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unfamiliar — not known or recognized; strange

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: not known or recognized; strange

Pronunciation (IPA): /ʌnfəˈmɪljər/

Example Sentences

  • The new student looked around the unfamiliar classroom like a lost penguin.
  • I'm unfamiliar with this type of software.
  • The unfamiliar melody made everyone stop and listen.

unfamiliar

ADJECTIVE

[/ʌnfəˈmɪljər/]

not known or recognized; strange

The tourist stared at the unfamiliar subway map, completely lost.
💡 Concept

The tourist stared at the unfamiliar subway map, completely lost.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ʌnfəˈmɪljər/
🇬🇧 UK/ʌnfəˈmɪljə/

🌳Etymology

Prefixun--
Rootfamiliar

Origin

From the prefix 'un-' (not) combined with 'familiar', which comes from Latin 'familiaris' meaning 'of or pertaining to a family' or 'intimate', derived from 'familia' (family).

Breakdown

un- (not) + familiar (from Latin familiaris, intimate/well-known) = unfamiliar (not known or recognized)

🎵Rhyme

similar
familiar
particular

🔗Collocations

unfamiliar territory
unfamiliar with
unfamiliar face
unfamiliar surroundings
unfamiliar concept
unfamiliar language

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The new student looked around the unfamiliar classroom like a lost penguin.”

“I'm unfamiliar with this type of software.”

“The unfamiliar melody made everyone stop and listen.”

😄 Fun example

“He felt like an alien trying to order food in the unfamiliar restaurant.”

📚Related Words

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