Phrase guide

nodding acquaintance

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A casual or partial familiarity; a relationship which is not close or fully developed; an inexact understanding (of something).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, usually

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

Someone who is a remote or passing acquaintance.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Hungarian: futó/futólagos/felszínes/felületes ismeretség — A casual or partial familiarity
  • Hungarian: köszönőviszony — A casual or partial familiarity
  • Russian: ша́почное знако́мство (šápočnoje znakómstvo) — A casual or partial familiarity