Dictionary

familiarly en · ADV

Pronunciation

• /fəˈmɪl.jɚ.li/ (General-American)
• /fəˈmɪl.i.ɚ.li/ (General-American)
• (US) audio

Etymology

From Middle English familierly, equivalent to familiar + -ly.

Meanings

1. With a lack of formality: ▸ In a casual or informal manner, as with a close acquaintance; especially when such behavior may be considered inappropriate.
   • He spoke familiarly to the hotel porter.
2. (dated) With a lack of formality: ▸ In a casual or informal manner, as with a close acquaintance; especially when such behavior may be considered inappropriate. ▸ In an inappropriately sexual or romantic manner.
   • ‘Oh, my oath,’ Dan said, and ‘chucked’ Mrs. Brown familiarly under the chin. ‘Get along wid you!’ she cried, jumping back and colouring up. 1911, ‘Steel Rudd’, The Book of Dan, Brisbane: University of Queensland Press, published 1970, page 43:
3. (alt-of, colloquial) With a lack of formality: ▸ Colloquially; of common or vernacular speech, as opposed to scholarly language.
   alt of as opposed to scholarly language
   alt of common or vernacular speech
   • The giant panda, familiarly known as a "panda bear", is not actually a bear at all.
4. With knowledge or experience: ▸ In a manner prompting recognition or recollection.
   • The voice from downstairs sounded familiarly like a foghorn, and right away he knew that Uncle Fred had arrived.
5. With knowledge or experience: ▸ In a manner expressing comprehensive or intimate knowledge.
   • The instructor spoke familiarly about the dangerous conditions on the mountain during the winter.

Forms

Translations (7)

ca familiarment (in a familiar manner) · pl znajomo (in a familiar manner) · es familiarmente (in a familiar manner) · wa camaerådreçmint (in a familiar manner) · ang hīwcūþlīċe (in a familiar manner) · nrf fanmiliéthement (in a familiar manner) · eo familiare (in a familiar manner)