familiar

¹fa·mil·iar

noun \fə-ˈmil-yər\

Definition of FAMILIAR

1

: a member of the household of a high official

2

: one who is often seen and well known; especially : an intimate associate : companion

3

: a spirit often embodied in an animal and held to attend and serve or guard a person

4

a : one who is well acquainted with something b : one who frequents a place

Examples of FAMILIAR

1. <a longtime familiar of the bar, she would most likely have been there on the night in question>
2. <with old familiars the normally reserved writer can be quite warm and funny>

Origin of FAMILIAR

(see ²familiar)

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to FAMILIAR

Synonyms: denizen, frequenter, habitué (also habitue), haunter, rat, regular

Antonyms: enemy, foe

Related Words: client, customer, guest, patron; addict, aficionado (also afficionado), buff, bug, devotee, enthusiast, fan, fanatic, fancier, fiend, freak, lover, maniac, nut

Near Antonyms: adversary, antagonist, competitor, opponent, rival; archenemy, nemesis

see all synonyms and antonyms

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