What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
acquainted
Example
I am acquainted with the new employee. [acquainted: adjective]
Example
I need to become acquainted with the city before I can navigate it easily. [acquainted: verb]
familiar
Example
The song sounded familiar to me, but I couldn't remember the name. [familiar: adjective]
Example
I feel familiar with this neighborhood since I grew up here. [familiar: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Familiar is more commonly used than acquainted in everyday language. Familiar is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while acquainted is less common and tends to be used in more formal contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between acquainted and familiar?
Acquainted is typically associated with a more formal tone, while familiar is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.