Literary notes about familiarity (AI summary)
In literature, the term "familiarity" assumes a range of meanings that reflect both the comforts of affection and the pitfalls of overfamiliarity. It is often used to denote an intimate understanding or repeated exposure that may initially foster ease or even endearment—as seen when characters share a relaxed rapport ([1], [2])—yet can also border on inappropriate intimacy, eliciting skepticism or disdain ([3], [4]). Authors employ the word to suggest that familiarity, whether in relationships or in one’s knowledge of a subject, can vary in degree; sometimes it enhances understanding and connection, as when it is linked to acquired knowledge or skill ([5], [6], [7]), while in other contexts its excess may be seen as a breach of decorum or even a source of cognitive error ([8], [9]). This nuanced use of familiarity adds depth to character interactions and thematic exploration, reflecting both its productive and hazardous potentials.
- "Been up to town for a little shopping, I suppose?" he said, in a tone which had the familiarity of a touch.
— from The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton - We found her under the hairdresser’s hands, and she received me with the playful familiarity with which one greets an old acquaintance.
— from The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt, 1725-1798. Complete by Giacomo Casanova - “Oh! That’s a failing which age does not cure,” Mr Vladimir remarked, with sinister familiarity.
— from The Secret Agent: A Simple Tale by Joseph Conrad - I could not endure that Sir Clement, whose eyes followed him with looks of the most surprised curiosity, should witness his unwelcome familiarity.
— from Evelina, Or, the History of a Young Lady's Entrance into the World by Fanny Burney - A flunkey handed him an uncut Times, which he proceeded to cut with a skill which betrayed familiarity with this delicate operation.
— from Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne - Indeed, they could not unite for this expedition till they had gained increased familiarity with the sea.
— from The History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides - This simple method of determining a person's familiarity with a language might be used in school examinations.
— from The Principles of Psychology, Volume 1 (of 2) by William James - It is always taken as a compliment to do so, and if your acquaintance with your hostess is slight, it would be almost a familiarity to do otherwise.
— from The Gentlemen's Book of Etiquette and Manual of Politeness by Cecil B. Hartley - The insolent familiarity of the language was too much for her self-control.
— from The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
