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

At the very least, online learning presents a free opportunity to expand your familiarity with the tech around AI. —Chris Westfall, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025

Although Keene was mostly a backup during Lindsey’s year at UCF, his familiarity with Michigan’s new offensive coordinator was another selling point when Michigan was looking for a quarterback in the transfer portal. —Austin Meek, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025

Now, that familiarity with volleyball is serving a new purpose — serving, get it? —Sam Corbin, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025

The Bears have familiarity with McCarthy after the Super Bowl-winning head coach coached in the NFC North for the Green Bay Packers for 13 seasons. —Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Jan. 2025

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