Familiarity
/fəˌmɪl.iˈær.ə.ti/noun
The state of being well known, recognized, or closely acquainted with someone or something.
Did you know?In early modern English, a “familiar” could mean a supernatural spirit believed to serve or assist a witch, a sense connected to the idea of a trusted household companion.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
famulus
“Servant or household attendant”
Classical Latin
Latin
familia
“Household, including relatives, servants, and enslaved people”
Classical Latin
Latin
familiaris
“Belonging to the household; intimate or well known”
Medieval Latin
Latin
familiaritas
“Intimacy, close association, or familiarity”
Middle English
English
familiarite
“Intimacy, acquaintance, or familiarity”
Modern English
English
familiarity
“The condition of being familiar or well acquainted”