intensely familiar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intensely familiar" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very well-known or recognized, often evoking strong feelings of recognition or comfort. Example: "The melody was intensely familiar, bringing back memories of my childhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

In a sense, her work is intensely familiar.

The New York Times

It was reassuring to hear these intensely familiar works again.

The New Yorker

Every mode of speech and every idiosyncrasy is intensely familiar".

The Guardian

At 20, she is a cipher, but an intensely familiar one.

The New York Times - Magazine

But Mr. O'Hare's appointment reflects the Royal Ballet's liking for insiders who are intensely familiar with the troupe's administrative and artistic workings.

The New York Times

He could smell Jack — the intensely familiar odor of cigarettes, musky sweat, and a faint sweetness like grass, and with it the rushing cold of the mountain.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Both offer intensely intimate, intensely physical rewards.

The New Yorker

Working from a script by Lem Dobbs, who also wrote The Limey, Soderbergh has made an intense and intensely lean little film packed with familiar faces and dark intentions.

Huffington Post

Leaders emerged, friendships were forged, love affairs were begun, political possibilities were intensely debated, in a process familiar from street politics in many countries.

The Guardian - Opinion

These figures are impressive and come as no surprise to any working scientist familiar with the intensely competitive process of winning grant funding from research councils in the UK.

The Guardian

Adults can discriminate between individual humans, attacking familiar people more intensely than strangers.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intensely familiar" to vividly convey a strong sense of recognition or prior knowledge, enhancing the reader's understanding and emotional connection to the subject.

Common error

Avoid overuse; while effective, relying too heavily on "intensely familiar" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intensely familiar" functions as an adverb-adjective combination modifying a noun. It describes the degree to which something is known or recognized. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing sensory experiences, people, and concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intensely familiar" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that vividly conveys a strong sense of recognition or prior knowledge. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is primarily found in news and media, highlighting its suitability for creating a strong impression on readers. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse to maintain writing freshness. Consider alternatives such as "keenly familiar" or "deeply familiar" to add subtle nuances. Employ "intensely familiar" strategically to enhance your writing's impact and emotional resonance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keenly familiar

Emphasizes a sharp and perceptive awareness.

deeply familiar

Suggests a more profound and emotional connection.

strikingly familiar

Highlights how noticeably recognizable something is.

unmistakably familiar

Indicates that something is clearly and obviously known.

vividly familiar

Stresses the clarity and detail of the familiarity.

closely acquainted

Focuses on having a strong knowledge from direct experience.

thoroughly versed

Indicates expert knowledge or comprehensive understanding.

well-acquainted

Implies a good level of knowledge and experience.

intimately acquainted

Highlights a close, personal, and detailed knowledge.

exceptionally familiar

Emphasizes the unusually high degree of being known.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "intensely familiar" in a sentence?

Use "intensely familiar" to describe something that evokes a strong sense of recognition or prior knowledge. For instance, "The old photograph was "intensely familiar", stirring up forgotten memories."

What are some alternatives to "intensely familiar"?

Consider alternatives such as "deeply familiar", "strikingly familiar", or "keenly familiar" to add nuance or variety to your writing.

Is it appropriate to use "intensely familiar" in formal writing?

Yes, "intensely familiar" is suitable for formal writing, especially when aiming to convey a vivid sense of recognition or deep understanding. However, ensure it fits the overall tone and context of the piece.

What's the difference between "intensely familiar" and "somewhat familiar"?

"Intensely familiar" implies a strong, vivid recognition, while "somewhat familiar" suggests a weaker, less distinct awareness. The former conveys a deeper connection or clearer memory than the latter.