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

Before diving into specific recipes, it’s important to familiarize yourself with ingredients that can be used in lieu of onions, Chavez says.

From Salon • Feb. 26, 2026

There’s another great feeling that I’d like you to familiarize yourself with: the power of compounding with your Roth IRA.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 5, 2026

“We listened to Lambert, Hendricks & Ross albums to familiarize ourselves with Jon’s vocal style,” Mr. Weir said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 11, 2026

It’s important to taste the soy sauce first and familiarize yourself with its flavor and salt content before using it when baking, Lieu advises.

From Salon • Dec. 13, 2025

He ran a hand over his face, trying to familiarize himself with the new shape.

From "1984" by George Orwell

Related Words

• enlighten
• naturalize