Familar vs. Familiar: Mastering the Correct Spelling
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on March 13, 2024
The incorrect spelling is "Familar," while the correct spelling is "Familiar." Familiar is used to describe something well-known or easily recognized.
Which is correct: Familar or Familiar
How to spell Familiar?
Familar is Incorrect
Familiar is Correct
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Key Differences
Just like 'similar,' 'familiar' has two 'i's in it.
Associate it with similar words like "peculiar," which also has 'i' after 'l.'
Consider the phrase "I am familiar," which spells out "I a m" to remind you of the second 'i.'
Sound it out as fa-MIL-yer, emphasizing the 'i' to help you remember.
Remember, "family" is part of "familiar," helping you remember the 'i' after the 'l.'
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Correct usage of Familiar
His face looked familar in the crowd.
His face looked familiar in the crowd.
The scent was familar to her, reminding her of home.
The scent was familiar to her, reminding her of home.
His voice sounded familar on the phone.
His voice sounded familiar on the phone.
The song's melody was familar to everyone at the party.
The song's melody was familiar to everyone at the party.
She found the surroundings to be familar and comforting.
She found the surroundings to be familiar and comforting.
Familiar Definitions
Familiar signifies being thoroughly acquainted with a subject.
She is familiar with the regulations.
Familiar means informal or casual.
He has a familiar manner.
Often encountered or seen
A familiar landmark.
Having fair knowledge; acquainted
Are you familiar with these roads?.
Of established friendship; intimate
We are on familiar terms.
Natural and unstudied; informal
Lectured in a familiar style.
Taking undue liberties; presumptuous
Students should not be familiar toward an instructor.
Familial.
Domesticated; tame. Used of animals.
A close friend or associate.
An attendant spirit, often taking animal form.
One who performs domestic service in the household of a high official.
A person who frequents a place.
Known to one, or generally known; commonplace.
There’s a familiar face; that tune sounds familiar.
Acquainted.
I'm quite familiar with this system; she's not familiar with manual gears.
Intimate or friendly.
We are on familiar terms now; our neighbour is not familiar
Don’t be familiar with me, boy!
Of or pertaining to a family; familial.
(witchcraft) An attendant spirit, often in animal or demon form.
The witch’s familiar was a black cat.
(obsolete) A member of one's family or household.
A member of a pope's or bishop's household.
(obsolete) A close friend.
(historical) The officer of the Inquisition who arrested suspected people.
Of or pertaining to a family; domestic.
Closely acquainted or intimate, as a friend or companion; well versed in, as any subject of study; as, familiar with the Scriptures.
Characterized by, or exhibiting, the manner of an intimate friend; not formal; unconstrained; easy; accessible.
Be thou familiar, but by no means vulgar.
Well known; well understood; common; frequent; as, a familiar illustration.
That war, or peace, or both at once, may beAs things acquainted and familiar to us.
There is nothing more familiar than this.
Improperly acquainted; wrongly intimate.
An intimate; a companion.
All my familiars watched for my halting.
An attendant demon or evil spirit.
A confidential officer employed in the service of the tribunal, especially in apprehending and imprisoning the accused.
A person attached to the household of a high official (as a pope or bishop) who renders service in return for support
A person who is frequently in the company of another;
Drinking companions
Comrades in arms
A spirit (usually in animal form) that acts as an assistant to a witch or wizard
Well known or easily recognized;
A familiar figure
Familiar songs
Familiar guests
Within normal everyday experience; common and ordinary; not strange;
Familiar ordinary objects found in every home
A familiar everyday scene
A familiar excuse
A day like any other filled with familiar duties and experiences
(usually followed by `with') well informed about or knowing thoroughly;
Conversant with business trends
Familiar with the complex machinery
He was familiar with those roads
Having mutual interests or affections; of established friendship;
On familiar terms
Pretending she is on an intimate footing with those she slanders
Familiar indicates something or someone well-known to you.
His face looked familiar.
Familiar refers to something commonly or generally known.
That song sounds familiar.
Familiar can also mean a spirit often embodied in an animal, aiding in witchcraft.
The black cat is her familiar.
Familiar Sentences
Finding a familiar face in a new city can be comforting.
The smell of freshly baked bread is familiar and welcoming.
The streets of her hometown felt familiar and nostalgic.
He had a familiar way of laughing that made everyone smile.
The concept of hard work leading to success was familiar to him.
Getting familiar with a new software takes time and patience.
The teacher's advice sounded familiar, like something her parents would say.
She wore a familiar expression of determination during the competition.
It's important to become familiar with the rules before playing the game.
The characters in the book felt like familiar friends by the end.
Animals can become familiar with human voices and respond to them.
The symptoms were familiar to the doctor, who diagnosed the condition quickly.
The movie's plot was predictable and too familiar.
A familiar smell can trigger a flood of memories.
The familiar tune brought back memories of their wedding day.
Familiar surroundings can help reduce stress and anxiety.
The landscape was strangely familiar, yet she had never been there before.
The teacher used familiar examples to explain complex concepts.
Familiar routines can provide a sense of stability in chaotic times.
The route became more familiar with each passing day.
Her kindness was a familiar comfort to those around her.
A familiar pattern emerged in the data, suggesting a predictable trend.
Hearing a familiar voice on the radio made him feel less lonely.
The actor’s voice was familiar, but she couldn't place where she had heard it before.
Seeing a familiar logo can evoke brand loyalty.
Familiar Idioms & Phrases
All too familiar
Something that is known very well, often unpleasantly so.
The feeling of disappointment was all too familiar to the team.
Make oneself familiar with
To learn about something so that you understand it.
She made herself familiar with the new computer software before starting the project.
Overly familiar
Acting too close or intimate in a way that is not appropriate.
The new employee was overly familiar with his colleagues, which made some of them uncomfortable.
A familiar face
Someone you recognize because you have seen or known them before.
At the crowded conference, it was nice to see a familiar face.
Familiar territory
A situation or activity that you know well and are comfortable with.
Writing reports is familiar territory for him after years in the job.
Become familiar with
To get to know something or someone.
It took her a few weeks to become familiar with the neighborhood.
Familiar comforts
Things that are comforting because they are well known and customary.
After a long trip, he looked forward to the familiar comforts of home.
Strangely familiar
Something that feels known or recognized, but it's unclear why.
The dream felt strangely familiar, as if she had experienced it before.
Nothing is familiar
When nothing seems known or recognizable.
After the renovation, nothing in the house was familiar to him.
A familiar refrain
A comment or complaint that is made frequently.
Complaints about the weather became a familiar refrain in the office.
FAQs
What is the verb form of Familiar?
Familiarize is the verb form.
Why is it called Familiar?
The word comes from the Latin word "familiāris," relating to family or household, to signify something well-known.
Which vowel is used before Familiar?
"A" is often used, as in "a familiar place."
Which preposition is used with Familiar?
"With" is commonly used, as in "familiar with."
What is the pronunciation of Familiar?
Pronounced as /fəˈmɪl.jər/.
Is Familiar an abstract noun?
No, it's primarily an adjective.
What is the root word of Familiar?
The root word is the Latin "familiāris."
What is the singular form of Familiar?
Familiar is both singular and plural, depending on its use.
Is Familiar a noun or adjective?
It's primarily an adjective, but can also be a noun in specific contexts.
Which conjunction is used with Familiar?
"And" is often used, as in "familiar and easy to understand."
What is the plural form of Familiar?
Familiars, when referring to magical companions or spirits.
Is Familiar an adverb?
No, it's not an adverb.
Is Familiar a countable noun?
No, it's primarily an adjective.
Is the Familiar term a metaphor?
Not inherently, but it can be used metaphorically.
What part of speech is Familiar?
It's primarily an adjective, but can also be a noun in specific contexts.
What is the opposite of Familiar?
Opposites could include "unfamiliar" or "unknown."
Which determiner is used with Familiar?
Both "a" and "the" can be used depending on the context.
What is the third form of Familiar?
N/A, as it is primarily an adjective.
Which article is used with Familiar?
Both "a" and "the" can be used depending on the context.
Is Familiar a vowel or consonant?
It's a word, not a vowel or consonant.
Is the word Familiar imperative?
No, it's not imperative.
How many syllables are in Familiar?
Four syllables.
What is another term for Familiar?
Another term could be "well-known."
Is Familiar a collective noun?
No, it's not a collective noun.
How do we divide Familiar into syllables?
Fa-mil-i-ar.
What is a stressed syllable in Familiar?
The second syllable, "mil," is stressed.
What is the first form of Familiar?
N/A, as it is primarily an adjective.
Is Familiar a negative or positive word?
It's generally neutral but can be positive or negative depending on context.
What is the second form of Familiar?
N/A, as it is primarily an adjective.
How is Familiar used in a sentence?
Example: The neighborhood was familiar to me, so I had no trouble finding the house.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.