acquainted
Americanadjective
-
having personal knowledge as a result of study, experience, etc.; informed (usually followed bywith ).
to be acquainted with law.
-
brought into social contact; made familiar.
people acquainted through mutual friends.
adjective
-
(sometimes foll by with) on terms of familiarity but not intimacy
-
(foll by with) having knowledge or experience (of); familiar (with)
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of acquainted
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; acquaint + -ed 2
Explanation
When you're acquainted with someone, it means you know each other. If you're taking the city bus and realize that you know several of your fellow riders, you could say, "I'm acquainted with half of the passengers on this bus." As long as you know something or someone fairly well, you are acquainted with it, so you can be acquainted with a city, a mathematical idea, or a particular poem. The trickiest thing about the word acquainted is the way it's spelled. Like the words acquit and acquire, you just have to keep in mind that a c needs to go before the qu. After you've spelled it several times, you'll be well acquainted with the correct spelling.
Vocabulary lists containing acquainted
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 7–11
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare, Act II
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Color Purple
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While European and other international sports fans are acquainted with ease of foot travel, getting around as a pedestrian is practically impossible in the biggest stadium in the United States’ biggest metro area.
From Salon • Jun. 3, 2026
I became acquainted with “Who’s Sorry Now?” courtesy of Connie Francis.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026
It’s time for investors to get acquainted with robots.
From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026
Intimately acquainted with Richard’s malignity, these ruined royals know only too well the toll of his depraved machinations.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2026
“I have a telescope. Mr. Chris said you will like to see through it. Not stars only. Small things everywhere. From my hill”—he smiled—“I get acquainted with all the ducks on the pond.”
From "Miracles on Maple Hill" by Virginia Sorensen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
