Exotic: meaning, definitions and examples

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exotic

 

[ ɪɡˈzɒtɪk ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

tropical fruits

Originating in or characteristic of a distant foreign country. Strikingly unusual or strange in effect or appearance.

Synonyms

foreign, strange, unconventional, unusual.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
exotic

Used when talking about something that is strikingly different from ordinary things, often from a distant or unfamiliar place, usually with a positive connotation.

  • The market was filled with exotic spices and fruits
  • She wore an exotic dress from India
foreign

Refers to anything that is from a different country or outside one's own country, usually in a neutral or factual manner.

  • He loves to try foreign cuisines
  • Learning a foreign language can be challenging
unusual

Indicates something that is not common or is out of the ordinary, without necessarily being positive or negative.

  • It was an unusual sight to see a rainbow at night
  • She has an unusual hairstyle
strange

Implies something that is unusual or hard to understand, often with a slightly negative or unsettling feeling.

  • He heard a strange noise in the middle of the night
  • The new employee had a strange way of doing things
unconventional

Describes something that does not follow the usual or accepted ways of doing things, suggesting originality or a break from tradition, with a positive or neutral connotation.

  • Her unconventional approach to teaching has been very successful
  • They live in an unconventional house made of recycled materials

Examples of usage

  • She loves trying exotic fruits like dragon fruit and mangosteen.
  • The restaurant offers a variety of exotic dishes from around the world.
Context #2 | Noun

travel

A person, animal, or plant that is native to or originates from a foreign country.

Synonyms

alien, foreigner, outsider, stranger.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
exotic

Use 'exotic' to describe something that is unusual, attractive, or interesting because it comes from a distant, foreign country.

  • The restaurant offers an exotic menu featuring dishes from various Asian countries.
  • She wore an exotic dress that caught everyone's attention.
foreigner

'Foreigner' is used to refer to a person from a different country. It is a neutral term but can be contextually sensitive depending on how it is used.

  • As a foreigner, he needed a visa to work in the country.
  • The city welcomed many foreigners during the international festival.
outsider

Use 'outsider' to describe someone who does not belong to a particular group, community, or place. It often has a feeling of exclusion.

  • He always felt like an outsider in his new school.
  • The small village was suspicious of outsiders.
alien

'Alien' can be used to describe something or someone that is very different, strange, or from another world. It can have a negative connotation when referring to foreigners.

  • The concept was alien to him, and he struggled to understand it.
  • In science fiction movies, aliens often come from distant planets.
stranger

'Stranger' refers to someone you do not know at all or know very little about. It can sometimes imply a sense of caution or danger.

  • Never talk to strangers without your parents' permission.
  • A stranger helped him when his car broke down on the highway.

Examples of usage

  • The zoo has a section dedicated to exotic animals from different continents.
  • She dreams of traveling the world and seeing exotic birds in their natural habitat.

Translations

Translations of the word "exotic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 exótico

🇮🇳 अनोखा

🇩🇪 exotisch

🇮🇩 eksotis

🇺🇦 екзотичний

🇵🇱 egzotyczny

🇯🇵 エキゾチック

🇫🇷 exotique

🇪🇸 exótico

🇹🇷 egzotik

🇰🇷 이국적인

🇸🇦 غريب

🇨🇿 exotický

🇸🇰 exotický

🇨🇳 异国情调的

🇸🇮 eksotičen

🇮🇸 framandi

🇰🇿 экзотикалық

🇬🇪 ეგზოტიკური

🇦🇿 ekzotik

🇲🇽 exótico

Etymology

The word 'exotic' originated from the late 16th century, derived from the Greek word 'exōtikos', meaning 'foreign'. It was initially used to describe plant or animal species introduced from other countries. Over time, the term expanded to include anything strikingly unusual or foreign in nature.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,296 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.