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Foreigner Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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foreigner

[ˈfɒrɪnər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

living in a country that is not one's own

A foreigner is a person who is not a citizen of the country they are living in. They may come from a different country for various reasons such as work, study, or travel. Foreigners often face challenges adjusting to a new culture and language.

Synonyms

alien, immigrant, outsider.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
foreigner

Used to describe someone who is from another country. It is generally neutral and commonly used in everyday conversation and formal contexts.

  • She is a foreigner, so she needs a visa to enter the country.
  • Many foreigners visit this city every year.
alien

Often used in a more formal or legal context to describe someone who is not a citizen of the country they are in. It can also connote a sense of being unwelcome or out of place.

  • The government has specific regulations for alien residents.
  • He felt like an alien in his new school.
immigrant

Specifically used for someone who has moved to another country with the intention of permanently living there. Typically used in discussions about migration and often in a neutral to positive sense.

  • She is an immigrant who has lived here for ten years.
  • Immigrants contribute significantly to the economy.
outsider

Used to describe someone who does not belong to a particular group or community. It often has a negative or exclusionary connotation and can be used in both social and professional situations.

  • As an outsider, he struggled to fit in with the local community.
  • The company's policies made him feel like an outsider.

Examples of usage

  • The city has a large population of foreigners who come here to work.
  • As a foreigner, she had to learn the local customs and traditions.
Context #2 | Noun

someone from a different culture or background

In a broader sense, a foreigner can also refer to someone who is perceived as different due to their culture, beliefs, or background. This term is often used to describe individuals who stand out in a particular community.

Synonyms

foreign national, outsider, stranger.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
foreigner

This term is generally used to describe someone who comes from another country. It has a neutral connotation but can sometimes be perceived negatively if used in a pejorative context.

  • The city is popular among foreigners who come to explore its rich history.
  • She felt like a foreigner in the new country at first, but soon adapted.
stranger

This term describes someone who is unknown or unfamiliar to another person. It is usually used in casual contexts and can imply a sense of mistrust or caution.

  • Never talk to strangers, her parents always told her.
  • A stranger approached me on the street asking for directions.
outsider

This term refers to someone who does not belong to a particular group, community, or organization. It can have a negative connotation depending on the context.

  • As an outsider, she found it difficult to join the close-knit community.
  • He always felt like an outsider at family gatherings.
foreign national

This term is more formal and is commonly used in legal, government, or official contexts. It refers to someone who holds citizenship in another country.

  • The embassy provides various services for foreign nationals residing in the country.
  • He was recognized as a foreign national during the immigration process.

Examples of usage

  • She felt like a foreigner in the tight-knit neighborhood.
  • Being a foreigner in a new school can be challenging.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, foreigners are often seen as sources of new ideas and innovations, enriching local customs.
  • Some nations celebrate festivals that showcase foreign cultures to promote understanding and community.
  • Historically, foreigners who settled in a new land often influenced local cuisine, language, and traditions.

Legal Aspects

  • In many countries, the status of a foreigner can affect legal rights, such as the ability to work or own property.
  • Visa requirements often categorize foreigners by their purpose of entry, whether for tourism, work, or study.
  • Foreign nationals may have different responsibilities and protections under the law compared to citizens.

Psychology

  • Encounters with foreigners can trigger curiosity or anxiety, depending on the individual's openness to new experiences.
  • Studies show that interacting with diverse populations can help reduce prejudice and promote empathy.
  • Understanding how we perceive foreigners can reveal biases and shape inclusive behaviors within communities.

Literature

  • Numerous works explore the theme of the foreigner, highlighting the struggles of belonging and identity in unfamiliar places.
  • Famous novels often portray protagonists as foreigners, reflecting on the challenges of cultural integration.
  • Poetry frequently draws upon the feelings of isolation and hope experienced by those living in foreign lands.

Origin of 'foreigner'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin term 'foris', meaning 'outside', blending into Old French as 'forein'.
  • The usage of the term in English dates back to the 14th century when it referred to those from outside the usual boundaries.
  • In many languages, similar terms exist that focus on the idea of being 'from outside', indicating a universal understanding of the concept.

The word 'foreigner' originated from the Old French word 'forain', which meant 'outside' or 'foreign'. Over time, it evolved to refer to someone from a different country or culture. The concept of foreigners has existed throughout history as people traveled and settled in new lands, encountering diverse customs and languages.

See also: foreign.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,887, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.