acquaintance

[əˈkweɪntəns]

Origin

From Old French 'acointance', derived from the verb 'acointer' meaning "to make known"

Meanings

1. A person whom one knows but who is not a close friend

   • Example: "He's just an acquaintance from work, not really a friend."

2. The state of being acquainted or familiar with someone or something

   • Example: "I have a passing acquaintance with French cuisine."

3. Knowledge or experience of something

   • Example: "Her acquaintance with classical literature is impressive."

Related Words

• Verb: acquaint
• Adjective: acquainted
• Synonyms: associate, contact, connection

Memorization Trick

Think of "acquaintance" as "a quaint chance" - it's someone you've had a quaint (pleasant but brief) chance to meet, but not someone you know deeply.

Additional Notes

The term is often used to describe a relationship that is more distant than friendship but closer than being strangers. It implies a level of familiarity without the closeness or intimacy associated with friendship.