English Reference
adjective

acquainted

adj.
US /əˈkweɪnɪd/ UK /ɐkwˈeɪntɪd/ ac·quaint·ed

  1. 01 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    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. 02 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'.

    Simple

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

    In context

    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.

The really vigorous moulds escape frequently in this way.” Hearing all this made me want to get acquainted with Physarum myself.

The Guardian· 8 Sept 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated