familiar

Recognized because you have seen, heard, or experienced it before.

• That voice sounds familiar.
• She saw several familiar faces at the meeting.
• Is this place familiar to you?

How to use it: familiar to someone (The tune was familiar to everyone in the room.)

Similar words: known, recognizable

Opposites: unfamiliar, unknown

Common phrases: familiar face, sound familiar, familiar to someone, familiar tune

Knowing something because you have learned about it or used it before.

• I am familiar with these rules.
• She became familiar with the town during her stay.
• How familiar are you with this computer system?

How to use it: familiar with something (Are you familiar with the new software?)

Similar words: acquainted, knowledgeable

Opposites: unfamiliar

Common phrases: familiar with something, become familiar with something, quite familiar with

Friendly and personal in a way that suggests a close relationship, sometimes more than is appropriate.

• He spoke in a familiar tone.
• We are on familiar terms with the family next door.
• Her manager became too familiar and asked personal questions.

How to use it: familiar with someone (The waiter was rather familiar with the guests.); on familiar terms with someone (She was on familiar terms with her neighbours.)

Similar words: friendly, intimate

Opposites: distant, formal

Common phrases: familiar terms, familiar tone, familiar with someone

A spirit that helps a witch or magician, often appearing as an animal.

• The witch’s familiar was a small owl.
• Her familiar helped her find the missing spell book.
• In the story, magicians can summon animal familiars.

Common phrases: witch’s familiar, a cat familiar, summon a familiar