acquaint

[uh-kweynt]

verb (used with object)

1. to make more or less familiar, aware, or conversant (usually followed bywith ).

   to acquaint the mayor with our plan.

2. to furnish with knowledge; inform (usually followed bywith ).

   to acquaint the manager with one's findings.

3. to bring into social contact; introduce (usually followed bywith ).

   She acquainted her roommate with my cousin.

acquaint

/ əˈkweɪnt /

verb

1. to make (a person) familiar or conversant (with); inform (of)

2. (foll by with) to introduce (to); bring into contact (with)

Other Word Forms

• preacquaint verb (used with object)
• reacquaint verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of acquaint¹

1250–1300; Middle English aqueinten, acointen < Anglo-French acointer, Old French acoint ( i ) er, verbal derivative of acointe familiar, known < Latin accognitus, past participle of accognōscere to recognize, equivalent to ac- ac- + co- co- + gni- know ¹ + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of acquaint¹

C13: via Old French and Medieval Latin from Latin accognitus, from accognōscere to know perfectly, from ad- (intensive) + cognōscere to know

Example Sentences

“I do not know. I am not well acquainted with the habits of cannibals; perhaps there is some reference in the Robinson Crusoe book. . . .”

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“What a coincidence that your great-uncle was acquainted with him.”

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The distance gave us time to get acquainted without the diversion of physical proximity.

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Learning about the work of Jesus Christ acquaints them with suffering.

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Kassem suggests that new workers acquaint themselves with safety guidelines, and ensure they have proper channels to express concerns.

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Related Words

• accustom 
• advise 
• apprise 
• enlighten 
• familiarize 
• inform 

When To Use

What is another way to say acquaint?

To acquaint two or more people is to bring them into social contact. How is acquaint different from introduce? Find out on Thesaurus.com.