acquaint

[ uh-kweynt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to make more or less familiar, aware, or conversant (usually followed by with ):

   to acquaint the mayor with our plan.

2. to furnish with knowledge; inform (usually followed by with ):

   to acquaint the manager with one's findings.

3. to bring into social contact; introduce (usually followed by with ):

   She acquainted her roommate with my cousin.

acquaint

/ əˈkweɪnt /

verb

1. foll bywith or of to make (a person) familiar or conversant (with); inform (of)
2. foll by with to introduce (to); bring into contact (with)

Other Words From

• preac·quaint verb (used with object)
• reac·quaint verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of acquaint¹

1250–1300; Middle English aqueinten, acointen < Anglo-French acointer, Old French acoint ( i ) er, verbal derivative of acointe familiar, known < Latin accognitus, past participle of accognōscere to recognize, equivalent to ac- ac- + co- co- + gni- know ¹ + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of acquaint¹

C13: via Old French and Medieval Latin from Latin accognitus, from accognōscere to know perfectly, from ad- (intensive) + cognōscere to know

Example Sentences

Republicans might also wish to acquaint themselves with the electoral consequences of Trumpian policies in the 1890s, which were not pretty for them.

From Los Angeles Times

That is all the invitation they need to acquaint themselves with the goods in a way they are rarely permitted at serious institutions.

From New York Times

O'Hanlon also suggested that climate change activists acquaint themselves with the specific ways in which smart climate change policies can help people improve their lives.

From Salon

The pangram from yesterday’s Spelling Bee was acquaint.

From New York Times

Such people should acquaint themselves with human history, including the mass fanaticisms of the previous century, and this one.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• accustom
• advise
• apprise
• enlighten
• familiarize
• inform