familiar

/fəˈmɪljər/
adjective
  1. Well known from frequent experience; easily recognized.
    • Her face looked familiar, but I couldn't remember her name.
    • Walking through the old neighborhood felt familiar and comforting.
    • The song had a familiar tune that everyone could hum.
  2. Having a good knowledge of something; acquainted with.
    • She is familiar with the rules of the game.
    • Are you familiar with this software program?
    • He became familiar with local customs after living there for years.
  3. Informal or friendly in manner, sometimes too informal.
    • His familiar tone made everyone feel at ease.
    • They had a familiar relationship, joking and teasing each other.
    • The waiter was too familiar with the customers, calling them by nicknames.
noun
  1. A close friend or associate.
    • She greeted her familiar with a warm hug.
    • The two were old familiars, having grown up together.
    • He was a familiar of the royal family, often invited to private dinners.
  2. A spirit or animal that serves a witch or magician.
    • Legends often describe a familiar as a supernatural helper.
    • The wizard's familiar, a raven, delivered messages.
    • In the story, the witch's familiar was a black cat.