familiarly

Familiarly is an English adverb formed from the adjective familiar. It typically describes actions or expressions performed in a friendly, informal, or intimate manner, as when addressing someone as an equal or using colloquial language. It can also refer to language or practices that are well known or commonly encountered in everyday speech.

Usage examples illustrate the range of senses. She spoke familiarly to the staff, using first names and a relaxed tone. The term is used familiarly in everyday conversation to indicate that something is widely understood or part of common parlance. They greeted him familiarly, with a handshake and a smile.

Etymology: From familiar, via Latin familiaris “of a household, intimate,” through Old French familier, with the adverbial suffix -ly. The sense “in an informal or intimate manner” has long existed in English; the sense “in a well-known or commonly used way” emerged through figurative extension.

See also: familiarity; familiar; familiarization. In folklore, the noun familiar has a separate sense as a supernatural creature; the adverb familiarly is not used in that sense.