Definition of familiar

< familial

familiarity >

fa·mil·iar    (f-mlyr) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Often encountered or seen. See Synonyms at common.
2. Having fair knowledge; acquainted: was familiar with those roads.
3. Of established friendship; intimate: on familiar terms.
4. Natural and unstudied; informal: lectured in a familiar style.
5. Taking undue liberties; presumptuous: Students should not be familiar toward an instructor.
6. Familial.
7. Domesticated; tame. Used of animals.

NOUN:

1. A close friend or associate.
2. An attendant spirit, often taking animal form.
3. One who performs domestic service in the household of a high official.
4. A person who frequents a place.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French familier, from Latin familiris, domestic, from familia, family ; see family

OTHER FORMS:
fa·miliar·ly(Adverb)