Unacquainting refers to the act or process of becoming less familiar with something or someone, severing a relationship, or losing knowledge. It implies a withdrawal from previous familiarity, a decline in understanding, or a fading of connection. This can occur actively, through a conscious choice to disengage, or passively, through a lack of interaction or exposure. It signifies a shift away from a state of acquaintance or familiarity, leading to a state of distance or unfamiliarity. The degree of unacquainting can vary significantly, ranging from a slight waning of knowledge to a complete severing of ties and obliteration of memory. The unacquainting can manifest as a loss of the ability to recognize, interact with, or understand someone or something that was once well known or understood.
Unacquainting meaning with examples
- Years of separation and lack of communication led to a gradual unacquainting with her childhood friends. Their shared history faded as they built new lives, creating a sense of distance that made reunions awkward and strained. Shared memories became hazy and conversations felt forced, representing a quiet yet distinct unacquainting.
- After the company restructured, the department heads underwent a process of unacquainting with their previous responsibilities. Their previous skill sets were no longer applicable in their new roles as a result. They needed to embrace the change, to allow themselves to step away and accept change with a growth mindset towards unacquainting with previous processes.
- Due to his busy schedule and the changing times, the artist experienced a painful unacquainting with the once-vibrant art community. The constant pressure from work led to his withdrawal, leaving him isolated. He began to feel like an outsider, and his involvement with the community had become distant. A feeling of being foreign.
- The digital age brought about an unacquainting with traditional forms of communication, like handwritten letters. The convenience of emails and texts eclipsed the charm and depth of a personal touch. The shift in communication was stark, a sign of a change in generational practices, symbolizing the digital age.
- The city's rapidly changing landscape resulted in an unacquainting with the historical landmarks that were once central to its identity. Buildings were demolished. Modern structures rose to the horizon. The newer generation found themselves disconnected from the past, and their cultural ties to the old landmarks were severed.