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be unfamiliar with
/biː ʌnˈfæmɪliər wɪð/
not know or recognize
She was unfamiliar with the local customs.
She didn't know or recognize the local customs.
formalinformal
To not be acquainted with or have knowledge of something or someone.
He was unfamiliar with the new software.
He didn't know how to use the new software.
The tourist was unfamiliar with the city's layout.
The tourist didn't know the city's streets and landmarks.
This phrase is commonly used to describe a lack of experience or knowledge about a particular subject, place, or person.
Collocations
be unfamiliar with the conceptnot understand the ideabe unfamiliar with the rulesnot know the regulations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Usage Tip
Use 'be unfamiliar with' when you want to express a lack of knowledge or experience about something. It is a more formal way to say you don't know something.
Gold Rule
Correct Usage
Always use 'be unfamiliar with' to describe a lack of knowledge or experience, not to describe physical unfamiliarity.
Word Origin
The phrase 'be unfamiliar with' combines the adjective 'unfamiliar' (from the Latin 'familiaris', meaning 'domestic' or 'belonging to a family') with the preposition 'with' to indicate a lack of acquaintance or knowledge.
Usage Notes
This phrase is often used in formal and informal contexts to describe a lack of experience or knowledge. It can refer to people, places, concepts, or objects.
Word Breakdown
be
to exist or occur
verbunfamiliar
not known or recognized
adjectivewith
indicates a relationship or connection
prepositionEnglish Dictionary