familiar

familiar [fə mil′yər]

adj.

[ME familier < OFr < L familiaris, of a household, domestic < familia, FAMILY]

1. Archaic having to do with a family

2. friendly, informal, or intimate [to be on familiar terms]

3. too friendly; unduly intimate or bold; presumptuous

4. having an intimate knowledge of; closely acquainted (with) [familiar with the Bible]

5. well-known; common; ordinary [a familiar sight]

6. domesticated: said of animals

n.

1.

a) a close friend or associate

b) Rare HABITUÉ

c) Archaic an ecclesiastical servant or agent

2. Folklore an evil spirit constantly attending someone and typically dwelling within an animal; also, the animal within which such a spirit dwells

SYN.- COMMON

familiarly

adv.

SYN.- FAMILIAR is applied to that which is known through constant association, and, with reference to persons, suggests informality, or even presumption, such as might prevail among members of a family; CLOSE¹ is applied to persons or things very near to one in affection, attraction, interests, etc.; INTIMATE implies very close association, acquaintance, relationship, etc. or suggests something of a very personal or private nature; CONFIDENTIAL implies a relationship in which there is mutual trust and a sharing of private thoughts, problems, etc.