack of something.

The word 'unfamiliarized' is derived from the combination of 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'familiarize' meaning 'to make familiar'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-18th century. The concept of making something or someone unfamiliar is often used in psychology and various fields of study to describe the process of disorientation or transformation.