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Foreignness: meaning, definitions and examples

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foreignness

 

[ ˈfɔːrɪnəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

cultural identity

Foreignness refers to the state or quality of being from outside a particular country or culture. It encompasses the characteristics that distinguish a person, practice, or object as not belonging to the locality or nationality in question. The term often conveys a sense of otherness, emphasizing differences in language, customs, and behaviors. Foreignness can also evoke feelings of curiosity, suspicion, or admiration, depending on the context in which it is experienced.

Synonyms

alienness, apartness, exoticism, otherness, strangeness.

Examples of usage

  • The foreignness of her accent made her stand out.
  • He struggled with the foreignness of the customs in the new country.
  • The festival celebrated the foreignness of various cultures.
  • They embraced the foreignness of the cuisine they tasted.
  • Her foreignness was a source of both intrigue and misunderstanding.

Translations

Translations of the word "foreignness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estrangeirismo

🇮🇳 विदेशीपन

🇩🇪 Fremdheit

🇮🇩 keterasingan

🇺🇦 іноземність

🇵🇱 obcość

🇯🇵 外国性

🇫🇷 étrangeté

🇪🇸 extranjería

🇹🇷 yabancılık

🇰🇷 외국성

🇸🇦 غربة

🇨🇿 cizost

🇸🇰 cudzosť

🇨🇳 外国性

🇸🇮 tujost

🇮🇸 erlendni

🇰🇿 шетелділік

🇬🇪 უცხოობა

🇦🇿 xaricilik

🇲🇽 extranjería

Etymology

The word 'foreignness' originated in the late Middle English period, deriving from the Latin word 'foris', meaning 'outside'. It combines the root 'foreign', which refers to something that originates from outside one's own country or community, with the suffix '-ness', which denotes a state or quality. The usage of 'foreign' in English dates back to the 14th century, reflecting a growing awareness and interaction with different cultures, especially during periods of exploration and colonization. Throughout history, the concept of foreignness has evolved, often linked to themes of globalization, migration, and cultural exchange. Today, the term is frequently used in discussions about nationality, identity, and multiculturalism, highlighting the complexities of how individuals and societies perceive and relate to those who are considered 'foreign'.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,638 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.