familiarity

noun

fa·​mil·​iar·​i·​ty fə-ˌmi-lē-ˈ(y)er-ə-tē How to pronounce familiarity (audio)
-ˈ(y)a-rə-;
-ˌmil-ˈyer-,
-ˌmil-ˈya-rə-
plural familiarities
1
a
: the quality or state of being familiar
b
: a state of close relationship : intimacy
2
a
: absence of ceremony : informality
b
: an unduly informal act or expression : impropriety
c
: a sexual liberty
3
: close acquaintance with something

Examples of familiarity in a Sentence

He spoke to everyone with the easy familiarity of an old friend. the elderly couple enjoys a familiarity that is the result of many years of happy marriage
Recent Examples on the Web But Mann’s familiarity with some of the intricacies on both sides of the ball gives him the slight upper hand in being LaMelo’s understudy. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2024 This commitment can fluctuate based on an individual’s prior experience and familiarity with financial concepts. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2024 Shows with familiarity, that aren’t rooted in Black trauma, face an untimely eclipse, extinguished before their stories can truly unfold. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 26 Feb. 2024 His familiarity with the 49ers’ defensive scheme traces to his days on Pete Caroll’s Seattle Seahawks staffs from 2013-2020. Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2024 Ameen Sayani, with his sonorous voice, his habit of addressing his listeners as his ‘sisters and brothers’ and his easy familiarity with the Hindi-language film industry talent who appeared on the show, became a firm audience favorite. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Feb. 2024 Regular practice with simulations that mimic the exam’s format can help build familiarity and speed. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2024 Trump began his meandering speech with a familiarity that belied his relationship with the majority of Black voters. Robin Givhan, Washington Post, 27 Feb. 2024 Being in the same room with these artists, a comfort and familiarity rises to the surface. Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'familiarity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of familiarity was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near familiarity

Cite this Entry

“Familiarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/familiarity. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

familiarity

noun
fa·​mil·​iar·​i·​ty fə-ˌmil-ˈyar-ət-ē How to pronounce familiarity (audio)
-ˌmil-ē-ˈar-
plural familiarities
1
: close friendship : intimacy
2
: lack of formality : freedom and ease in personal relations
3
: close acquaintance with or knowledge of something
4
: an overly bold act or expression

More from Merriam-Webster on familiarity

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