familiarize

American  

[fuh-mil-yuh-rahyz] / fəˈmɪl yəˌraɪz /

especially British, familiarise

verb (used with object)

familiarized, familiarizing

1. to make (onself or another person) well-acquainted or conversant with something.

   Synonyms:

   acquaint, accustom

2. to make (something) well-known; bring into common knowledge or use.

3. Archaic. to make familiar; establish (a person) in friendly intimacy.

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verb (used without object)

familiarized, familiarizing

1. Archaic. to associate in a familiar way.

familiarize British  

/ fəˈmɪljəˌraɪz /

verb

1. to make (oneself or someone else) familiar, as with a particular subject

2. to make (something) generally known or accepted

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Other Word Forms

• familiarization
  noun
• familiarizer
  noun
• refamiliarization
  noun
• refamiliarize
  verb (used with object)
• unfamiliarized
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of familiarize

First recorded in 1600–10; familiar + -ize

Explanation

To familiarize yourself with something is to learn about it or become comfortable with it. Once you familiarize yourself with the unusual spices, you'll probably find Indian food delicious. You can familiarize yourself with the alphabet and particular sounds of a language before you start learning to speak it, and you can also familiarize a young child with the rules before her first trip to an art museum. Originally, familiarize meant "to make well-known," from familiar, from the Latin familiaris, "familiar or intimate," and the verb-forming suffix -ize.

Example Sentences

Familiarize yourself with the analytical tools that most brokerages now provide free of charge.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 24, 2026

Familiarize yourself with state regulations, too, she said.

From New York Times • Nov. 16, 2023

Familiarize yourself with Washington’s infamous tree wells and deep snow, and COVID-19 restrictions vary by resort or county.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 26, 2022

Familiarize yourself with your credit card’s policies regarding international rentals.

From Washington Post • Sep. 16, 2021

Familiarize yourself with the forms of the letters by writing them.

From Greek in a Nutshell by Strong, James

Related Words

• enlighten
• naturalize