unfamiliar
/'ʌnfə'miljə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Not known or recognized: Describes something that is not known to someone, or that someone has no experience with.
- Not well-known: Refers to something that is not common, usual, or widely recognized.
Usage
The word "unfamiliar" is used to describe a person, place, thing, or concept that is not known or recognized by someone. It often implies a lack of knowledge or experience. It is commonly followed by the preposition "with" when describing a person's lack of knowledge (e.g., "unfamiliar with something").
Examples
- Adjective:
- The software uses an unfamiliar interface. (The interface of the software is not known or recognized by the user.)
- She felt nervous in the unfamiliar city. (The city was not known to her, causing nervousness.)
- I am unfamiliar with the latest regulations. (I do not know or have experience with the latest regulations.)
Advanced Usage
- "unfamiliar to": Used to indicate that the subject is not known by a person or group.
- The concept was completely unfamiliar to the students. (The students did not know the concept at all.)
- "unfamiliar territory": An idiom meaning a situation or subject one has no experience with.
- Managing a large team was unfamiliar territory for her. (She had no experience managing a large team.)
Variants and Related Words
- Unfamiliarity (noun): The state or quality of being unfamiliar.
- His unfamiliarity with the local customs was obvious.
- Familiar (adjective): The direct antonym, meaning well-known or recognized.
Synonyms
- Unknown: Not known.
- Strange: Not previously visited, seen, or encountered; unfamiliar or alien.
- Unacquainted: Having no personal knowledge or experience of something.
Antonyms
- Familiar: Well known from long or close association.
- Known: Recognized, familiar, or within the scope of knowledge.
Related Phrases
- Out of one's element: In a situation that is not familiar or comfortable.
- Speaking in public made him feel out of his element.
Adjective
- not known or well known
- a name unfamiliar to most
- be alert at night especially in unfamiliar surroundings