familiarity

noun

fa·​mil·​iar·​i·​ty fə-ˌmi-lē-ˈ(y)er-ə-tē 

-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

Synonyms

• belonging
• chumminess
• closeness
• inseparability
• intimacy
• nearness

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

Zhang noted that the soft coverage of Yellen’s familiarity and appreciation of Chinese food — which some commentators attributed to her time in San Francisco — was reminiscent of how Chinese media reported on the visits of foreign leaders in the past. —Lily Kuo, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2024

Here’s how past presidents dealt with aging But, despite this unusual level of familiarity with the candidates, a significant minority of voters have not made up their minds, according to recent polling. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2024

In recent years, games like God of War and Hades have brought new familiarity to Norse and Greek mythology. —Megan Farokhmanesh, WIRED, 2 Apr. 2024

Despite their potential to provide essential cash flow and financial freedom in retirement, many respondents lacked familiarity with these instruments. —Jamie Hopkins, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024

Whether through events, social media or budtender activations, fostering familiarity among consumers cultivates a loyal following that extends far beyond product purchases. —Mario Naric, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2024

Speaking of the political conditions facing women in or from Iran, how does your more intimate familiarity with this type of cultural situation help guide a client like Zar? Ebrahimi: Great question. —Rebecca Sun, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Mar. 2024

This familiarity can help women spot changes in the look or feel of their breasts to bring to the attention of their doctor before their next scheduled visit. —Kylie Gilbert, Glamour, 22 Mar. 2024

Familiar faces The familiarity runs in Spokane deeper than Yale’s roster. —Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

familiarity

noun

fa·​mil·​iar·​i·​ty fə-ˌmil-ˈyar-ət-ē 

-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