Meaning & Definition of word "Unfamiliar"
to
Unfamiliar
/ˌʌn.fəˈmɪl.jər/
adjective:
- 1. Not known or recognized; strange or foreign.
- Example: The city felt unfamiliar to her, as she had never visited before.
- 2. Not accustomed to or familiar with.
- Example: He was unfamiliar with the local customs and traditions.
- 3. Unknown or not easily identifiable.
- Example: I encountered an unfamiliar face in the crowd.
- 4. Out of one's comfort zone or normal experience.
- Example: It was an unfamiliar situation for her to be in a leadership role.
Etymology
From the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' + 'familiar' from Latin 'familiaris'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
unfamiliar territory:
A situation or environment that one is not accustomed to.
unfamiliar face:
A person who is not known or recognized.
Related Words
familiar:
Known from long or close association.
acquaintance:
A person one knows slightly, but who is not a close friend.
stranger:
A person with whom one has had no personal acquaintance.
Slang Meanings of unfamiliar
Meaning: Out of your depth
Example Sentence: When it comes to advanced calculus, I feel totally out of my depth.
Meaning: In over your head
Example Sentence: He got a new job in a field he's unfamiliar with and now feels he's in over his head.