acquaintance

 
Pronunciation: /əˈkweɪnt(ə)ns/

noun

  • 1 [mass noun] knowledge or experience of something: the pupils had little acquaintance with the language
  • slight knowledge of or friendship with someone: I renewed my acquaintance with Herbert
  • 2a person one knows slightly, but who is not a close friend: a wide circle of friends and acquaintances
  • [mass noun] acquaintances considered collectively: his extensive acquaintance included Oscar Wilde and Yeats

Phrases

make the acquaintance of (or make someone's acquaintance)

meet someone for the first time and come to know them slightly: I’m honoured to make your acquaintance, Miss Morland

Derivatives

acquaintanceship

noun

Origin:

Middle English (in the sense 'mutual knowledge, being acquainted'): from Old French acointance, from acointier 'make known' (see acquaint)