Well‑known from repeated contact or experience; or comfortable and easy to recognize.
From Old French “familier,” from Latin “familiaris” meaning “of the household, intimate,” from “familia” meaning “family, household.” It first described close household relationships before broadening to anything well‑known.
Something “familiar” is originally something “of the family,” close enough to feel at home with. That’s why familiarity can feel warm and safe—your brain treats known things almost like part of your mental household.
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