Meaning of familiar In English

• 0 easy to recognize because of being seen, met, heard, etc. before:

  • There were one or two familiar faces (= people I knew).

  • The house looked strangely familiar, though she knew she'd never been there before.

  • The street was familiar to me.

  • I'm sorry, I'm not familiar with your poetry.

• 1 informal and friendly, sometimes in a way that does not show respect to someone who is not a family member or close friend:

  • He patted her back in an overly familiar way.

  • He doesn't like to be too familiar with his staff.

• 2 a close friend, or a spirit in the shape of a cat, bird, or other animal that is the close companion of a witch

• 3 easy to recognize because previously experienced:

  • familiar sights

  • a familiar face

  • I’m not familiar with current research in the field.

• 4 informal or friendly, esp. more than is expected:

  • Her familiar tone makes her writing more effective.