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

However, analysts point out that brand familiarity isn’t enough these days to fill seats in multiplexes. —Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 22 July 2024

Amazon Music also served as the streaming home of K. Dot’s The Big Steppers Tour stop in Paris in October 2022, so the familiarity from all parties was already established, and a reunion made sense. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 18 July 2024

Yet, there is plenty of familiarity and promise, namely quarterback Lamar Jackson and second-year wide receiver Zay Flowers, along with All-Pro caliber players at every level of the defense with tackle Justin Madubuike, inside linebacker Roquan Smith and safety Kyle Hamilton. —Brian Wacker, Baltimore Sun, 17 July 2024

The hope is that a blend of the familiarity at the tackle positions, the changes made on the interior, and the new veteran staff will combine for a resolution to the pass protection issue of last season. —Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 17 July 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