What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
conversant
Example
She is conversant in French and Spanish. [conversant: adjective]
Example
He is conversant with the latest developments in technology. [conversant: preposition]
familiar
Example
I am familiar with this neighborhood. [familiar: adjective]
Example
She is familiar with the company's policies and procedures. [familiar: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Familiar is more commonly used than conversant in everyday language. Familiar is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while conversant is less common and typically used in more professional or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between conversant and familiar?
Conversant is more formal than familiar. It is often used in professional or academic contexts to describe a high level of knowledge or understanding of a specific subject or topic.