# become familiar with

CEFR B1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/become-familiar-with
Updated: 2026-07-27

## Definition

to learn about something or someone so that you know them well.

For teachers: to gain knowledge or experience of something through study, practice, or observation.

## Examples

- I need to become familiar with the new software.
- The new intern spent his first week becoming familiar with the company's internal filing system.
- Before attempting to repair the vintage engine, the mechanic had to become familiar with the specific design quirks of that particular model.

## Pitfalls

- Not "become familiar to the rules" but "become familiar with the rules" — The phrase requires the preposition 'with' to connect to the object, not 'to'.

## Usage notes

- Takes the preposition 'with' to introduce the object of study or experience.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.