ENGLISH
REFERENCE

acquainted

adj.
US //əˈkweɪnɪd// UK //ɐkwˈeɪntɪd// ac·quaint·ed
  1. 1 knowing a person (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    knowing someone personally, but not as a close friend.

    personally known to one another; describes a relationship that is more than a stranger but less than a close friend.

    Example

    We are acquainted through work, but we have never met for coffee.

    Example

    Although they had been professionally acquainted for several years, they had never discussed matters outside of their immediate legal cases.

    Usage

    Often used in the phrase 'become acquainted with'.

  2. 2 knowing a subject (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    having knowledge or information about a particular topic or situation.

    having personal or shared knowledge of a subject, situation, or fact; typically follows the verb 'to be' or 'to get'.

    Example

    You should get acquainted with the safety rules before using the machine.

    Example

    The new manager spent her first week getting acquainted with the company's complex internal filing system.

    Usage

    Requires the preposition 'with' when followed by an object.

    Pitfall
    I am acquainted to the new rules.
    I am acquainted with the new rules.

    Always use the preposition 'with' after acquainted when describing what you know.

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