Definition

1. Verb:
   • To make someone (or oneself) familiar with something: The primary meaning is to cause someone to gain knowledge or experience of something, making it known or less strange.
   • To become acquainted with: It often describes the process of learning about something new to gain comfort or proficiency.

Usage

• The verb "familiarize" is typically used with an object. The common structure is "to familiarize someone/oneself with something."
• It is a transitive verb, requiring a direct object (the person being made familiar) and is usually followed by the preposition "with" to introduce the subject matter.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The manager will familiarize the new employees with the company's safety procedures.
  • I spent the first week familiarizing myself with the new software.
  • The orientation program is designed to familiarize students with the campus facilities.

Advanced Usage

• "To familiarize the public with...": Often used in contexts of public information or education campaigns.
  • The government launched an ad campaign to familiarize the public with the new tax laws.
• Used in formal, instructional, or professional contexts to describe a structured process of learning or introduction.

Variants and Related Words

• Familiarization (noun): The process of making or becoming familiar.
  • The first month is for the familiarization with basic tools.
• Familiar (adjective): Well known from long or close association.
  • The process became familiar after a few tries.

Synonyms

• Acquaint: To make someone aware of or familiar with.
• Accustom: To make someone or something accept something as normal or usual.
• Orient: To align or position relative to surroundings; to familiarize with a situation.

Phrasal Verbs / Related Constructions

• Familiarize oneself with: This is the most common and essential construction for this verb, emphasizing personal effort to learn.
  • It is crucial to familiarize yourself with the rules before starting the game.

Verb

1. make familiar or conversant with
   • you should acquaint yourself with your new computer
   • We familiarized ourselves with the new surroundings