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Outsider Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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outsider

[ˈaʊtsaɪdər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling

A person or thing not belonging to a particular group or community.

Synonyms

foreigner, stranger.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
outsider

Use in situations to describe someone who is not part of a particular group, community, or organization. It emphasizes exclusion or lack of belonging.

  • Despite living in the town for years, he always felt like an outsider.
  • The team treated her as an outsider because she didn't share their enthusiasm.
stranger

Refers to someone who is unknown or unfamiliar to you. It is often used in contexts of caution or unfamiliarity.

  • Never accept candy from a stranger.
  • He felt uneasy in a room full of strangers.
foreigner

This term is used to describe someone from another country. It often appears in discussions about nationality, immigration, or cultural differences.

  • She felt like a foreigner in a new country where she didn't speak the language.
  • The festival was a great experience for foreigners to learn about local traditions.

Examples of usage

  • She always felt like an outsider in school.
  • As an outsider, he had a different perspective on the issue.
Context #2 | Noun

society

A person who is not accepted or who is isolated from a group, society, or community.

Synonyms

misfit, outcast, pariah.

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Word Description / Examples
outsider

Use it when referring to someone who is not part of a particular group or who doesn't fit in easily, but not necessarily in a completely negative way.

  • He was an outsider in the new school, trying to get to know everyone
  • As an outsider, she had a different perspective on the situation
outcast

Refers to someone who has been rejected or ostracized by a group, usually with a more serious or negative connotation.

  • After the scandal, he became an outcast in his community
  • She felt like an outcast when her friends started ignoring her
misfit

Applicable when talking about someone who feels out of place or doesn't conform to the norms of a group. It often suggests a rebellious or non-conforming attitude.

  • He was always a misfit, never really blending in with his colleagues
  • The company was full of creative misfits who challenged traditional ideas
pariah

Describes someone who is intensely despised or rejected by society at large; often has a very strong negative connotation.

  • Once the news spread, he was treated like a pariah by everyone who knew him
  • In ancient times, lepers were considered pariahs and forced to live in isolation

Examples of usage

  • He was considered an outsider by the local community.
  • She felt like an outsider at the party.
Context #3 | Noun

sports

A competitor, team, or individual that is not expected to win or perform well.

Synonyms

dark horse, long shot, underdog.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
outsider

Someone who is not part of a particular group or who is perceived as an observer rather than a participant. It can also refer to someone who is not expected to win a competition.

  • As an outsider, she found it difficult to fit in with the tightly-knit group.
  • The race was thrilling with an outsider taking the lead in the final lap.
underdog

A competitor thought to have little chance of winning a fight or contest, often used to garner sympathy or support for the weaker side.

  • In this match, the underdog team won the hearts of the audience with their fighting spirit.
  • Everyone loves an underdog story where the least likely person comes out on top.
dark horse

A candidate or competitor about whom little is known but who unexpectedly wins or succeeds.

  • Nobody expected the dark horse in the election to win, but she surprised everyone.
  • The dark horse team made it through to the finals against all odds.
long shot

A person or a thing that has little chance of winning or succeeding. Often used when something is attempted despite low probability of success.

  • I know it's a long shot, but we should still try to get tickets to the concert.
  • Winning the lottery is always a long shot, but it's fun to dream.

Examples of usage

  • The underdog team was seen as the outsider in the tournament.
  • He proved himself as an outsider by winning against all odds.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, outsiders often highlight themes of alienation and identity, as seen in classic works like 'The Catcher in the Rye'.
  • The idea of an outsider can serve as a catalyst for change or reflection within a community.

Psychology

  • Research shows that outsiders can experience feelings of loneliness but also gain unique perspectives that insiders might miss.
  • Being an outsider can lead to creativity, as it allows individuals to think differently and challenge the norm.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'The Outsiders' showcase the struggles and experiences of teens who feel separate from societal norms.
  • The concept resonates in various music genres, often celebrated in punk and alternative scenes as a badge of honor.

Sociology

  • Outsiders often challenge social norms, prompting discussions about inclusion and acceptance.
  • The term can also reflect the dynamics of power, where certain individuals or groups become marginalized in society.

Origin of 'outsider'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the combination of 'out' and 'sider', with 'sider' relating to being inside or part of something.
  • It was first used in English in the 19th century to describe people not accepted by a group.

The word 'outsider' originated in the late 16th century, derived from the combination of 'out' and 'sider', meaning 'one who stands outside'. Initially used to describe someone not belonging to a particular group or community, the term has evolved to encompass various contexts such as social dynamics, sports, and more.

See also: aside, beside, downside, inside, side, sidearm, sidebar, sidekick, sideline, sidelong, sides, sidewalk, sideward, sideways, siding, subside.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,451, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.