long-familiar

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'long-familiar' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe something that has been known or experienced for a long time, and is often used to convey a sense of familiarity or comfort. Example: The old library was a long-familiar place for the town's residents, who had been visiting it since they were children.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

The crescendo of raw emotion, defiant dreams and bubbles burst is no longer shocking but long-familiar.

The Guardian - Arts

Mr. Perlman's execution was not always precise, but his deeply engaged playing still conveyed its long-familiar generosity.

The New York Times - Arts

Dr. Eisinger seems to understand that we shouldn't cling to a long-familiar ritual of democracy while overlooking its essence, which is participation.

The New York Times

Less glamorous and keeping her body stiff, she's wearing a calf-length raincoat and flat heels and moves as drearily as if within a long-familiar prison.

The New York Times - Arts

Had Kechiche limited himself to quick scenes featuring the long-familiar pneumatic conventions of writhing and sighing, there would be little embarrassment and little debate.

The New Yorker

A sparkling Anglo-American cast of newly minted and long-familiar stars chirps, swoons, pines, quips and sheds the odd tear.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Like the greenest outlander, I gaped, surprised by sights that should have been long familiar.

The New York Times

LABELS that read Made in China are long familiar to American consumers.

The New York Times

The Czech Republic is home to Pilsen and Budweis, names long familiar to beer drinkers.

The New York Times

For people long familiar with Mr. Chambers, his latest arrest brought little surprise.

The New York Times

This happens repeatedly, starting and stopping, short flurries of action followed by long, familiar admonishment.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "long-familiar" to emphasize the enduring nature of something known or experienced, creating a sense of comfort or nostalgia.

Common error

Avoid using "long-familiar" excessively in highly formal or technical writing; opt for more precise or objective language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long-familiar" primarily functions as a compound adjective modifying a noun. It describes something that has been known or experienced for an extended period. Ludwig provides examples where it modifies "ritual", "music", "streets", and "modes of criticism".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Arts

15%

Books

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "long-familiar" functions as a compound adjective used to describe something known or experienced for a considerable time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The phrase evokes a sense of comfort or nostalgia and is commonly found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Alternatives like "well-known" or "time-honored" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long-established

Similar meaning, slightly more emphasis on how long something has been established.

well-known

Focuses on the widespread recognition of something, rather than its duration of familiarity.

established

Emphasizes the firm and accepted nature of something, removing the time aspect.

time-honored

Highlights the traditional and respected nature of something due to its age, adding a positive connotation.

traditional

Indicates adherence to customs or beliefs transmitted from generation to generation.

deep-rooted

Implies that something is firmly fixed or ingrained, often in a cultural or emotional sense.

oft-repeated

Focuses on the frequency of recurrence rather than the length of familiarity.

age-old

Highlights the great age of something, making it a very old tradition.

customary

Related to usual or typical practice.

habitual

Refers to something done out of habit, deviating from the original phrase by highlighting regular action.

FAQs

How can I use "long-familiar" in a sentence?

You can use "long-familiar" to describe a tradition, a place, or an idea that has been known or experienced for a significant period, such as, "The town square was a "long-familiar" meeting place for the community."

What are some alternatives to "long-familiar"?

Alternatives to "long-familiar" include "well-known", "established", or "time-honored", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "long-familiar" and "familiar"?

"Long-familiar" emphasizes the extended duration of knowing or experiencing something, while "familiar" simply indicates that something is known. Using "long-familiar" adds a sense of history and enduring recognition.

When is it appropriate to use "long-familiar" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "long-familiar" when you want to highlight the long-standing recognition or experience of something, especially when evoking a sense of tradition, nostalgia, or comfort. Consider the context to ensure it fits the overall tone and register.