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be familiar with
/biː fəˈmɪliər wɪð/
know well
She is familiar with the company's policies because she has worked there for ten years.
She has thorough knowledge of the company's policies due to her long tenure.
neutral
To have good knowledge or understanding of something through experience or study.
He is familiar with the software because he used it daily in his previous job.
He has practical experience and knowledge of the software.
Are you familiar with the local customs before traveling?
Do you have sufficient knowledge of the local customs before your trip?
Often used to describe practical or experiential knowledge, not just theoretical understanding.
Collocations
become familiar withto gain knowledge or experience with something over timemake someone familiar withto help someone learn or understand something
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Preposition Usage
Use 'be familiar with' when the subject has direct experience or knowledge. Use 'be familiar to' when something is known by someone (e.g., 'The song is familiar to me').
Gold Rule
Structure
The phrase is always followed by 'with' + a noun or gerund (verb + -ing). Incorrect: 'She is familiar the rules.' Correct: 'She is familiar with the rules.'
Word Origin
From Old French 'familier' (of the household), from Latin 'familiaris' (of a family or household), from 'familia' (family). The phrase evolved to mean 'having close acquaintance' by the 16th century.
Usage Notes
Used to indicate practical or experiential knowledge. Often followed by 'with' + a noun or gerund (e.g., 'familiar with operating the machine'). Avoid using 'be familiar to' in place of 'be familiar with'—they have different structures and meanings.
Word Breakdown
be
linking verb indicating state or condition
verbfamiliar
having knowledge or experience
adjectivewith
preposition indicating association or connection
prepositionEnglish Dictionary