Exotic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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exotic

[ɪɡˈzɒtɪk ]

Definitions

^{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?

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?

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culture

Exoticism has been a popular theme in art, with artists trying to capture the allure of distant lands and cultures.
In literature, exotic settings often enhance the narrative, making readers feel part of an adventure in a far-away land.
The concept can also sometimes lead to stereotypes, as certain cultures are viewed through the lens of 'exotic' without understanding their true essence.

Travel

Many travelers seek experiences referred to as 'exotic' in locations like the jungles of Amazon or the beaches of Bali.
Cuisine can also be seen as exotic, with dishes that include unexpected ingredients or cooking styles unique to a culture.
The rise of social media allows people to share 'exotic' travel experiences widely, influencing trends in vacation destinations.

Science

In ecology, 'exotic' species refer to non-native plants or animals which can sometimes disrupt local ecosystems.
Botanists often study exotic plants for their unique properties that might benefit agriculture or medicine.
Genetic studies examine the adaptations of exotic species to understand their resilience and survival in new environments.

Fashion

Fashion designers frequently draw inspiration from 'exotic' textiles and traditional clothing from different cultures.
Patterns and designs borrowed from various cultures can be celebrated for their beauty, but should be used respectfully.
Exotic accessories, like jewelry designed with unique materials, can transform an outfit and make a bold statement.

Origin of 'exotic'

Main points about word origin

The word 'exotic' comes from the Greek word 'exōtikos', meaning 'from outside'.
It entered the English language in the late 16th century, initially used to describe foreign plants and animals.
Over time, 'exotic' expanded to include anything unusual, from food to fashion and art.

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.

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